Narayanganj youth face backlash after filming staged prank video with toy guns in public
Photo Collected
NARAYANGANJ — A viral video featuring two young men wielding replica firearms in public spaces has sparked widespread concern regarding public safety and the prevalence of weapon-related content on social media. The 35-second clip, which shows the individuals pointing large black imitation guns at pedestrians, rickshaw pullers, and children, has prompted criticism from observers who view it as a troubling display of firearm proliferation.
The footage was recorded at the City Park, formerly known as Sheikh Russel Nahar Park, in Narayanganj. The primary creator of the video is Limon Toha, a resident of the Bandar Upazila, who was assisted by an associate identified as Yasin. The video was originally posted to a TikTok account titled “Bhaibon,” before being shared on Instagram and Facebook accounts managed by Toha.
Limon Toha defended the project, characterizing it as a “prank” video inspired by international trends he observed on social media, specifically citing Pakistani dramas and online content. Toha claimed his objective was to document the spontaneous reactions of passersby. He stated that while some individuals were initially frightened, they later realized the weapons were toys and responded with amusement. Toha further alleged that law enforcement officers observed the filming process and took no action once they confirmed the nature of the props.
However, the Narayanganj Sadar Model Police Station has denied prior knowledge of the incident. Officer-in-Charge Sajedur Rahman stated that no complaints had been filed regarding the activity and that police patrols in the park had not reported such behavior. Rahman noted that the department would investigate the matter and consult with senior officials to determine if legal action is warranted, noting that the incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Narayanganj Sadar Model Police Station rather than the suspects’ home district of Bandar.
Legal experts have condemned the act, emphasizing that the intent behind the video does not exempt the participants from criminal liability. Professor Md. Rabiul Islam of the Department of Law and Justice at Jahangirnagar University stated that using any object to induce fear in the public constitutes a punishable offense, regardless of whether the weapon is a replica.
Professor Islam further explained that the act involves two distinct legal breaches: the creation of public panic through the simulation of armed violence and the potential violation of the Cyber Security Act by disseminating footage of victims’ distress without their consent. Legal analysts maintain that filming such content for entertainment remains a serious transgression that threatens public order and individual safety.
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