Civil Servant Faces Investigation Over Social Media Activity

A civil servant working at the Home Office is under investigation for social media posts that appear to demonstrate political bias. The investigation focuses on interactions made by Atikur Rahman, who is also running as a candidate for the Green Party in upcoming local elections.

Details of the Investigation

Atikur Rahman, employed by the Home Office for almost three years, is being scrutinized for his publicly visible activity on platforms like LinkedIn. Concerns center around ‘likes’ and reactions to posts expressing strong political opinions, often critical of the governments he served under – both Conservative and Labour.

Controversial Reactions on LinkedIn

The investigation specifically highlights Mr. Rahman’s reaction to a LinkedIn post from Deloitte’s Middle East team expressing sympathy for those affected by loss of life in Israel. Records indicate he selected the ‘finds this funny’ reaction. He subsequently ‘liked’ a post condemning the original memorial as ‘political’ and voicing support for the ‘liberation of all Palestinians.’

Further Social Media Engagement

Further examination of his social media history revealed additional instances of engagement with contentious content. A year prior, he ‘liked’ a video alleging Israel was actively undermining the UK. He also supported a post defending the singer Bob Vylan, who faced criticism for chanting ‘death to the IDF’ at Glastonbury, framing the chant as an alert to the ‘genocide in Gaza.’

Connection to Government Policies

During his time at the Home Office, Mr. Rahman was involved in overseeing the controversial deportation treaty with Rwanda, a policy strongly opposed by the Green Party. Despite previously expressing enthusiasm for his role, his social media activity reveals a contrasting perspective, including ‘liking’ posts that labeled then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman as ‘evil.’

Political Reactions

Suella Braverman, recently defected to Reform UK, characterized the situation as evidence of challenges she faced within the Home Office. She stated that a civil servant openly expressing such views and potentially sabotaging border protection efforts exposes a ‘deeply troubling truth.’ Braverman pledged that Reform UK would reform the Civil Service to prioritize the national interest.

Official Response and Candidate’s Statement

The Home Office confirmed the investigation, emphasizing the expectation that all civil servants adhere to the Civil Service Code, upholding integrity, honesty, objectivity, and political impartiality. Any breaches will be thoroughly investigated. The Green Party stated it is looking into the matter. Mr. Rahman claims any potentially inappropriate reactions were unintentional and that he consistently adhered to the Civil Service Code.