NCP Candidate Hannan Masud Alleges Death Threats as Screenshots Go Viral
Allegations have surfaced that Abdul Hannan Masud, Senior Joint Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and a candidate for Noakhali-6 (Hatia) constituency with the Shapla Koli symbol, has received death threats. Several screenshots related to the alleged threats have gone viral on social media, triggering widespread concern and backlash.
According to the viral screenshots, the threatening messages were sent by Israat Raihan Omi, son of former Char Ishwar Union Chairman Abdul Halim Azad, and his associate Rupak Nandi.
One screenshot shows a Messenger message allegedly sent by Israat Raihan Omi, claiming that certain leaders are attempting to arrest Abdul Halim Azad. The message warns that regardless of whether it is “Hannan or Tanvir,” movement in the northern region would be made impossible, using violent and intimidating language, and adds that party activists would take direct action. The message further states that patience is being exercised for now and that the content has been forwarded to Hannan Masud’s leader.
In another post, Rupak Nandi allegedly wrote on his Facebook account, warning Hannan Masud not to “play with fire,” threatening dire consequences. The post claims that those loyal to Abdul Halim Azad would not spare him and includes further intimidation, warning that Hannan would be banned from the northern region if Azad were arrested.
Hatia Upazila Jubo Shakti Convener Md Yusuf Reza told the media that the former Char Ishwar Union chairman recently made remarks at a tea stall, insinuating that some popular candidates would “not be found” before the election. Following that statement, he said, threats and intimidation began circulating on social media, allegedly led by the former chairman’s son and his followers. He demanded immediate legal action.
The screenshots, originally posted on the night of Thursday, December 18, went viral on Friday, December 20.
Responding to the viral threats, Abdul Hannan Masud told reporters that such death threats and intimidation are “highly condemnable and alarming.” He said he has already informed law enforcement agencies and expressed hope that those involved would be quickly identified through a proper investigation and brought to justice.
Meanwhile, new messages circulating on social media—allegedly based on WhatsApp calls and SMS exchanges—have also claimed the involvement of Keraniganj Upazila’s former chairman, Shaheen Ahmed, also known as “Shaheen Chairman,” in the killing of Inqilab Mancha’s Chief Coordinator Sharif Osman Hadi. According to the circulated information, police are also actively searching for Abdul Hamid, former president of Gopalganj District Chhatra League, on suspicion of involvement in the murder.
Available information suggests that Hamid allegedly assisted the attackers in fleeing from Dhaka to the border following the assault on Hadi. Sources further claim that due to Sharif Osman Hadi’s role in the July uprising and his statements and activities since August 5 last year, the Awami League was deeply angered, viewing him as a major threat to the party and its allies. Hadi was allegedly placed at the top of a hit list, and evidence has reportedly emerged of multiple communications between the killers and the fugitive Chhatra League leader before and after the murder.
Additionally, it is alleged that several groups currently based in India are coordinating sleeper cell activities in Dhaka through group-based apps, some of whose members have now come under the surveillance of law enforcement agencies.
DBTech/JNO/EK/OR
