At least nine leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have reported losing their mobile phones during a public rally addressed by the Prime Minister in Rajshahi, with several alleging that their devices were stolen amid the crowd.
Eight of the nine individuals have formally reported the incidents to police. Seven General Diaries (GDs) were registered at Rajpara Police Station, while another complaint was lodged at Boalia Police Station. One of the affected individuals had yet to submit a formal complaint.
The incidents occurred on Tuesday afternoon, 20 October, during the Prime Minister’s public rally at the historic Madrasa Ground in Rajshahi. The reported thefts took place as party leaders, activists and other attendees gathered at the venue.
Among those who lost their phones was Tawseef Azad, son of Abul Kalam Azad Sweet, chairman of the Rajshahi Development Authority (RDA) and vice-president of the Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP.
A General Diary concerning Tawseef’s missing mobile phone was filed at Boalia Police Station.
Describing the incident, Abul Kalam Azad Sweet said his son had been standing behind the stage when the Prime Minister concluded the speech and began leaving the venue.
“My son was standing behind the stage when the Prime Minister finished speaking and was leaving. Someone took his phone in the crowd,” he said.
Police confirmed that seven General Diaries relating to missing mobile phones were registered at Rajpara Police Station between 3 pm and 10 pm on Tuesday.
Officers also acknowledged that other individuals who had reported losing their phones during the rally had not yet approached the police to register formal complaints.
One of them was Farhad Badsha, a former joint secretary of the Rajshahi district unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, the BNP’s student organisation.
Badsha publicly reported the theft through a Facebook post, informing friends, acquaintances and followers that his mobile phone had been stolen during the gathering.
He also urged people to disregard any suspicious messages or inappropriate social media posts that might appear to originate from his account following the incident.
“My phone was stolen today at the BNP rally at Rajshahi Madrasa Ground. I request everyone to ignore any unexpected messages or embarrassing posts,” he wrote.
Explaining how the incident occurred, Badsha said he was leaving the rally through the main entrance of Madrasa Ground after the Prime Minister had finished addressing the gathering.
According to his account, an unidentified person cut the pocket of his traditional Punjabi garment and stole the mobile phone while he was making his way through the crowd.
Badsha said he had not immediately filed a General Diary regarding the theft but intended to visit the police station on Wednesday, 21 October, to complete the necessary formalities.
The incidents have also highlighted concerns about the potential misuse of stolen mobile phones, particularly where devices contain personal information, contact details and access to social media accounts.
A missing handset can present risks beyond its monetary value. If an unauthorised person gains access to an unlocked device or associated accounts, private communications and other stored information could potentially be compromised.
Badsha’s decision to issue a public warning reflected these concerns, although there was no indication in the original report that his accounts had actually been accessed or misused.
Police have assured the affected individuals that efforts will be made to trace and recover the missing devices.
Officer-in-Charge Abul Kalam Azad of Rajpara Police Station confirmed that seven General Diaries had been registered at his station in connection with mobile phones reported missing during the rally.
He expressed confidence in the capabilities of the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police’s cybercrime unit and said the authorities would work towards recovering the devices.
“So far, seven General Diaries have been registered concerning the missing phones. The Rajshahi Metropolitan Police has a very capable cybercrime unit. We will try to recover the phones, and if any offenders are identified, they will be brought to justice,” he said.
The available information does not establish whether the reported thefts were committed by the same individuals or involved separate incidents.
Police have not announced the identification or arrest of any suspects in connection with the complaints.
The incidents underline the difficulties of safeguarding personal belongings at crowded public gatherings, particularly when large numbers of people are entering or leaving a venue simultaneously.
For those affected, the immediate concern remains the recovery of their mobile phones and the protection of any personal information stored on them.
With eight formal complaints already registered and another expected, police have pledged to pursue efforts to locate the missing devices and take legal action against anyone found responsible for the alleged thefts.
