By 
11-11-2024
Tanzil Amin Shuvo
Bangladesh Campaign,
Global Human Rights Defence.
On November 5th, 2024, about 20-25 people started a violent attack on a businessman’s shop at the Mia Shopping Complex on Hazari Lane, Chittagong. It started with a Facebook post allegedly shared by a businessman named Osman Ali attacking a Hindu religious organisation called the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). It apparently infuriated the nearby Hindu population, which resulted in the furious consequences by the mob.
The post, which allegedly mocked ISKCON, sparked anger from the local Hindu community, who confronted the businessman at his shop. Accusing Osman Ali of disrespecting their beliefs, the escalated mob attacked the shop and tried to seize him. Hindu businessmen in that area stepped in to protect him, closing the store and calling the police.
Intense resistance was faced by the police while they tried to settle the situation. According to witnesses, the mob threw chemicals meant to purify gold at the officials along with bricks. Six police officers, including one with severe burns, as well as at least five civilians were injured during the attack when security personnel used batons to clear the crowd. The clash continued for over two hours before additional forces and army personnel arrived to restore peace.
The police arrested 82 people connected to the attack and a further 500 suspects are under investigation. Though Ali has been taken into custody for his controversial post, it remains unclear whether the post was politically motivated or driven by personal grievances. The law enforcement officials have commenced an investigation into the incident to find out the motives behind the violence, whether they were fuelled by political or communal conflict. Although some believed that the attack could be associated with political unrest, ISKCON has denied any involvement with the mob action, condemning the violence and distancing itself from any actions taken by former members removed for misconduct.
This act of violence came amid fears of escalating communal tensions, as both local businesses and police worked to manage the situation. Following the incidents, the markets in the area, well-known for their wholesale medicine and gold trading, were shut down to prevent further violence. Police officials have confirmed that the situation is now under control but have cautioned that the investigation is ongoing.
This incident reveals the increasing issue of mob justice in Bangladesh, in which crowds often take the law into their own hands in response to allegations. Although the government has taken control, questions about the fragility of law and order in some areas of the country remains. The government must act rapidly to guarantee that such acts of violence do not go unpunished and that the rule of law is upheld. As investigations continue, the hope is that justice will prevail, and the community can begin to live in communal harmony again.
Sources and Further Reading:
CTG shop vandalised over Facebook post on Iskcon. (2024, November 5). The Business Standard. Accessed 25 November 2024. https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/ctg-shop-vandalised-over-facebook-post-iskcon-985481
Barua, P. (2024, November 6). CMP: ISKCON accused in Chittagong Hazari Lane Clash. Dhaka Tribune. Accessed 25 November 2024. https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/364400/cmp-iskcon-accused-in-chittagong-hazari-lane
‘Facebook post on iskcon’: Businessman taken into safe custody. (2024, November 6). The Daily Star. Accessed 25 November 2024. https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/facebook-post-iskcon-businessman-taken-safe-custody-3745941
9 police officials hurt, 1 sustains acid burn. (2024, November 7). New Age. Accessed 25 November 2024. https://www.newagebd.net/post/country/249651/9-police-officials-hurt-1-sustains-acid-burn
Clash erupts over Facebook post in Chattogram, 7 cops injured. (2024, November 6). Accessed 25 November 2024. Prothom Alo. https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/5yvcc6dtey
ISKCON supporters involved in Chattogram Hazari Lane clashes: Police. (2024, November 8). Daily Sun. Accessed 25 November 2024. https://www.daily-sun.com/post/775869
ISKCON supporters involved in Hazari Lane clashes: CMP. (2024, November 8). Daily Sun. Accessed 25 November 2024. https://www.daily-sun.com/printversion/details/775907
Ctg market clash: 49 arrested, trader sent to jail. (2024, November 7). The Daily Star. Accessed 25 November 2024. https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/ctg-market-clash-49-arrested-trader-sent-jail-3746861
ISKCON denies involvement in CTG violence. (2024, November 8). The Daily Star. Accessed 25 November 2024. https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/iskcon-denies-involvement-ctg-violence-3748111
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