Summary:
- Rajshahi’s Poba Upazila Social Services Officer Jahid Hasan was caught on video assaulting a rickshaw puller with a shoe and stick over a fare dispute.
- The incident occurred on February 2, but the video went viral on Facebook on February 28, sparking widespread criticism.
- Jahid Hasan admitted his actions, citing anger over the rickshaw puller’s alleged rude behavior, and expressed regret for his misconduct.
- Local officials, including the Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Social Services Department, have condemned the act and promised to investigate further.
A shocking incident has surfaced where Zahid Hasan, a social services officer of Paba Upazila in Rajshahi, was caught on video assaulting a battery-powered rickshaw driver with a shoe and a stick. The video, which went viral on Facebook on Friday, February 28, reportedly documents an altercation that occurred nearly a month earlier on February 2.
The video shows Zahid Hasan disembarking from the rickshaw after paying the fare. A dispute over the payment ensued, during which Hasan removed his shoe and struck the rickshaw driver on the face and head. He then retrieved a thick stick from his private car and continued to beat the driver while shouting, “Why are you repeating yourself? I’ll beat you to death!”
When asked about the incident, Paba Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Arafat Aman Aziz stated, “I have heard about this incident. Such behavior is unbecoming of a social services officer.”
Monira Khatun, Deputy Director of the Department of Social Services in Rajshahi, commented, “I have seen the video. I will need to speak with Zahid Hasan about this matter. We will consult with our divisional director to address the issue.”
Zahid Hasan himself admitted to his actions, explaining that the rickshaw driver’s “disrespectful remarks” had angered him. “I lost my temper, but my actions were inappropriate given my position. I am deeply regretful and ashamed,” he said.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many calling for accountability and disciplinary action against Zahid Hasan.
