Police have arrested Asad Molla, a 30-year-old Chhatra League leader, following allegations that he posted a message on Facebook declaring an intention to ‘take control of Dhaka’ on behalf of the Awami League.
Molla is the general secretary of the Chhatra League’s Guthia Union unit in Uzirpur Upazila of Barishal district. His arrest was confirmed on Monday (2 November) by Mohammad Rakibul Islam, officer-in-charge (OC) of Uzirpur Police Station.
According to local sources, Molla was detained by local leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in the Guthia Bandar area on Saturday night (1 November). He was subsequently handed over to the police.
The incident reportedly followed a Facebook post published by Molla on 31 October, which referred to the Awami League’s alleged plan to take control of Dhaka. The post attracted attention locally and led to his detention. However, the precise wording of the post and the full context of the statement have not been made public by the police.
Police said a team from Uzirpur Police Station went to the area after receiving information about Molla’s detention. Officers subsequently took him into custody and brought him to the police station for further legal proceedings.
Uzirpur Police Station OC Mohammad Rakibul Islam said Molla was already suspected of having links to an older criminal case. Police have shown him arrested in connection with that case and sent him to jail through the court.
Molla is the son of the late Mozahar Molla and comes from the Terodron area of Uzirpur Upazila.
The incident comes amid heightened political tensions in Bangladesh, where political activities and statements made on social media have drawn considerable attention. Facebook and other digital platforms have increasingly become spaces for political expression, mobilisation and public debate. Statements suggesting large-scale political action can attract strong reactions, particularly in a tense political environment.
However, an allegation relating to a social media post and an arrest in connection with an existing case are separate legal matters. The police statement indicates that Molla was formally arrested in connection with the earlier case, rather than confirming that a separate case had been filed solely over the Facebook post.
Police have not provided further details about the older case or clarified whether any additional legal action will be taken over the social media post. No further information has been disclosed regarding the specific allegations against him in that case.
