Police in Debiganj upazila of Panchagarh have arrested a college student named Shakil Ahmed (26) on charges of posting offensive content on social media using a photo of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s daughter, Zaima Rahman.
The arrest was made on Wednesday afternoon, and he was later shown as arrested in a case filed under the Cyber Security Act. On Thursday afternoon, he was produced before the court, which ordered him to be sent to jail.
The accused, Shakil Ahmed, is a third-year undergraduate student of the Sociology Department at Tejgaon College in Dhaka. He is the son of Bulbul Islam from Nagar Bhaulaganj area under Chilahati union of Debiganj upazila.
According to reports, on Tuesday, Shakil allegedly used his Facebook ID named “Chhoto Babu Ahmed” to create an AI-edited image combining his own photo with Zaima Rahman’s, along with offensive comments. The post quickly spread on social media, triggering strong local reactions.
Following the incident, a case was filed at Debiganj Police Station at 12:05 am on Wednesday by Mostafizur Rahman alias Samrat, joint general secretary of Chilahati Union BNP. The complaint stated that digital devices and AI were used intentionally to publish manipulated images to damage reputation and dignity.
Police said they confirmed the incident after reviewing the suspect’s Facebook profile. Officer-in-Charge Selim Malik stated that the post created tension in the area, prompting immediate action.
Local BNP leader and Chilahati Union Parishad Chairman Harun-ur-Rashid also said the accused was identified and handed over to police after the matter came to attention.
The arrested student is currently in judicial custody.
