What began as a routine election campaign has now escalated into a disturbing controversy involving alleged death threats, viral screenshots, and mounting political tension. Abdul Hannan Masud, a prominent figure in the National Citizens Party and a parliamentary hopeful from Noakhali-6, has reportedly been targeted with violent threats believed to be politically motivated.
Late Thursday night, screenshots of Facebook messages began circulating rapidly, igniting outrage and fear among supporters and observers alike. The messages were allegedly sent by Israat Raihan Ami, son of former Char Ishwar Union chairman Abdul Halim Azad, and amplified by his associate Rupak Nandi.
The language used in the messages shocked many. In one private message, Israat Raihan Ami reportedly warned that any attempt to arrest his father would trigger chaos. He suggested that political leaders would be barred from entering the northern region and hinted at violent retaliation by party activists. The aggressive tone raised immediate concerns over personal safety and public order.
Rupak Nandi’s alleged Facebook post intensified the situation further. Addressing Hannan Masud directly, the post warned him not to “play with fire” and claimed that loyalists of Abdul Halim Azad would never let him escape unscathed. The message went as far as threatening to declare an entire region off-limits if legal action were taken against their leader.
Repeated attempts to contact the accused individuals were unsuccessful. Phones belonging to Abdul Halim Azad and his son were reportedly switched off, while Rupak Nandi could not be reached, adding fuel to speculation and criticism on social media.
Local youth leader Mohammad Yusuf Reza offered insight into the origins of the conflict. He revealed that Azad had recently made a controversial statement at a local tea shop, implying that some popular candidates would vanish before election day. Reza claimed that this remark sparked a wave of online threats aimed at Hannan Masud.
Reza demanded swift legal action, stressing that such threats undermine democratic values and intimidate candidates and voters alike.
In response, Hannan Masud publicly condemned the threats, describing them as both dangerous and disgraceful. He confirmed that he had notified law enforcement authorities and called for a transparent investigation. Masud emphasised that elections must be conducted in a climate of safety and fairness.
Police authorities confirmed that the matter is under investigation. Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Saiful Alam stated that the screenshots had been reviewed and that a General Diary was being lodged. He assured the public that necessary legal steps would be taken following proper inquiry.
The incident has sparked wider discussions about political intolerance, digital threats, and the misuse of social media during election periods. Many fear that without firm action, such intimidation could become a dangerous norm.