Tension eases at Hathazari after clashes over Jashn-e-Julus procession

Tension at Hathazari in Chattogram district subsided on Sunday following a violent clash between madrasa students and Sunni procession participants, after local administration held a successful reconciliation meeting to restore order. 

The unrest began Saturday evening when a Sunni youth allegedly made provocative gestures near Darul Uloom Hathazari Madrasa during a Jashn-e-Julus procession, sparking outrage among students.

In response, upazila administration imposed Section 144 around 10 PM and a heavy deployment of police and army personnel brought the situation under control by midnight. 

Students eventually returned to their madrasa premises at the request of security forces.

The violence led to vandalism of shops at Hathazari bus station area. By Sunday afternoon, a peace meeting was convened at Hathazari Upazila Parishad auditorium, chaired by UNO Md Abdullah Al Mumin and attended by senior law enforcement and civil officials. Both parties agreed to maintain peace and embraced as a sign of reconciliation.

Earlier in the day, both sides held separate press conferences to present their versions of the incident. 

At Darul Uloom Hathazari, madrasa leaders alleged that tombs of respected scholars were attacked with stones and at least 175 students were injured, 30 of them critically. 

They demanded justice, medical care for the injured and compensation for affected shop owners. 

Meanwhile, Sunni leaders held their own briefing, calling for Aryan’s release and urging an end to harassment of their supporters.

The clash reportedly began when madrasa students confronted Aryan for what they described as obscene gestures. 

In response to their complaints, police arrested Aryan from Fatikchhari. 

Although he issued a public apology, the situation escalated with reports of a passenger bus being vandalized by angry students, leading to widespread unrest.

Law enforcement officials have confirmed that while no formal case has yet been filed, legal action is under review. 

Authorities have urged all parties to respect each other’s sentiments and ensure peaceful coexistence going forward.

UN/SH