Google Alert – Bangladesh Army
Police have arrested five people in connection with the attack on homes belonging to the Hindu community in Rangpur’s Gangachara Upazila sparked by rumours of blasphemy.
The Chief Advisor’s Office confirmed the development, citing Police Headquarters on Wednesday morning.
According to the CAO’s statement, unidentified individuals carried out vandalism, looting, and attacked police in the Hindu neighbourhood of Aldadpur Balapara village following allegations of religious defamation.
In response to the incident, Rabindranath Roy, a 55-year-old resident of Chhayani Para in Aldadpur, initiated a case at Gangachara Model Police Station, accusing up to 1,200 unidentified individuals. A joint operation under this case has so far led to the arrest of five individuals.
Earlier, on Saturday, police arrested a teenage Hindu student from Aldadpur Balapara village on charges of blasphemy.
Witnesses said that after the boy was taken into police custody, things became tense. That evening, over a hundred people from nearby areas entered the boy’s village, wielding sticks and shouting slogans. They attacked several homes.
The “angry mob” vandalised the boy’s house as well as other homes belonging to the Hindu community on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.
Later, Army personnel were deployed to the area and brought the situation under control.
Following the incident, many residents fled their homes on Monday. Some began returning on Tuesday, though fear still prevails in the village.
Rangpur Superintendent of Police Abu Sayem said Rabindranath filed the case on Tuesday night. Five people were arrested later that night in connection with the case.
The SP added that a preliminary investigation has begun, security has been heightened at the scene, and the situation is currently under control.