Shawon Khan, president of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal’s Rangashree Union unit in Bakerganj upazila of Barishal, was relieved of his organisational post on Saturday night after a video allegedly showing him using yaba went viral on social media. The decision was announced in a press release signed by upazila unit convener Niamul Haque Nahid and member secretary Rakib Talukdar.

The report said a 16-second video circulated throughout Saturday, showing Khan sitting on one corner of a bed in a room and allegedly using yaba. It could not be confirmed where or when the footage was recorded. The video’s circulation prompted various comments and reactions on social media, and local Chhatra Dal leaders took notice of the matter.

The press release cited specific allegations of activities contrary to party policy, ideals and organisational discipline in removing Khan as president of the No. 12 Rangashree Union unit. Khan denied the allegation, claiming the video was created using artificial intelligence to discredit him after a fight at an event on August 14. Talukdar said the matter had been sent to the district level for investigation and that organisational action had been taken.