Mob vandalises Hindu properties in Sunamganj over alleged social media post

Following allegations that a Hindu man had hurt Muslim sentiments posting a derogatory image on Facebook, a mob in Sunamganj's Dowarabazar upazila vandalised Hindu businesses and houses last night.

Police detained one Akash Das, 21, of Manglargaon village.

Zahidul Haque, officer-in-charge of Dowarabazar Police Station, said the unrest began after a local man shared a Facebook post around 7:40pm, alleging that Akash had uploaded a "religiously offensive" photo in a comment.

"The post sparked outrage among locals, leading to protests," the OC said.

"We took Akash in custody for his safety, but the mob attacked our team attempting to snatch him. Later, they vandalised several houses, including Akash's, in Manglargaon village and several shops owned by Hindu people in the upazila town," he added.

Later, the army arrived on the spot and brought the situation under control, while local, political and Islamist leaders stepped in to calm the mob.

Coordinators of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement from Sylhet and Sunamganj visited the area early today.

Coordinator Abu Saleh Mohammad Nasim later posted a video on Facebook, claiming the violence was planned and orchestrated by members of a 'banned organisation.'

"We have credible information that Akash was influenced by individuals from a banned group, leading to these incidents that hurt both Hindus and Muslims," Nasim said.

He further alleged that the events were part of a deeper conspiracy and called for a fair investigation into the matter.