Netrakona, July 13 (V7N)- Durgapur, a border town in Netrakona district once known as Susang Durgapur, lies at the foothills of Meghalaya, India, and is renowned for its natural beauty. However, its proximity to the border has made it a hotspot for smuggling, leading to a network of criminal activities, including the trade of illegal weapons. Local political leaders, journalists, and various administrative officials are often implicated in these crimes, resulting in frequent conflicts.
 
Recently, many of these conflicts have started in cyberspace. On Friday, July 12, tension arose from a Facebook post by Durgapur Upazila Chairman Saddam Akunji. His post read, "I've been silent for too long, but now I will speak! Criticizing others while your own body is bent from addiction. If you cause trouble in Durgapur, we will retaliate strongly. Understand?"
 
Following this, supporters of local MP Mostak Ahmed Ruhi became active online. One Facebook user, Md Ruman Khan, wrote, "Don't act too tough, kid addicted to drugs." Another user, Hridoy Hasan, commented, "You've been too arrogant for the last three months. Now face the consequences, Saddam Akunji boss."
 
HM Delaowar Sarker posted, "Your time is up! Over the years, Durgapur has seen many conflicts. We hope the responsible people will act wisely and avoid further conflicts. We want the development of our Upazila."
 
Nearly fifty Facebook posts with similar back-and-forth accusations and attacks between supporters of MP Mostak Ahmed Ruhi and Upazila Chairman Saddam Akunji have been observed. According to a cyber security expert, Durgapur netizens have been the most aggressive and misogynistic on Facebook in Netrakona district over the past year.
 
The tension in Durgapur due to these Facebook posts has raised concerns about potential large-scale violence. Local netizens and residents hope that the responsible authorities will take appropriate measures to defuse the situation.
 
END/MAT/SMA/