Dhaka: A clash erupted between the Hindu community and law enforcement in Chittagong following a controversial Facebook post that criticized the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The violence led to a joint operation by police and army forces on Tuesday night.

According to local reporter Saifuddin Tuhin, a Muslim youth reportedly uploaded a Facebook post demanding the banning of ISKCON, sparking protests from the Hindu community. The protests escalated into clashes, with demonstrators throwing bricks and other objects at the police. In response, joint law enforcement teams carried out an operation to restore order.

A Hindu community leader added that the youth, identified as Osman, posted on Facebook calling for a ban on ISKCON. Tensions escalated when authorities arrived, with allegations that acid was thrown at law enforcement officers.

The operation saw the joint forces raid the Hazari Goly area, arresting approximately 100 suspects, some of whom were later released after questioning. Power outages during the operation hindered the gathering of complete details about the incident, according to the leader.

Reports from local media, including Prothom Alo, indicated that blank shots were fired during the operation.

The incident comes amid growing calls to ban ISKCON in Bangladesh. Recently, a group known as "Inqilab Manch" demanded the organization’s ban. In response, ISKCON leaders in Dhaka demanded an apology from Mahmudur Rahman, the editor of "Amar Desh," who also called for the ban.

Hindus, who make up around 8% of Bangladesh’s population, have traditionally supported the Awami League party, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The government has faced criticism and unrest, including violent clashes with anti-quota protesters last month, which resulted in over 600 deaths.

On August 5, a student-led movement forced Hasina to step down, leading to her flight to India and the establishment of an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus. (ANI)