Attack on Hindus in Sunamganj: Citizens’ Committee visits affected homes

The National Citizens’ Committee has visited Sunamganj’s Dowarabazar Upazila after homes and shops of the Hindu community were ransacked and looted over allegations of blasphemy on Facebook.

A delegation, which arrived on Saturday morning, included committee members lawyer Manzur Al Matin, Pritom Das, and Tajnuva Zabin.

They spoke with locals in the affected areas and assessed the damage during their visit.

Later, lawyer Manzur told journalists, “Those who attacked the homes of our Hindu brothers must be brought to justice. They are obstructing the unity and harmony that the nation strives to uphold, and they need to be identified.”

"While it is crucial to ensure justice for those accused of insulting the Quran, we cannot allow such emotions to be exploited for wrongful purposes. This must not continue," he added.

On Tuesday night, a Facebook post allegedly insulting Islam led to attacks, looting, and vandalism in Monglargoan village and the nearby market of the Upazila.

Police detained 17-year-old Akash Das, a resident of the village, after some locals claimed he had left a comment insulting religion on another person's Facebook post.

Dowarabazar Police Station chief Jahidul Haque said, “The comment was made from Akash Das’s account, and we have found initial proof supporting the claim.”

He added, “A case has been filed under the Cyber Security Act, and Akash has been sent to court [Saturday].”

Lawyer Manzur said, “Local Hindu brothers told us that when the angry mob came to attack, the imam and other community members stepped up to protect their homes. We need more examples like this across the country. We need to stand by each other as brothers."

He emphasised that Hindus and Muslims in Bangladesh are like two flowers on the same branch.

“We need to support each other, no matter who we are. The Imam who came forward to protect during the attack is just one example. There are many more people like him. It’s important to remember that one person is responsible for the incident. He has been brought under the law, and we believe justice will be served. One individual’s actions don’t represent an entire community,” the lawyer said.

He concluded, “Bangladesh is home to both Hindus and Muslims. Many Indian media outlets are spreading falsehoods and rumours about the incident in this village. We must use truth as our weapon to counter these lies and stand firm against false narratives."