Facebook Fling Turns into Fraud: Bride Revealed as Groom in Shocking Twist
What began as a Facebook romance ended in astonishment when a newlywed in Rajbari discovered that his bride was actually a man. The incident, which occurred in the remote village of Houlia Keutil in Chhoto Bhakla Union under Goalandha upazila, has left locals stunned and sparked widespread chatter beyond the district.
According to local sources, Mahmudul Hasan Shanto, son of Badal Khan from Ward 5 of Chhoto Bhakla Union, developed a romantic relationship online with someone named “Samiya.” On June 7, “Samiya” arrived at Shanto’s home and, with family approval, the couple was married by a local cleric. From then on, “Samiya” lived in the house as a newlywed bride.
However, suspicions gradually grew within the family due to the bride's unusual behavior. On Friday evening, July 25, the family and local residents discovered that Samiya was in fact Mohammad Shahinur Rahman, a biological male from Amtala Eidgah Boubazar in Chattogram, son of Abul Kashem. The revelation shocked the entire village, and by the next morning, Shahinur was sent back to his family.
Speaking over the phone, Shahinur admitted, “What I did with Shanto was wrong. I shouldn't have done it.” He claimed to have a hormonal issue, adding, “Because of that, I feel better identifying as a girl.”
Victim Mahmudul Hasan Shanto recounted, “We met on Facebook, and eventually fell in love. Samiya came to my house on June 7, and we were married by a cleric. Since there was no national ID, the marriage wasn't registered officially. After the wedding, Samiya’s behavior was always mysterious. Every time I tried to get close, I was told, ‘I’m sick now. The doctor said not to come near.’ Yesterday, the truth came out.”
Shanto’s mother, Mosammat Sohagi Begum, said, “A man became the bride in our family, and we had no idea. Samiya fooled us all with convincing behavior. We accepted everything because we thought it was real. When we learned the truth, we sent the person back Saturday morning.”
Amzad Hossain, Chairman of Chhoto Bhakla Union, said, “No one has brought this issue to me officially, but I did hear about it from a member of the union council.”
Goalandha Ghat Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Rafiqul Islam stated, “We are not aware of the incident. No one has lodged a complaint yet. If a complaint is made, we will investigate and take legal action accordingly.”
