By 
Amrit K. Tamber
Firefighters putting out a fire. Source: ©Oscar Sanchez/Pexels, 2024.
The torching of a Hindu man’s house in Tangail, following an offensive Facebook post, reignites concerns over the involvement of social media in religious violence across Bangladesh.
Tensions arose in Basail Upazila in Tangail after Shankar Saha (44), a Hindu man, made a Facebook comment which was deemed offensive by other locals, leading to the vandalism of his home. Saha, who is now in police custody, had allegedly made a remark that was perceived to be disrespectful to Islam, prompting a group of villagers to attack his house on Sunday night.
Police say they are investigating both the digital post and the mob attack. A case has been filed against 12 named and 20-25 unnamed individuals for their role in the violence. Human rights advocates warn that digital provocations are increasingly being used as pretexts for attacks on minorities which reflects the dangerous breakdown surrounding religious tolerance.
This incident echoes a troubling pattern arising in Bangladesh, where rumours and social media posts have triggered a mob-like mentality of justice against religious minorities. Activists are calling for stronger safeguards against hate speech and misinformation, along with more robust protections for vulnerable communities.
Sources and Further Reading:
The Daily Star. (2025, April 1). Hindu man’s house vandalised in Tangail over Facebook comment.https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/crime-justice/news/hindu-mans-house-vandalised-tangail-over-facebook-comment-3860936
OpIndia Staff. (2025, March 31). House of Hindu man Shankar Saha vandalised, Goddess Lakshmi photo burnt in Sakhipur, Tangail, Bangladesh: Details. OpIndia. https://www.opindia.com/news-updates/house-of-hindu-man-shankar-saha-vandalised-goddess-lakshmi-photo-burnt-sakhipur-tangail-bangladesh-details/
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