Attack on Hindu families in Rangpur: Most return home assured by local admin
Repair work on the damaged houses began today (29 July) through a joint effort by the district and upazila administrations.
Nineteen of the 22 Hindu families affected by recent attacks, triggered by a Facebook post that allegedly hurt religious sentiments in Aldadpur Balapara village of Betgari union in Rangpur's Gangachara upazila, have returned home, according to local administration officials.
Repair work on the damaged houses began today (29 July) through a joint effort by the district and upazila administrations.
Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rabiul Faisal, who visited the area that day, said three families, including the one belonging to Ranjan Kumar Roy—the youth accused of posting the offensive content —and his uncle, are still staying with relatives in a nearby village.
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"I have spoken with the families and assured them of continued support," said the deputy commissioner.
He also said the situation is now under control, with both police and army personnel deployed for security.
Rangpur Superintendent of Police Md Abu Sayem said 12 houses, home to 22 families, were damaged in the attacks that followed the Facebook post.
"All male members of the other 19 families are staying in their homes. However, due to the damage, some female members have temporarily moved elsewhere with their belongings," said the SP.
He added that once repairs are complete, all residents—including the women—are expected to return.
Local representatives are working with police and administration officials to restore communal harmony in the village, he said.
On identifying those behind the attacks, SP Abu Sayem said, "We have started the process of identifying everyone involved, and legal action will be taken against those responsible."
The unrest began on the night of 26 July, after Ranjan Kumar Roy, a student of Rangpur Polytechnic Institute, was accused of sharing a Facebook post that reportedly hurt religious sentiments.
He was detained that evening after police confirmed the allegation, according to media reports.
Later that night, an angry crowd vandalised several Hindu homes in the village. Though police managed to bring the situation under control, more houses were attacked the next afternoon.
