Panchagarh youth held for sharing photocard, ‘derogatory’ remarks involving state minister on Facebook

He, however, removed the post after its screenshot went viral, say police

A young man has been detained in Debiganj Upazila of Panchagarh for allegedly posting a photocard and writing “derogatory comments” about State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad on Facebook.

Debiganj Police chief Selim Malik said they nabbed 20-year-old Nishad Islam on Friday night, following discontent from local BNP leaders.

Nishad is the son of Ashraf Ali of Hajipara in Sadar Union.

According to police, Nahid posted the photocard featuring Azad’s speech in parliament on his Facebook account and made disparaging comments about it.

He, however, removed the post after its screenshot went viral.

But the post had already created anger among local BNP leaders and activists, the police office said.

To bring the situation under control, Debiganj Police conducted a raid and arrested him, Selim added.

The junior minister is also an MP from the Panchagarh-2 constituency, which encompasses the Boda and Debiganj Upazilas.

Debiganj Municipal unit Jubo Dal President Shahinur Rahman Guddu said such posts mislead people and tarnish the image of public representatives.

On Saturday morning, Sadar Union unit Jubo Dal Senior Joint Convenor Md Abdus Salam filed a complaint with the police station.

Police are investigating whether the youth runs multiple Facebook IDs.

The process to send the detainee to court was under way, said Selim.