Tensions flared in Hathazari Upazila of Chattogram district on Saturday following a Facebook post related to Eid-e-Miladunnabi, prompting the local administration to impose Section 144 in the area.
Section 144 was imposed from Mirerhat to Egaromile Substation area starting at 11:30pm Saturday and will remain in effect until 3pm Sunday.
At least 20 people were injured and several vehicles were vandalised during clashes between two groups, triggered by a controversial post made by a youth named Arian Ibrahim. The post featured a photo of him making obscene gestures during a religious procession held in observance of Eid-e-Miladunnabi. The procession had passed in front of Al-Jamiatul Islamia Darul Uloom Muinul Islam Madrasa, one of the country's largest Qawmi madrasas.
According to local sources, the image quickly went viral, sparking outrage among madrasa students and followers in Hathazari and nearby Fatikchhari. Although Arian later issued an apology through a video message, the situation escalated later that night. Agitated madrasa students blocked the Chattogram–Khagrachhari highway and vandalised multiple vehicles, resulting in at least 20 injuries.
Police detained Arian for questioning in connection with the incident.
As tension spread, madrasa authorities urged calm over loudspeakers. However, some individuals blocked the road in the Hathazari Bus Station area and vandalised several vehicles.
Madrasa authorities used loudspeakers to urge students to remain calm and return to the campus. Despite the appeals, groups of students continued their protests for several hours before dispersing following the intervention of madrasa officials.
To contain the unrest, additional police personnel have been deployed in the upazila.
Hathazari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Abdullah Al Mumin told UNB, "Considering the prevailing tension, any kind of gathering, procession or demonstration has been completely banned in the designated areas until Sunday afternoon."
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