CHATTOGRAM, Nov 7: The police filed a case following an attack on Joint Security Forces in Hazari Lane, a Hindu-dominated area, after a Facebook post about a religious organisation sparked riots.
Sub-Inspector Mizanur Rahman of Kotwali Police Station, filed the case on Wednesday night implicating 49 people alongside 500-600 unidentified suspects.
He registered the case with the charges of obstructing security personnel from performing their duties and carrying out acid attacks.
Fazlul Quader Chowdhury, Officer-in-Charge of Kotwali Police Station confirmed the filing of the case.
Meanwhile, Chattogram Mettropolitan Police (CMP) sources said 49 people have been arrested in connection with the case.
Of the 82 people initially detained by joint forces on Tuesday night, 33 were released after verification.
Meanwhile, tensions mounted in Hazari Lane area after Osman Molla, a shop owner in the area posted a 'satirical' comment targeting the Hindu organisation ISKCON on Facebook. The post drew the ire of the local Hindu community, who gathered outside Osman's shop on Tuesday night.
When police attempted to take Osman into custody, the mob reportedly became agitated, and some allegedly chased the police.
The case report mentions that the crowd threw bricks at the Joint Force members and even sprinkled acid from above.
Meanwhile the Sanatan Jagaran Mancha postponed their programme for 15 days. The organization has been observing agitration programme across the country to materialize their 8-point demand.
Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson for Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha commented, "The present government has already accepted some of our demands including extension of Puja holidays."
Besides, the BNP expelled the BNP leader who filed a sedition case against the Sanatan Jagaran Mancha, he said.
He also commented that a vested quarter has been trying to create an unstable situation in the country on the recent incident at Hazari Lane in Chattogram.
Meanwhile, five army personnel and seven police officers were injured when they were attacked by a section of people at Hazari Lane of Chattogram on Tuesday night.
Earlier the Sanatan Jagaran Mancha had started agitation programme on their 8-point demand which include: Establishment of a Special Tribunal - For swift trials in cases of minority persecution, including compensation and rehabilitation for victims. Enactment of a Minority Protection Law - To ensure security and rights for minority communities.
Creation of a Ministry for Minority Affairs - To address the specific needs and issues of minority groups. Upgrade of the Hindu Welfare Trust to a Hindu Foundation - And similar upgrades for the Buddhist and Christian Welfare Trusts. Laws to Recover and Protect Debottar (Temple) Properties - Alongside proper enforcement of the Vested Property Return Act. Prayer Rooms in Educational Institutions - To accommodate minority religious practices in all schools, colleges, and hostels. Modernization of Sanskrit and Pali Education Boards - To enhance educational resources for these communities. Five-Day Public Holiday for Durga Puja - Recognizing this important religious festival for the Hindu community.
Bangladesh Sanatan Jagran Manch (Unified Platform for Realising the Rights of Sanatans) is led by the saints and Sadhus of Hindu Community.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha organized a divisional rally at Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram last Friday, calling for minority rights. The rally also pressed for the implementation of an 8-point demand.
