Rural doctor arrested over alleged blasphemous remarks in Chattogram

Police arrested a rural doctor in the Bangla Bazar area of Chambal Union under Chattogram's Banshkhali Upazila last night (9 June) over allegations of making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). 

The arrest was made outside the man's residence at around 10pm.

The arrested individual was identified as Pranab Chowdhury, a resident of Ward 2 in Chambal Union's Chowdhury Bari, who reportedly made offensive comments that went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage among the local Muslim community. 

The incident led to heightened tensions in the area.

Hearing the news, Banshkhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Jamshedul Alam and Banshkhali Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Saiful Islam visited the scene, assuring an agitated crowd that legal action would be taken against the accused.

Despite the arrest, locals gathered outside the police station later at night, holding a procession and chanting slogans demanding severe punishment for Pranab.

OC Saiful said a joint operation involving the police, army, and upazila administration that led to Pranab's arrest brought the situation under control. 

Describing the incident, UNO Jamshedul said, "The doctor allegedly made a derogatory comment on Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during a conversation with a local yesterday evening. It soon spread in the locality, enraging the Muslim community."

"Hundreds of local residents gathered in the Bangla Bazar area, chanting slogans and demanding the doctor's arrest," he added. 

"Upon receiving information, we, along with army personnel and police officials, rushed to the spot. Later, the doctor was arrested. The situation is now under control," said Jamshedul, adding that a potential violence was avoided through coordinated efforts. 

"Police are now preparing to file a case against the accused under the blasphemy act," said the UNO.