Many residents of Sunamganj’s Monglargaon have fled to safer locations in fear after allegations of a religious insult on Facebook sparked an attack on the village. Those who stayed behind are under heavy security, with law enforcement and military personnel providing regular reassurance.
Although, following the attack on the Hindu minorities on the night of 2nd of December, personnel of Bangladesh Police and the Army have been deployed in the area. But, still a sense of insecurity and fear have been there among the Hindu minorities.
Many families have already sent their wives and daughters to another areas, mainly to their relatives’ homes.
Some local Hindus said that in the afternoon of the 2nd of December, a meeting was held at the Dowarabazar Upazila council hall, bringing together people from all religions and professions, including the Hindu community. Authorities used the meeting to emphasise the importance of peace and reaffirm their commitment to ensuring everyone’s safety.
Later in the evening, an angry mob in the Dowarabazar area held a protest, demanding the arrest of Akash Das. The procession began at the Upazila headquarters and headed towards Monglargaon. This led to an outbreak of violence and vandalism.
“The Facebook comment was made from the ID of Akash Das, a student at Dowarabazar Degree College. The police have verified the authenticity of the claim. A case has been filed under the cyber law, and he has been arrested and sent to court,” Dowarabazar Police Station chief Jahidul Haque told reporters.
