Hathazari vandalism condemned

Speakers at a human chain yesterday protested the vandalism carried out in Hathazari area of Chittagong on Thursday and Friday and demanded arrest of and punishment to those who instigated the incident. A brawl between two groups broke out on Thursday centring a religious event and escalated into a full-fledged clash that continued in phases until section-144 was imposed on Friday afternoon.
The human chain was organised by Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Oikya Parishad, Chittagong city unit, before Chittagong Press Club. Chanting anti-communal slogans, the speakers also criticised law enforcers for not taking effective steps on time to stop the vandalism and leaders of the ruling Awami League for not rushing to the spot immediately.
“The Awami League leaders went to the spot in the afternoon on Friday but the damage had already been done,” said President of Chittagong north district unit of the parishad Gobinda Mahajan.
The parishad declared to hold an agitation rally at Chittagong Central Shaheed Miner premises today.