‘Sniper’ comment on PM’s Rajshahi visit; Youth detained

A young man has been detained in Rajshahi over a Facebook comment referring to a sniper in connection with a bus used by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman during his visit to the city, said the Ministry of Home Affairs.

A press release from the ministry on Thursday said the Special Response Battalion-5 (SRB-5) apprehended Abu Bakkar Siddique from the Ramchandrapur area of Parila Union under Paba Police Station in Rajshahi around 5:30pm on Wednesday.

The detainment came after Abu Bakkar had commented on a Facebook post about a bus used by the prime minister, writing in the comments section: “What a great opportunity it was! There was only a sniper missing.”

The comment sparked discussion on social media after it came to light.

Tarique arrived at Shah Makhdum Airport in Rajshahi aboard a military aircraft around 3pm on Wednesday.

He travelled from the airport to the city in a RUET bus, which he also used to attend a rally at the historic Madrasah Ground and visit Dharmasabha Temple ahead of Durga Puja.

The Prime Minister returned to the airport in the same vehicle.