Dhaka, Oct. 7 -- Cultural activist and poet Shamim Ashraf has been arrested in Mymensingh on charges of hurting Islamic sentiments, according to police.

The arrest took place around 9:45pm on Monday at his Amolapara residence. Ashraf is associated with the Mymensingh Literary Society.

Police said a post appeared on a Facebook page named "Shamim Ashraf" at 11am on Monday, which said: "I am intentionally introducing linguistic diversity in my status. A few more offensive posts will appear in the next few days. Please bear with me. I will be good after that."

Two hours later, another post followed, prompting accusations of religious insult in response to a comment. As discussions and criticisms grew online, police arrested Ashraf.

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