Clash over Facebook post leaves one dead

A clash between law enforcers and locals has left one dead in Rangpur Sadar upazila on Friday.

At least 20 people, including four policemen, were also injured in the clash erupted over a Facebook post 'demeaning' Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PUBH).

The deceased was identified as Hasan, said Ranpur's Additional Superintendent of Police Saifur Rahman.

The police official also said Titu Chandra, a resident of Thakurbari village of the upazila, has allegedly posted a picture in his Facebook account with derogatory remarks about the Prophet (PUBH).

After getting the information, Several hundred people started protest at Pagla Pirer Bazar, adjacent to Thakurbari village, after Juma prayers on Friday demanding immediate arrest of Titu Chandra.

Later, around 8,000 people from nearby villages thronged the bazaar and marched towards Thakurbari village, a Hindu-dominated village.

The angry people vandalised and torched 8-10 houses of the Hindu community, the additional SP said.

On information, local police charged baton and fired rubber bullets, teargas to disperse the agitating people, leaving six people injured with bullets.

According to UNB, Hasan was among the injured people. He died while being moved to Rangpur Medical College Hospital, Saifur said.

Later, the local people blocked Rangpur-Syedpur road and vandalised several moving vehicles.

Saifur said additional police personnel were called in to bring the situation under control.