Several photos of Comilla City Corporation (CUSC) Administrator Md. Shah Alam with Nasir Uddin Lincoln, the general secretary of the banned Barura Upazila Awami League, have gone viral on social media, drawing widespread criticism. The pictures were reportedly taken on Saturday, January 10, at Lalmai Lakeland Park in Comilla after a meeting of the Barura Upazila Welfare Association.

Local activists and residents expressed strong disapproval of the administrator’s association with a leader from a banned political organization. Abu Raihan, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Comilla, said that a senior government official should know with whom it is appropriate to take photos. An unnamed city resident alleged that the photos suggested collusion with the Awami League, while BNP leader Mostak Mia demanded that higher authorities investigate the matter.

In response, Administrator Md. Shah Alam stated that he did not notice when the photos were taken and that he had only attended an event.