The alleged boyfriend and key associate of Instagram influencer Sumaiya Saeed has been arrested, while her father has also been named as an accused in a case over the alleged production, promotion and sale of adult content on social media.
Khaja Saklain Faruk was arrested near Dhaka Popular Travels in Badda after investigators allegedly obtained information about his whereabouts from Sumaiya, 25, who was arrested during a raid in Dhaka’s Bashundhara Residential Area on the night of 11 August.
Police have accused Sumaiya’s father, Md Abu Sayeed, of allegedly knowing about his daughter’s activities, consenting to them and accepting money earned from the alleged operation.
According to DB sources, investigators first detected explicit content and advertisements for its sale on Sumaiya’s social media accounts during routine cyber monitoring on 10 August. Police allege that the content was sold through mobile financial services including bKash and Nagad, with a “lifetime package” advertised for Tk 3,500.
During the Bashundhara raid, police seized two smartphones as evidence. Preliminary questioning also led investigators to suspect that Sumaiya operated the alleged business with several associates.
A case has been filed with Ramna Model Police Station under the relevant law. Police have sought three-day remand for the arrested suspects to investigate the alleged operation and identify other members of the network.
