Citizens’ committee demands justice for attacks on houses of Hindus in Sunamganj
Local Hindu residents informed the committee that the local imam and others came to the aid of their neighbours, protecting their homes from the angry mob
The National Citizens' Committee has demanded justice for the attacks on houses of Hindu community at a village in Sunamganj's Doarabazar Upazila allegedly over posting defamatory remarks on social media about the Quran.
A delegation of the Citizens' Committee, including its members lawyer Manjur Al Matin, Pritom Das and Tajnubha Jabin, visited the Manglargaon Village this afternoon (7 December) and talked with locals regarding the attacks.
"Those responsible for the attacks on the homes of Hindus must be prosecuted," Manjur Al Matin said during today's visit.
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He went on to say, "Such actions are detrimental to national unity and the ongoing efforts to safeguard it. The perpetrators must be identified and held accountable."
Manjur also said, "It is imperative to ensure justice for those who have insulted the Quran. Otherwise, attempts to incite religious hatred and division will persist. Such actions must not be permitted."
He also noted, "Local Hindu residents informed us that the local imam and others came to the aid of their neighbours, protecting their homes from the angry mob. These acts of interfaith harmony should be encouraged throughout Bangladesh. We must stand united as a nation, regardless of religious differences."
On Tuesday night (3 December), an incident of attacks, looting, and vandalism reportedly took place in Manglargaon village and the upazila sadar market of Doarabazar Upazila, allegedly in response to a Facebook post deemed offensive to religious sentiments.
Akash Das, 17, a resident of Manglargaon village, was arrested by police on suspicion of making the post.
Doarabazar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zahidul confirmed that preliminary evidence suggests the post originated from Akash Das's Facebook account.
A case has been filed under the Cyber Security Act.
The situation in the area has now returned to normalcy, with increased security measures implemented by the police and army, said the OC.
