Social Media Storm: Arrest of Sawoda Sumi Over Facebook Post Sparks Political Outcry
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition in the National Parliament, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, has expressed strong anger and condemnation over the arrest of Bibi Sawoda Sumi (37), a female worker of Bhola Municipality Jamaat-e-Islami. He described the incident as involving “degrading treatment” and commented that it signals a form of neo-fascism.
He made the remarks in a post on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday morning, 7 April.
In the post, the Jamaat Ameer wrote, “The degrading treatment meted out to Jamaat worker Sawda Sumi signals neo-fascism. Fascists in every era try shamelessly and brutally to silence the voices of protesting people to conceal their own failures. Ultimately, their own voices are silenced.”
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman further said, “I do not know whether those who nurture fascism within will learn from the past. Shame, shame!”
Earlier, the Secretary of Mohila Jamaat, Nurunnisa Siddika, also strongly condemned and protested the arrest of the female activist.
In the same incident, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice President Shadik Kayem expressed condemnation on social media, describing the arrest as “a replication of past fascist repression.”
In his status, Shadik Kayem wrote, “The arrest of Jamaat worker Bibi Sawoda in Bhola is a replication of past fascist repression. Taking a mother of a three-year-old speech-impaired child from her home at midnight without any offense is not only inhumane but also reflects the latent intent of the newly formed government to suppress dissent.”
Criticizing the current government, he further said, “Those who were once victims of fascism themselves—such unjustified arrests and harassment are in no way desirable under their rule. I condemn this incident and strongly demand the immediate release of Jamaat worker Bibi Sawoda and an end to all forms of vindictive political harassment. The government should remember that oppression through the abuse of power ultimately brings no good for anyone.”
It is noteworthy that Bibi Sawoda was arrested from her residence around 11:00 PM on 5 April by law enforcement agencies on allegations of sharing a post regarding fuel shortages and a photo card on Facebook. The following day, she was sent to jail through a court order. Since the news spread, it has triggered widespread reactions on social media. In particular, the fact that the woman has a three-year-old speech-impaired child has led many to view the incident as inhumane.
DBTech/SM/EK/OR
