Authorities in Hatiya, Noakhali, have detained a young man accused of issuing death threats to Abdul Hannan Masud, the National Citizens Party’s senior joint chief coordinator and parliamentary candidate for the Noakhali-6 constituency.
The 27-year-old suspect, Israt Raihan Ami, was taken into custody late on Saturday night, 20 December, at Nandorod Market in Char Ishwar Union. Ami is reportedly the son of former Char Ishwar Union chairman Abdul Halim Azad.
According to police, the arrest follows a complaint lodged by Masud on 18 December, detailing threats to his life made through Facebook Messenger. The complaint identified seven individuals allegedly involved and highlighted the potential risk to Masud’s safety. Police quickly initiated an investigation, culminating in Ami’s arrest.
The threats provoked widespread concern among local residents, who staged a protest in front of the Hatiya Police Station on Friday evening. Demonstrators demanded the immediate apprehension of the perpetrators and issued a 24-hour ultimatum for action.
Shamsul Tibriz, Masud’s uncle and head coordinator of the NCP Hatiya Upazila Committee, emphasised that all responsible parties must be held accountable according to the law. “Respect for legal processes is crucial,” he said, “and the safety of political candidates cannot be compromised under any circumstances.”
Police confirmed that investigations are continuing and did not rule out further arrests. Community leaders expressed concern over the use of social media as a platform for intimidation, highlighting the potential threat to democratic processes if such incidents go unchecked.
This case has drawn attention to the intersection of politics and digital communication, reflecting growing anxiety over the safety of candidates during election periods. Authorities have assured the public that robust measures will be implemented to ensure that political engagement remains safe and free from threats of violence.