Moulvibazar, Sep 16 (V7N) — Reports circulated on social media on Monday claiming that Awami League presidium member and former minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak was attempting to flee the country to India via the Juri area of Moulvibazar. However, local authorities and the police have confirmed that these rumours are false.

The speculation gained momentum when posts surfaced on Facebook suggesting Nanak was hiding in Juri Upazila, near the border, in an attempt to cross into India. In response, local police, assisted by students and residents, initiated a search operation across the region, particularly focusing on the Garur Bazar area and the Botuli border area of Phultala Union.

A local journalist reported that Nanak was rumoured to be hiding at the residence of a businessman named Sajid, but despite thorough searches by both the police and the public, no trace of the politician was found.

Moulvibazar Superintendent of Police, MKH Jahangir Hossain, personally led the search operation and later dismissed the rumours. "The news of Nanak’s escape is false. If he had been found, it would have been reported. Since he was not found, it is clear that the news is fake," Hossain stated.

The rumours follow significant political upheaval in Bangladesh, with Awami League President Sheikh Hasina reportedly fleeing to India on August 5. Since her departure, multiple cases have been filed against her, including charges of murder and disappearance. Jahangir Kabir Nanak, once a powerful leader, has also been implicated in several cases, including murder. However, he has not been seen in public since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government.

The police have urged the public not to believe in or spread false information that can lead to unnecessary panic and disruption.