Panic has gripped Aldadpur village in Gangachara, Rangpur, after a violent mob attacked and vandalized at least 14 homes belonging to members of the Hindu community. The attacks followed the arrest of a local teenage boy accused of posting derogatory content about the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on Facebook. While the teenager has been taken into custody under the Cyber Security Act, residents say they have been left unprotected in the face of repeated mob violence.
According to local accounts and police, the teenager was arrested around 8:30 PM on Saturday, following online complaints. That same night, angry mobs gathered in front of his home and later launched attacks on surrounding houses, including those of his relatives. Despite the arrival of police and army personnel, the violence resumed on Sunday afternoon, resulting in injuries to a police constable and the destruction of homes, livestock theft, and looting of valuables. Women and children have been seen fleeing the area, with families removing household belongings, food supplies, and animals in fear of further violence.
No arrests have been made in connection with the attacks. Schools with majority-Hindu student populations in the area remained empty, and many residents have taken shelter with relatives. Local officials say they are investigating the involvement of outsiders from Nilphamari district and are working to provide emergency assistance to the affected families. Human rights advocates have called for immediate action, stressing that communal attacks must not be tolerated under any circumstances and that protection of religious minorities must be guaranteed by the state.
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