Panic still grippes the people at Char Aicha of Charkawa union under
Barisal Sadar upazila following attack on religious minorities after the
killing of a college student.
At least 16 houses and 2 temples of Hindus were set on fire in the
attack on Saturday following the death of college student Parvez Gazi in
a clash between some Hindu youths and several others from Charaicha
village on Thursday night over a badminton match on the Kalikhola Matri
Government Primary School ground.
Most of the locals of the affected areas left their houses fearing
harassment after the police arrested 25 people in connection with the
incidents. The arrestees were sent to jail.
Barisal Bandar police station officer-in-charge Rezaul Islam said that
no case was lodged in connection with the killing or the arson attack.
Students formed a human chain in front of Ashwini Kumar Hall demanding
arrest of the culprits and killers of college student Parvez Gazi, They
also cautioned the police not to harass any innocent people.
Local union parishad chairman Manirul Islam Chhobi said that the overall
situation was still tensed although political leaders including
lawmaker Mojibor Rahman Sarwar visited the spot and consoled affected
family members on Sunday.
Sadar upazila chairman Azizul Huq Akkas, also the upazila BNP president,
said that they were trying to convince the minority people to return
home.
Barisal Metropolitan Police deputy commissioner (south) ATM Mujahidul Islam said that they assured the locals of safety.
The police opened a makeshift police camp in the area.
The deputy commissioner in Barisal, Shohidul Islam, said that the
administration already started relief operation with distributing cash,
food grains and construction materials. (source)