Summary:
- Khalid Mahmud, alias Hridoy Khan, was arrested in Savar for harassing women and spreading misogynistic messages on social media.
- Viral videos showed him obstructing women’s paths, making offensive comments about their clothing, and blaming women for sexual violence.
- Social media outrage intensified after pages like “JEU Insider” and individuals called for legal action against his repeated harassment.
- Police confirmed his arrest and stated that legal proceedings are underway to address his harmful actions and societal impact.
Police in Savar have arrested Khalid Mahmud, also known as Hridoy Khan, on charges of harassing women and spreading misogynistic messages through social media. The arrest took place on Monday afternoon in the Aminbazar area, following public outrage over viral videos showing the suspect engaging in inappropriate behavior toward women. According to a press release from Dhaka district police, Khalid was detained around 4:00 PM for making objectionable gestures and remarks targeting women and girls24.
The videos, widely circulated online, depict Khalid obstructing the paths of schoolgirls and women, making offensive comments about their clothing choices, and delivering misogynistic messages. In some instances, he allegedly threatened sexual violence against women who do not wear hijabs. Additional footage revealed him dressed as a mentally unstable person while continuing to harass women, further fueling public anger45.
Calls for legal action intensified after these videos were shared by social media pages such as “JEU Insider,” which accused Khalid of routinely targeting young girls and women in public spaces. One Facebook user posted that Khalid’s actions were deliberate and not indicative of mental instability, as initially speculated24.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday evening, Additional Superintendent of Police Md Shahinur Kabir confirmed Khalid’s arrest and stated that legal proceedings are underway. Kabir noted that Khalid’s actions sought to propagate harmful societal narratives by blaming women for sexual violence. Authorities are reviewing the evidence to determine appropriate charges against him24.
This incident has sparked broader discussions on gender-based harassment and the role of social media in amplifying such behavior. Activists have urged stricter enforcement of laws to combat misogyny and protect women from harassment both online and offline.
