Sirajganj, Dec 16, (V7N) - A photo and video showing a madrasa student holding what appeared to be a weapon at a gathering in Shahjadpur, Sirajganj, sparked widespread concern on social media, with people from both India’s West Bengal and other regions sharing the content. The image, which caused significant anxiety, was initially posted by prominent writer Taslima Nasrin and journalist Arifuzzaman Tuhin. Nasrin expressed her concern about the rise of armed jihadists, while Tuhin questioned the identity of the armed individual.

However, further investigation revealed that the weapon was, in fact, a plastic toy gun. The individual seen holding the toy gun was identified as Nayemul Islam, a student from the Jamia Rashidiya Hafizia and Qaumi Madrasa in Shahjadpur. Nayemul explained that he had purchased the toy gun for his younger sister, Sumaiya, for 220 taka. Despite it being a toy, Nayemul had walked around the crowded event for some time with the gun, leading to confusion.

The gathering, which took place last Thursday at the Mosharrafia Hafizia and Qaumi Madrasa grounds, was held to mark the arrival of Syed Shaikh Nasir Billah Al Makkī, a prominent figure who arrived by helicopter. Nayemul stated that while walking through the crowd, his toy gun broke, and he held it up to avoid further damage.

When the image and video spread online, it raised concerns about public safety, and local police were prompted to investigate. Initially, some social media users speculated that the weapon was a real rifle. After questioning Nayemul, it was confirmed that the object was a plastic toy, and the police confiscated it. Nayemul clarified that his only intention was to buy a gift for his sister.

The Officer in Charge Shahjadpur police station (OC), Aslam Ali, reassured the public that upon discovering the toy gun, there was no real threat. Nayemul was released after signing a statement, and the toy gun was seized. Police also noted that another individual seen holding a sword at the event could not be located.

This incident highlights the role of social media in amplifying misunderstandings and underscores the importance of verifying information before sharing such images. The gathering, intended to celebrate a religious occasion, was momentarily overshadowed by this controversy, but the facts have now been clarified.

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