BANGLADESH

Arson attacks in Rangpur: Teenager who posted FB status arrested

The teenager whoposted the status that reportedly sparked the arson attacks in Rangpur has been arrested.

He was arrested from the Panchbibi of Joypurhat on Monday and would be produced before the court on Tuesday, Rangpur B Circle ASP Kamruzzaman told to media.

After the arrest, the teenager has been kept in police custody. A case will be filed against him at Pirganj Police Station under the Insult to Religion and Digital Security Act, the police official said.

Earlier on Monday, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal told reporters at his ministry office that those involved in the Rangpur incident were identified immediately and 45 were arrested.

He also said the incident sparked over a post on Facebook about “Kaaba Sharif” by a teenage boy.

“This incident was suddenly triggered by miscreants. There were no casualties. However, property was lost, houses were burnt. We think we identified these people immediately. With the help of locals, we have caught 45 people and efforts are underway to catch a few more,” Kamal said.

“You know, the prime minister has already instructed to take appropriate action for those who have been affected,” he added.

On Sunday night, shops and temples belonging to members of the Hindu community were set on fire by a mob in Pirganj upazila of Rangpur. Around 30 locals were injured at the time.

Police said tensions erupted after some people alleged that a Hindu man had posted religiously abusive content on Facebook.

The attacks took place after communal violence spread over in 20 districts in the past few days ignited by allegations that the Quran had been “dishonoured” at a Hindu temple during Durga Puja in Comilla.

At least six people have been killed during attacks in Chandpur, Chittagong, Noakhali, Feni and other areas.

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