At least nine leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have reported losing their mobile phones during a public rally addressed by the Prime Minister in Rajshahi, raising concerns over theft amid the large gathering.
Of the nine reported victims, seven have filed General Diaries (GDs) with Rajpara Police Station, while another has lodged a complaint with Boalia Police Station. One individual has yet to formally report the incident to the police.
The rally took place on Tuesday afternoon, 20 October, at the historic Madrasa Ground in Rajshahi. Several attendees reportedly discovered that their mobile phones were missing during or shortly after the programme.
Among those affected was Tawseef Azad, son of Abul Kalam Azad Sweet, chairman of the Rajshahi Development Authority (RDA) and vice-president of the Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP. A General Diary concerning the disappearance of Tawseef’s mobile phone has been registered with Boalia Police Station.
Describing the circumstances, Abul Kalam Azad Sweet said his son had been standing behind the stage when the Prime Minister finished delivering the speech and was preparing to leave the venue.
“My son was standing just behind the stage as the Prime Minister concluded the speech and was leaving. Someone took his mobile phone amid the crowd,” he said.
Police confirmed that Rajpara Police Station received seven General Diaries relating to missing mobile phones between 3 pm and 10 pm on Tuesday. Officers also acknowledged that some other individuals who reported losing their phones had not yet submitted formal complaints.
One of those individuals is Farhad Badsha, a former joint secretary of the Rajshahi district unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, the BNP’s student organisation.
Following the incident, Badsha took to Facebook to inform friends, acquaintances and followers that his mobile phone had been stolen during the gathering. He also warned that any unusual messages or inappropriate posts appearing to originate from his account should be disregarded.
“My phone was stolen today at the BNP rally at Rajshahi Madrasa Ground. I request everyone to ignore any unexpected messages or embarrassing posts,” he wrote.
Badsha said the theft occurred as he was leaving the venue through the main entrance after the Prime Minister had finished speaking.
According to his account, an unidentified individual cut the pocket of his traditional Punjabi garment and removed his mobile phone while he was moving through the crowd.
He said he had not immediately filed a General Diary but intended to visit the police station on Wednesday, 21 October, to report the theft formally.
The incidents have also drawn attention to the potential security risks associated with stolen mobile phones. Beyond the financial loss of a device, victims may face concerns about unauthorised access to personal communications, stored information and social media accounts.
Badsha’s public warning reflected those concerns, particularly the possibility of misleading messages or posts being circulated from a stolen device. However, there has been no confirmation that any of the missing phones have been used for such purposes.
Police have assured the complainants that efforts will be made to trace and recover the devices.
Officer-in-Charge Abul Kalam Azad of Rajpara Police Station confirmed that seven General Diaries had been registered in connection with mobile phones reported missing during the rally.
He expressed confidence in the capabilities of the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police’s cybercrime unit and said the authorities would attempt to recover the missing devices.
“So far, seven General Diaries have been filed regarding the missing phones. The Rajshahi Metropolitan Police has a highly capable cybercrime unit. We will try to recover the phones, and if any offenders are identified, they will be brought to justice,” the officer said.
The available police statements do not establish whether the reported thefts were carried out by a single group or by separate individuals. No arrests or identification of suspects were reported in the original account.
With eight formal complaints already lodged and at least one more expected, the incidents have prompted calls for the recovery of the missing devices and the identification of those responsible.
Police say they will pursue the complaints and take legal action against anyone found to have been involved in the alleged thefts.
