Cultural activist arrested in Mymensingh amid controversy on blasphemy charges

Cultural activist and poet Shamim Ashraf has been arrested in Mymensingh on charges of hurting Islamic sentiments, according to police. The arrest took place around 9:45pm on Monday at his Amolapara residence. Ashraf is associated with the Mymensingh Literary Society. Police said a post appeared on a Facebook page named “Shamim Ashraf” at 11am on Monday, which said: “I am intentionally introducing linguistic diversity in my status. A few more offensive posts will appear in the next few days. Please bear with me. I will be good after that.” Two hours later, another post followed, prompting accusations of religious insult in response to a comment. As discussions and criticisms grew online, police arrested Ashraf. Before his arrest, another post appeared...