Tensions are running high in Bangladesh’s port city Chittagong. Reports say the Bangladeshi security forces attacked Hindus after they held protests over a social media post. This comes after a Muslim trader’s alleged derogatory post against the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and Sanatana Dharma.
Major violent clashes erupted in Chittagong, following a controversial social media post, drawing intense unrest in the area. The Bangladeshi army and joint security forces were deployed to maintain law and order in the city’s southeastern Hazari Gali neighborhood late Tuesday.
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This was due to a Facebook post by a local Muslim trader, Osman Ali who is an alleged member of Jamaat-e-Islami, an Islamic fundamentalist group in Bangladesh. He allegedly defamed the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), igniting anger among the Hindu community.
This led to confrontations and a large protest outside Osman’s shop. According to reports, Osman Ali’s post labeled ISKCON as a “terrorist organization” and called for its ban all over Bangladesh. This cryptic post provoked outrage within the Hindu community.
They staged protests outside Ali’s shop in Hazari Gali, a neighborhood known for its Hindu majority and jewelry businesses. Angered by Ali’s remarks, Hindu residents gathered in large numbers, demanding action against Osman.
Meanwhile the Bangladeshi authorities acted quickly, placing Osman and his brother in protective custody to prevent any further escalation. However, the situation quickly escalated as tensions spread, leading the army, police, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to conduct a joint operation.
According to reports, security forces began using batons, and blank shots were allegedly fired to disperse the crowd. Additionally, there were claims of acid and glass being thrown at the law enforcement officers from surrounding buildings, leaving several soldiers and policemen injured, including 5 soldiers and 7 police officers.
Amidst this a local Hindu leader alleged that joint forces conducted a raid in Hazari Gali, arresting around 100 people. Some of those detained were later released after questioning. However, the situation remained tense, with military and police forces patrolling the whole area.
Reports also suggest that Eyewitnesses from the neighborhood described scenes of chaos. Footages circulating on social media shows security forces chasing the Hindu protesters and clashing with the crowd. Exiled author Taslima Nasreen also posted a video of the violence on social media, expressing her concern over the turmoil in Chittagong.
Due to a power outage during the operation, details of the raid were limited. Reports indicate that some security officers attempted to dismantle CCTV cameras in the area, making it harder to gather full information on the incident.
However as the clashes and violence escalated, businesses in the predominantly Hindu neighborhood shut down, and the joint security team continued to do door-to-door searches, detaining individuals believed to be involved in the protest.
In addition, the law enforcement officials claim to have filed a case naming 582 individuals allegedly involved in the protest. Among which 49 of them were under arrest as of Wednesday. Authorities stated they were reviewing CCTV footage and working with local intelligence to identify more suspects and ensure accountability.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Ferdous Ahmed of the joint forces stated in a press briefing that tensions escalated when the crowd gathered outside Osman Ali’s shop, resulting in violent clashes.
He also explained that officers were forced to intervene as the protest became increasingly unruly, noting that the acid-throwing incident severely injured several law enforcement personnel. Ahmed confirmed that additional detentions were expected, with efforts underway to hold accountable those responsible for inciting violence.
Now amidst this some Hindu community leaders have voiced their concerns over alleged targeting of Hindu residents during the crackdown. They claimed that despite tensions involving both communities, security forces were disproportionately aggressive towards the Hindu establishments.
According to reports police attacks on Hindu residents have drawn further criticism and heightened fears among the minority community. Many residents in Hazari Gali reportedly remain indoors, fearing additional police raids.
These recent events of violence in Chittagong reflect ongoing challenges for the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s government has now shifted to an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. This comes after sheikh Hasina the 76-year-old leader suddenly left the country after weeks of student-led protests that were met with violence in early August
Sheikh Hasina resigned after weeks-long protests that killed nearly 300 people. Since Hasina’s departure, there has been increased unrest, particularly among the Hindu minority, who comprise around 8 percent of Bangladesh’s population of 170 million. Historically, this community has supported the Awami League, Hasina’s party, due to its more inclusive stance on minority rights.
Recently the calls for a ban on ISKCON have grown louder from certain Islamist factions in Bangladesh. The “Inqilab Manch” group recently advocated for the prohibition of ISKCON activities in the country.
Due to the increase in violent clashes ISKCON spokesperson Radharaman Das appealed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He urged him to address the attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh and offer diplomatic support.
“The situation in Chittagong is deeply disturbing. Reports indicate that Hindus are being targeted, and the army is siding with the opposing group. “We ask Prime Minister Modi to intervene urgently to protect the Hindu community,” Das said, expressing concerns about the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh.”
Chief Adviser of the interim government Yunus, condemned the incident. He pledged to work closely with community leaders to de-escalate tensions and ensure safety for all citizens. However, The hindu residents in Chittagong continue to face uncertainty as tensions remain high and the possibility of further conflict looms.
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