A wave of mob violence in Bangladesh’s Rangpur district has left 15 Hindu homes damaged or looted, following a controversial Facebook post by a 17-year-old boy allegedly containing derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad. The unrest unfolded over the weekend in Aldadpur village, forcing affected families to flee their homes, sell livestock in distress, and seek shelter with relatives.
The teen, a third-semester polytechnic student, was arrested Saturday night after complaints were filed about the post. Authorities have confirmed that he has been charged under the Cybersecurity Act and was transferred to a juvenile rehabilitation centre following a court order.
Despite the boy’s arrest, violence erupted shortly after, leading to extensive property damage, looting of valuables including gold jewellery and legal documents, and mass displacement of Hindu residents. Eyewitnesses described the ordeal as terrifying. “We didn’t sleep all night,” said Kamalakanta Roy, a resident. “We had around 10–12 mon (400–480 kg) of paddy stored, and we’re now selling it under pressure.”
Security forces, including army and police, were deployed to contain the situation. Local officials, including Mahmud Hasan Mridha, confirmed damage to 15 homes and announced that financial and logistical support is being arranged for the affected families. Repair work is expected to begin under district administration supervision starting Tuesday.
The attack is part of a growing pattern of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, which has seen a sharp increase since the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, more than 200 cases of attacks on Hindu communities were recorded across 52 districts in the first week following her departure.
By October 22, the Bangladeshi interim government had officially acknowledged 88 cases of communal violence targeting Hindus. Although the government has pledged to restore order and protect minority communities, activists and residents report ongoing fear and instability.
While some officials downplayed the incidents as exaggerated, the violence has sparked international concern and widespread condemnation. National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam commented, “No one should be spared for insulting the Prophet, but justice must follow the law.”
The chief adviser’s office reported that three families, including the boy’s, are now staying in nearby villages with relatives. Community leaders are calling for stronger protections for minorities and swift justice against those responsible for the attacks.