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Fear has spread in Aldadpur village in Rangpur, northern Bangladesh, after a teenage boy’s Facebook post allegedly showed disrespect towards Prophet Muhammad. The 17-year-old boy, a polytechnic student, was arrested quickly on Saturday night after complaints were made. Despite his arrest, angry crowds still attacked the village, targeting Hindu homes and causing serious damage.
Police confirmed that the boy was taken into custody under the Cybersecurity Act and later sent to a juvenile rehabilitation center by court order. However, tensions continued to rise after his arrest.
After the arrest, a large group gathered and began damaging houses in the Hindu area, including the homes of the teenager's relatives. By Sunday afternoon, following midday prayers, another large mob entered the village and attacked again. Around 15 houses were looted or destroyed. Police tried to control the situation, but several officers were injured, and one was taken to hospital.
The army was later sent to the village to stop the violence. Patrols were started around key areas, such as the local school and market, where mobs had gathered earlier. Local officials visited the village and promised support for the affected families.
Many Hindu families, now afraid for their lives, are leaving the village. People are selling rice, animals, and whatever else they can to escape quickly. Villagers told reporters they haven’t eaten properly and are living in fear. One man said his house was looted, and legal papers and jewelry were stolen. Another said he brought his cows and goats inside the house to protect them from being taken.
Schools remained empty on Monday. Teachers said most students, who are Hindu, did not attend as they were staying away for safety. Despite all the damage, no arrests were made, and no police complaint had been filed against the attackers as of Monday. Right now, the village is quiet but full of fear. Many families don’t know if it’s safe to return, and those who stayed behind are struggling to recover.