An intense clash broke out near the Hathazari Madrasa in Chattogram after a young man posted an offensive photo on Facebook, showing an indecent gesture in front of the madrasa, which left more than 200 madrasa students reportedly injured.

Of the injured students, thirty have been sent to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH).

Local administration has imposed Section 144 in the Hathazari municipal area to bring the situation under control.

The incident started on Saturday (6 September) during a procession celebrating Eid-e-Miladunnabi. As the rally passed by the Hathazari Madrasa on its way to Chattogram city, a young man named Arian Ibrahim allegedly made an “indecent” gesture targeting the madrasa, sparking tension in the area.

Currently, high tension is prevailing in the entire region. Road communication between Chattogram, Hathazari, and Khagrachhari has been suspended.

The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Hathazari, Muhammad Abdullah Al Mumin, said that Arian Ibrahim, accused of insulting the mosque and madrasa, has been arrested. Section 144 has been imposed in Hathazari to control the situation.

The UNO urged everyone to remain calm and not allow third parties to take advantage of the situation.

He also assured that strict legal action would be taken against the accused.

Kazi Tareq Aziz, Additional Superintendent of Police (Hathazari Circle) of Chattogram District, told the media that the upazila administration has imposed Section 144. Efforts are underway to calm both sides through negotiations with local leaders, as the two groups were in a confrontational state.