Clash over Facebook post leaves 120 injured in Hathazari; Section 144 imposed

At least 120 people were injured when a clash broke out last night between students of Al-Jamiatul Ahlia Darul Ulum Moinul Islam Hathazari Madrasa and supporters of Jashne Julus in Hathazari upazila of Chattogram, centring a Facebook post.

Police said the clash started around 8:00pm near the Hathazari bus stand and continued intermittently until midnight, during which several passenger buses were vandalised.

Chattogram Range DIG Ahsan Habib Palash told The Daily Star that the clashes erupted following a Facebook post about the madrasa, which escalated as large groups joined from both sides.

"The man who posted an abusive photo about the Darul Ulum madrasa was arrested earlier by Fatikchhari police, before the clashes broke out," he said.

Hospital and police sources confirmed that at least 120 people were injured. Among them, 107 were treated at Hathazari Upazila Health Complex, while 11 were admitted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, said Additional Superintendent of Police Kazi Tarek Aziz of Hathazari circle.

To prevent further unrest, the district administration imposed Section 144 from Egaromile to Mirer Hut Bazar, banning all gatherings until 3:00pm today.

Police said army personnel were deployed around 11:30pm and persuaded the groups to disperse, bringing the situation under control.

An emergency meeting has been scheduled for 4:00pm today at the office of the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) to review the situation and decide on further measures to maintain peace.