Prophet Muhammad and Islam were allegedly insulted in a social media post by a Belgium-based migrant from Matlab South upazila of Chandpur. Following the allegations, an enraged crowd attacked his ancestral home, vandalized it, and set it on fire. Later, a case was filed under Bangladesh’s blasphemy laws.
According to the case statement and local sources, the accused, Mehedi Hasan Anonto, hails from Uttar Nagda village in Khadergaon Union of Matlab South upazila and has been living in Belgium for several years. On Saturday night, he allegedly posted offensive remarks about Prophet Muhammad and Islam from his personal Facebook account. The post quickly spread among locals, sparking outrage in the community.
On Tuesday (19 August) afternoon, the Khadergaon Union branch of Imam-Olama Oikya Parishad organized a protest rally and human chain in response to the incident. Before the program began, angry locals gathered at Hasan’s house, vandalized the property, and set it ablaze. Household belongings were completely destroyed in the fire.
Upon receiving the news, officials from Matlab South upazila administration and local police rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control. A fire service unit from Matlab South attempted to douse the flames, but the house was partially destroyed.
Following the incident, A.M. Idris Khan, General Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Matlab municipal youth wing, filed a case against Mehedi Hasan at Matlab South Police Station. Confirming the case, the station’s Officer-in-Charge (OC) Saleh Ahmad told the media:
“An FIR has been filed under the blasphemy provisions of the penal code for alleged derogatory remarks against Islam and Prophet Muhammad on Facebook. The investigation is underway. Efforts will be made to bring the accused back to Bangladesh through Interpol.”
Meanwhile, Matlab South Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Amzad Hossain stated:
“Any offensive comments about our Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) are punishable by law. However, taking the law into one’s own hands—through attacks and arson—cannot be justified. The accused will be brought under legal process, and we urge everyone to express protests peacefully and submit formal complaints.”
Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mumtahina Prithula and OC Saleh Ahmad were present on the ground to help bring the situation under control.
Publication Date: 21 August, 2025
Reports published in various newspapers on this issue: prothomalo, banglatribune, ittefaq
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