Former religious affairs adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Dr AFM Khalid Hossain, has advised students not to discuss confidential or highly sensitive matters over WhatsApp or mobile phones.
He made the remarks on Friday (11 September) while addressing a reception organised by the Jonar Keochia Islami Samaj Kalyan Parishad in Satkania, Chattogram, to honour students who achieved A+ results.
During his speech, Khalid Hossain specifically warned students about discussing confidential matters through mobile phones and messaging applications. He said, “Do not share any secret matter on WhatsApp or mobile phones.”
The former adviser referred to a report published by a news outlet while explaining why he was urging the students to exercise caution. He claimed that, according to information cited in the report, WhatsApp conversations could be obtained in written form in exchange for money.
“ If you pay Tk 1,100, conversations from three months on WhatsApp will come in written form. And for Tk 1,500, it will be six months,” he said.
He did not provide further details about the report or explain the specific method through which such conversations could allegedly be obtained. His comments were presented in the context of warning students about the risks of discussing highly confidential matters through digital communication channels.
Khalid Hossain then issued a stronger warning about sharing extremely sensitive information over mobile phones. He said, “If you reveal something seriously secret on your mobile phone, be careful. It is being recorded before Allah, and it is also being recorded by people.”
His remarks highlighted concerns surrounding privacy and discretion in an era when mobile phones and internet-based messaging services have become central to everyday communication. People routinely use smartphones to exchange personal conversations, documents, photographs and other forms of information, making awareness about digital privacy increasingly relevant.
WhatsApp and similar messaging services are widely used for both personal and professional communication. While users may regard private conversations as confidential, the security of digital communications can depend on factors including account protection, device security and the circumstances in which information is stored or accessed. Khalid Hossain’s remarks focused on the broader need for caution rather than providing a technical explanation of digital surveillance or data retrieval.
The former religious affairs adviser was speaking at an event primarily arranged to recognise students who had secured A+ results. His advice on mobile-phone use formed part of his broader interaction with the students during the programme.
By urging them to avoid sharing highly sensitive information through phones or messaging platforms, he encouraged the young audience to think carefully before communicating matters they consider confidential. His comments also brought the issue of digital privacy into the discussion at an event celebrating academic achievement.
The reception in Satkania was organised by the Jonar Keochia Islami Samaj Kalyan Parishad, with A+ achieving students receiving recognition at the event. Khalid Hossain used the occasion to caution the students about the potential risks of discussing sensitive matters through mobile communication.
