November 7, 2024: Tensions erupted in Chittagong, Bangladesh’s bustling port city, after a social media post by a member of the radical Islamic group Jamaat-e-Islami ignited unrest and led to a heavy-handed crackdown by security forces on the local Hindu community.

The trouble began on November 5 when Osman Ali, a member of Jamaat-e-Islami, shared derogatory comments targeting the Hindu religion and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on social media. The inflammatory post quickly spread, sparking outrage among Hindu residents in the Hazari Gali area of Chittagong. In protest, a group of Hindu locals gathered outside Ali’s shop, leading to a tense standoff.

As the situation escalated, violent clashes broke out between members of the two communities. In an attempt to restore order, the Bangladesh Army and other security forces were deployed. Eyewitnesses and local media reports indicated that security personnel used force to disperse the crowd.

Footage from the scene, shared by exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen on social media, captured chaotic scenes of security forces confronting protesters. Nasreen tweeted a video showing clashes between the military and civilians in Hazari Lane, writing: "Hazari Lane, Chittagong today. Hindus vs Military."

The video showed riot police chasing and beating protesters with batons, while some officers fired blank rounds into the air. Local news outlet Prothom Alo reported that authorities also dismantled CCTV cameras during the operation, heightening concerns about the transparency of the crackdown.

The violence led to injuries on both sides, with nine police officers reported to have been injured, including one who suffered acid burns. Authorities claimed that protesters threw bricks and acid at the security forces, escalating the confrontation.

By Tuesday, authorities had filed charges against 582 individuals in connection with the clashes, arresting 49 people. However, Hindu leaders in the area have accused the security forces of disproportionately targeting the Hindu community, arguing that the crackdown was overly punitive and indiscriminate, despite the involvement of both Hindus and Muslims in the unrest.

The incident highlights ongoing religious tensions in Bangladesh, where the Hindu minority often faces discrimination and sporadic violence. Hindu leaders and rights groups have called for a thorough investigation into the incident, with a focus on ensuring justice for all communities involved.

The situation in Chittagong remains volatile, with security forces maintaining a heavy presence in the area, while the local Hindu community seeks protection and accountability from the authorities.