Police have identified the culprit behind the Comilla incident that sparked violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, according to a report published in Dhaka Tribune.
Seven people were killed, temples and puja pandals vandalized, hundreds of Hindus lost their homes and businesses following the Comilla incident.
In total, 101 Hindus religious sites were desecrated and 181 Hindu shops or establishments were attacked all in the timeframe of just 6 days.
Comilla Superintendent of Police (SP) Farooq Ahmed has told the local media that a man named Iqbal Hossain, 35 yo, son of Nur Ahmed Alam from the Sujanagar area of the city has been identified through CCTV.
Iqbal kept the Holy Quran at Nanua Dighir Par puja mandap in Comilla on October 13.
In the CCTV footage, it was seen that Iqbal took the Quran from a mosque and walked to the Puja venue. Later, he was seen walking away with the Hindu God Hanuman’s club in his hand.
Comilla SP confirmed that Iqbal is absconding and could not be arrested as of Wednesday.
Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has earlier said that authorities had identified the person behind the Comilla incident.
“I hope the prime suspect in the Comilla incident will be arrested soon… he has been changing locations frequently to avoid getting caught. We’ll be able to unfold the Comilla incident once he’s arrested.”
Meanwhile, Dipu Moni, the most powerful minister of the Hasina government has hinted at Pakistan’s hand without taking its name. She told the media:
“These attacks were pre planned. It is very evident that foreign players are trying to conspire against us, sitting there. But, we have to be vigilant”.
Till now, police have filed four cases over the Comilla incident and arrested 41 people. The arrested includes four of Iqbal’s known associates.
Police arrested another person Md Foyez Ahmed, 41 yo, on October 13. He had posted a Facebook live from the Puja venue on that day.
Based on allegations of defamation of the Holy Quran at a Hindu puja mandap, violence broke out at several districts in Bangladesh during the Durga Puja celebrations.
Iqbal’s family stated that if Iqbal was really guilty, then he should be punished.
2020 Presidential candidate & former Congresswoman, Tulsi Gabbard, has condemned “hate and violence directed towards devotees of God in their temples in Bangladesh.”
Meanwhile, Twitter has suspended/deleted the official accounts of ISKCON Bangladesh and ‘Bangladesh Hindu Unity Council’.
Many people believe that this step was taken as they posted gruesome and horrific images and videos of violence against Hindus.
Many social media users have tweeted their disappointment on Twitter.
Well-known writer Tasleema Nasreen tweeted in astonishment “victim Iskcon’s account was deleted”!
Many protest rallies have been organised around the world coming together in solidarity with ISKCON members and Hindus in Bangladesh.
