Police in Bangladesh’s Rangpur city have arrested 53 people after a mob looted and set fire to 30 houses belonging to people from the Hindu community on Friday, the Dhaka Tribune reported on Sunday.
The mob had gone on a rampage in Thakurbari village of Rangpur after news spread of a rumoured Facebook post insulting Prophet Mohammad. Police had opened fire to subdue the angry mob, killing one person. Two cases have been filed at the Kotwali and Gangachara police stations.
Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Wahiduzzaman said they had formed a three-member committee to look into the incident. The panel has been asked to submit its report within a week.
Dulali Rani, one of the victims, described the mob’s fury to the Dhaka Tribune. “A mob came to our neighbourhood on Friday afternoon and started ransacking our home without any provocation,” he said. “They burned everything, even my cooking pots. We do not have a place to sleep at night, and no way to cook food. They even took our cattle.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police Saifur Rahman said the situation in Thakurbari village was now under control.
Buy an annual Scroll Membership to support independent journalism and get special benefits.
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!