Police have arrested a 17-year-old student in Rangpur after a Facebook post he allegedly made about Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) sparked violent unrest and led to attacks on at least 15 Hindu homes in the Gangachara area.
The teenager was taken into custody Saturday evening in Aldadpur village under Betgari union. By Sunday, mobs had damaged homes, police officers were injured, and the army had to be deployed to stabilize the situation.
According to local authorities, the accused is a third-year student at Ideal Institute of Technology in Rangpur. He allegedly shared a Facebook status and image that was considered derogatory. The post quickly circulated across Aldadpur and the wider Gangachara upazila, prompting outrage.
Police moved in to arrest the teen around 6:30pm Saturday, taking him to Gangachara police station by 8pm.
But the situation escalated.
Crowds gathered outside his home, demanding punishment. Protesters attacked the house during a march. Hours later, at about 10:30pm, the teen’s grandfather’s home was also vandalized by another group. Property was looted, and the elderly man reported personal losses.
Gangachara police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Al Emran said a complaint had been received and the content of the Facebook post was verified.
“He was arrested at his home,” Emran said. “A case has been filed under the Cyber Security Act and the Penal Code.”
Police were present at the scene until early morning, but unrest resumed on Sunday afternoon. Based on reports that more protests could follow Zuhr prayers, authorities deployed extra police and sought army assistance.
Around 3:30pm, another wave of violence unfolded. Several Hindu homes were damaged again. Officers tried to disperse the attackers.
Constable Ali Hossain was seriously injured in the clashes and is now hospitalized. Several other officers sustained minor injuries.
Local ward member Paresh Chandra confirmed that around 15 Hindu houses were damaged or looted. Victims included Dhoroni Kanto Mohonto, Dhananjay Kumar, Atul Chandra, Kamala Kanto, and Krishak Chandra.
While the army managed to restore order by late afternoon, residents reported lingering fear and tension.
On Sunday, the accused teen was presented before Judge Anupam Roy at Rangpur’s Women and Children Repression Prevention Court-2, which also handles juvenile cases.
The court ordered that the boy be sent to the Ideal Mor RK Road Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre. The next hearing is scheduled for August 27, confirmed General Recording Officer Farukh Ahmed.
The area is still under tight security. Police say they’re working to maintain order and stop any new violence.
