A Jubo Dal activist in Narsingdi has allegedly threatened an elderly man over his expatriate son’s Facebook posts criticising the BNP government and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
The incident took place at the home of Haradhan Molla in Dakkhin Mirzanagar Madhyapara area under Amirganj Union of Raipura upazila after his son, Md Monir Hossain, who lives in Italy, made critical comments about the BNP and Tarique Rahman on Facebook.
A video showing Jubo Dal activist Pakir Islam visiting the house and warning Haradhan has since gone viral on social media, drawing criticism.
In the video, Pakir is seen asking Haradhan to tell his son to remove the Facebook comments. He allegedly warned that action would be taken against the father if his son continued making remarks against BNP leaders.
“Tell your son that if he says anything about Madam Khaleda Zia or Tarique Zia, we will take action against you through your son,” Pakir is heard saying in the video.
He later claimed that he did not assault Haradhan because of Narsingdi Jubo Dal President Mohsin Hossain Bidyut.
“Because we love Bidyut bhai,” Pakir said.
According to locals, Pakir allegedly returned later and gave Haradhan a 24-hour deadline, threatening further trouble.
However, after the video triggered public criticism, Pakir visited Haradhan again and apologised.
Jubo Dal distances itself
Narsingdi Jubo Dal President Mohsin Hossain Bidyut told TIMES of Bangladesh that Pakir does not hold any position in the organisation.
Saying he had watched the video, Bidyut described the incident as unacceptable.
“The matter is offensive, arrogant and beyond limits. It cannot be supported in any way,” he said.
Asked about Pakir’s claim that he acted in Bidyut’s name, the Jubo Dal leader said, “Anyone can say anything. He also mentioned Tarique Rahman. But he did not inform the BNP chairman before going there, did he?”
Asked whether he had spoken to Pakir after the incident, Bidyut said, “I cannot even find him now.”
The TIMES could not obtain Pakir Islam’s comment. A phone number linked to him was found, but it was switched off.
