A video purportedly showing an acting union parishad chairman discussing money owed from a Ludo gambling session has gone viral on Facebook, sparking widespread discussion and criticism in Tungipara, Gopalganj.
The video was posted on the Facebook page "Khobor Tungipara" on Saturday. It shows acting chairman Nizam Sheikh and several other people discussing money lost and payments due from gambling.
Nizam Sheikh is the acting chairman of Dumuria Union Parishad in Tungipara upazila and the son of late Sarwar Sheikh of Pakurtia village.
In the video, Nizam is heard asking, “Why should I pay Tk100?” Another person replies that Nizam had lost Tk200 and should pay the amount, adding that he and the chairman had gambled together and both had lost money.
Nizam then remarks that one should not gamble with people who play for small stakes. The other person says he had incurred a loss that day and could not pay, before telling the chairman that he did not need to pay Tk100.
The conversation continues with references to several rounds of gambling and disputed payments. Nizam claims he had paid Tk500, while another person alleges that money had been taken from both him and the chairman.
When asked about the video, Nizam declined to comment and allegedly threatened the journalist by invoking the name of SM Jilani, the lawmaker for Gopalganj-3.
Tungipara police station Officer-in-Charge Ayub Ali said he had seen the video on social media.
“We will discuss the matter with senior officials and take necessary action,” he said.
Tungipara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Didarul Alam said any game involving money was an offence. He added that he had learned about the incident from journalists and that the allegations would be investigated before action was taken in accordance with the relevant rules.