Police in Rangamati’s Rajsthali upazila arrested former student leader Russell Mahmud, 26, on Saturday, May 23, 2026, for posting obscene and offensive remarks on Facebook about the family of Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. Mahmud, currently serving as assistant office secretary of Hefazat-e-Islam’s Rajsthali unit, was detained from the Shafipur area of Bangalhalia union with assistance from the army’s Kaptai Zone 38 Bir unit.

According to the report, Mahmud had posted indecent comments about the minister’s daughter on Friday, which quickly spread across social media and caused local uproar. Law enforcement took notice and acted under higher authority’s direction. Before his arrest, Mahmud deleted the post and released a video apology, expressing regret and asking forgiveness from the minister’s family.

Local sources said Mahmud previously served as president of the Bangalhalia Government College unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal during 2018–19. Police confirmed that he has been handed over to district authorities for further action.