Tensions flared in Chattogram’s Hathazari on Saturday, prompting the local administration to impose Section 144. The order, signed by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Muhammad Abdullah Al Mumin, was issued late at night.
According to the order, the step was taken to protect lives and property and to maintain peace and order.
Under Section 144, from 10 pm Saturday to 3 pm Sunday, all gatherings, processions, demonstrations, and assemblies of more than five people were banned along both sides of the road from Mirer Hat to the Egaro Mile substation, and from the Upazila Gate to the Agricultural Training Institute. Carrying explosives, firearms, or any type of local weapon was also prohibited.
The unrest erupted after a youth posted a photograph on Facebook taken in front of Al-Jamiatul Ahlia Darul Uloom Muinul Islam (Hathazari Madrasa) in a pose deemed offensive.
On Saturday morning, a young man named Arian Ibrahim uploaded the photo to his Facebook account, sparking outrage and protests among the Qawmi community.
In the afternoon, madrasa students and locals staged demonstrations in Hathazari municipality, setting tires ablaze at the municipal roundabout, blocking roads, and vandalizing a bus, which brought traffic to a halt.
Clashes were later reported between madrasa students and Sunni groups, leaving several people injured.
To bring the situation under control, police intervened promptly and detained Arian Ibrahim around 7:30 pm from Fatikchhari municipal headquarters. Arian, son of Muhammad Musa of Ward 3 in the municipality, later issued a video message apologizing for his actions.
