Key Points
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A 17-year-old boy’s Facebook post on Prophet Muhammad triggered mob attacks in Bangladesh’s Rangpur district.
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15 Hindu homes were attacked over two days in Aldadpur village; families fled and sold belongings in distress.
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The boy was arrested under the Cybersecurity Act and sent to a juvenile rehabilitation centre.
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Army and police were deployed, but no FIR or arrests have been made against the attackers.
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Violence reflects a broader pattern of Hindu persecution after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August 2024.
Fear and panic have swept through a Hindu village in northern Bangladesh’s Rangpur district. A Facebook post by a 17-year-old student in Bangladesh has triggered violent mob attacks against Hindu families in Rangpur district’s Aldadpur village, underscoring deepening communal tensions in the country. Over two days—Saturday and Sunday—mobs vandalized and looted 15 Hindu homes, forcing residents to flee, sell their belongings, and take shelter with relatives.
The violence followed the boy’s arrest under the Cybersecurity Act after he allegedly posted derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad on Facebook. According to police, he was taken into custody around 8:30 pm Saturday after complaints were filed.
“A case was filed under the Cybersecurity Act, and the boy was later sent to a juvenile rehabilitation centre following a court order.” police officer Al Emran told Prothom Alo.
Army Deployed Amid Fear and Uncertainty
Despite the boy’s detention, mobs gathered and attacked Hindu homes, leading to the deployment of army and police units to restore order.
“Fifteen houses were damaged or looted. We are preparing a list and working on financial and other forms of support,” said Mahmud Hasan Mridha, an official who visited the village.
The attacks left victims traumatised and destitute. Many villagers reported selling their agricultural produce and livestock at distress prices to survive.
“We didn’t sleep all night,” villager Kamalakanta Roy told Prothom Alo. “We had 10–12 mon (400–480 kg) of paddy, and we’re selling it now.”
Locals said valuables, including gold jewellery and legal documents, were looted.
Pattern of Post-Hasina Violence Against Hindus
This incident reflects a larger trend of rising violence against Hindus following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August 2024. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Bangladesh recorded 200 cases of attacks across 52 districts within the first week after its removal. By October 2024, the interim government officially acknowledged 88 such cases.
While interim chief adviser Muhammad Yunus has dismissed these reports as “exaggerated propaganda,” minority communities remain under siege.
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam condemned the attacks but emphasized legal accountability:
“No one should be spared for insulting the Prophet, but justice must follow the law.”
Government Response
According to the chief adviser’s office:
“Three families, including that of the detained boy and his uncle, are staying at their relatives’ homes at a neighbouring village.”
It added:
“The repair works of the Hindu households will start from Tuesday under the supervision of the district and concerned sub-district administrations.”
This violent episode exposes the fragile state of minority rights in Bangladesh and highlights the urgent need for stronger protections, especially amid ongoing political instability.
(inputs- NDTV)
