Four held on Padma Bridge human sacrifice rumour charge

Dhaka, July 12 – The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested four people in connection for ‘spreading the rumour on social media over Padma Bridge construction’.
The arrest was made three days after the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges urged the people not to pay heed to the rumour about the need for human sacrifice for the Padma Bridge project.
Mizanur Rahman Bhuiyan, senior assistant director of RAB’s legal and media wing confirmed about the arrest. The arrest was made different district in the country on Thursday.
The arrestees are Shahidul Islam, 25, of Narail; Arman Hossain, 20, of Chattogram; Md Faruk, 50, of Moulvibazar; and Hayatunnabi, 31, of Comilla.
It is mentioned that recently people are spreading a rumour on “human sacrifice” for Padma Bridge construction that triggered huge fear among those who lives near the bridge area. Moreover, rumours also spreads on social media made criticism among netizen.
“The four people have been handed over to police,” said the elite force official before adding, “A case has been lodged under Digital Security Act against the detainees.”
“I urge people not to pay attention to these kinds of rumour regarding the Padma Bridge project.” He said.
However, the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges has urged the people not to pay heed to a rumour about the need for human sacrifices for the Padma Bridge project.
Earlier, on Tuesday A notice, signed by Project Director Md Shafikul Islam, was issued.
The ministry said it had noticed a certain group on social media spreading propaganda. “It is a rumour, and spreading such rumour is a criminal offence,” the ministry said, requesting people to disregard it.
The 14th span of the Padma Bridge was installed on Saturday afternoon, making 2,100 metres of the megastructure visible. Work on the bridge started in December 2015.
The 6.15km bridge is expected to boost the GDP by 1.2% once it is in operation.
Meanwhile, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader yesterday warned of stern action against the people who are spreading the rumour on “human sacrifice” for Padma Bridge construction.
“The people who are spreading such rumour will not be spared and they must face punishment,” he said.
Quader said that the Bridge Division under the ministry has already talked to different intelligent agencies and RAB to find out the people behind the rumour.
Besides, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also gave a directive to law enforcement agencies for taking steps in this regard, the minister said. –

Work on the 6.15-km bridge started in December 2015. It is expected to boost the GDP by 1.2 percent once it is in operation. – Staff Reporter