Dhaka, (UNI) In another targeted attack on the Hindu community in Bangladesh, several shops and houses belonging to Hindus were looted and vandalised by a mob in Sunamganj district’s Dowarabazar area yesterday, allegedly following an “offensive” Facebook post made by a local Hindu youth.
The attacks took place between the hours of evening and midnight. The Bangladesh Army brought the situation under control by 2:30 am, according to Business Standard Bangladesh.
Stating that the person who made the post has been arrested, the Dowrabazar’s Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zahidul Haque said “We are trying to identify the attackers. If a complaint is filed, then we will take legal actions.”
Locals said a group brought out a procession over the alleged offensive Facebook post during which they attacked the houses and shops belonging to the minority community.
While the leaders of the minority Hindu community said that dozens of their houses and shops were vandalised and looted, the Bangladesh government has downplayed the incident.
“At least 30 houses in the village were vandalised Tuesday night. Then, they (attackers) brought out a procession in the local kitchen market area and vandalised over 100 shops. They also looted 4-5 gold shops,” said Dowarabazar Loknath Mandir Management Committee General Secretary Khokan Roy.
He added that the protesting attackers ransacked the Loknath temple, causing damages of up to Tk20 lakh ($ 16,725.57 ).
Khokan also alleged that the residence and family temple of a local Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council leader, Gaur Das, was attacked that night.
The local administration has however downplayed the incident, claiming exaggerated figures and said the attack wasn’t large and “only a few establishments” were damaged.
“A few houses have been attacked and vandalised. But we are yet to confirm exactly how many houses were attacked. The situation is under control now,” said Dowarabazar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Meher Nigar Tonu.
“Nothing big happened. A vested quarter is deliberately trying to exaggerate the incident. The area is now under the control of the local administration,” said Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Md Ilias Mia.
The attacks on the Hindu community have seen a marked rise under the Mohammed Yunus led army-backed interim government, with several incidents of mob violence and vandalism being reported, and a largely indifferent response against perpetrators by law enforcement authorities.
India has called upon the Bangladesh government to ensure the safety and security of the Hindu and other minority community members and their properties.
