A Clash Over Allegations: Religious Tensions Erupt at Kadirdi Degree College
On October 28, 2024, a violent incident unfolded at Kadirdi Degree College in Boalmari Upazila, Faridpur district, Bangladesh. A Hindu student, Hriday Pal (19), found himself at the center of a storm when allegations surfaced that he had posted derogatory comments about the Islamic prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on Facebook. This accusation led to widespread unrest on campus, escalating into violence and the intervention of law enforcement authorities, including the army.
The Origins of the Controversy
The controversy began with a Facebook account named “Krishna Das Rahul,” which allegedly posted offensive content about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Umm-e-Hani (RA), Aisha (RA), and the Kaaba. Many students suspected that Hriday Pal was behind the account and, acting on this suspicion, physically assaulted him. College authorities intervened, detaining Hriday in the office for questioning. However, the situation quickly spiraled out of control as news spread across the campus and surrounding areas.
Previous Allegations and Arrests
According to the college principal, Md. Nuruzzaman Molla, this was not the first time Hriday Pal had faced such accusations. About five months earlier, he had been arrested under similar allegations when a controversial post emerged from the same Facebook account. At that time, Hriday maintained his innocence, claiming that his Facebook account had been hacked and that he was not responsible for the post. Despite the absence of conclusive evidence linking him to the account, he was jailed and later released.
Escalation of Violence and Mass Protest
By midday on October 28, news of the alleged blasphemy had spread beyond the college premises. Residents from Kadirdi and other nearby villages, including students from local madrasas, gathered in large numbers, demanding immediate action against Hriday Pal. The demonstrators encircled the principal’s office, chanting slogans and calling for severe punishment. The protest turned violent, with enraged individuals vandalizing classroom windows, flower pots, and several motorcycles parked on campus.
Military and Police Intervention
As the situation escalated, local authorities took swift action to prevent further chaos. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tanvir Hasan Chowdhury, Boalmari police officers, and a contingent of army personnel from Faridpur arrived at the scene. Their intervention led to Hriday’s detention under controversial circumstances. Witnesses reported that security forces blindfolded him, bound his hands, and publicly assaulted him before forcibly taking him away to the Faridpur army camp. Reports indicate that he was subjected to further physical abuse, including being kicked and beaten with batons while being transported.
Hriday Pal’s Defense: Claims of Innocence
Hriday Pal maintains that he has not used a mobile phone for over five months and that his Facebook account had been hacked two years ago. He asserts that any offensive post allegedly linked to him was made by an unknown individual. According to him, police investigations had previously found no evidence of his involvement.
Local journalists and community members also raised doubts about the accusations. Investigative reports indicate that the Facebook account in question, “Krishna Das Rahul,” does not directly link to Hriday Pal. Even Boalmari police confirmed that they had no concrete proof that he personally made the alleged post. Despite these uncertainties, the renewed outrage led to his arrest under Section 54 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which allows law enforcement to detain individuals on suspicion alone.
A Cycle of Persecution and Fear
The incident has sparked broader concerns about religious intolerance and minority persecution in Bangladesh. Human rights activists argue that Hriday Pal’s case reflects a dangerous pattern where mere accusations can lead to mob violence, state-sanctioned abuse, and legal action without substantial evidence. His past experiences illustrate a cycle of repeated accusations and detentions without due process, raising questions about the protection of religious minorities in Bangladesh.
The Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
Following Hriday’s detention, law enforcement sent his previously used mobile phone for forensic examination in Dhaka. Meanwhile, his family remains in fear, and security forces have been deployed near their residence to prevent further unrest. Local officials, including UNO Tanvir Hasan Chowdhury, have assured that the situation is now under control. However, the controversy remains unresolved as investigators continue to assess the origins of the alleged Facebook post.
A Reflection on Religious Tensions in Bangladesh
Hriday Pal’s case highlights the fragile relationship between religious freedom and social harmony in Bangladesh. It raises critical questions about the impact of misinformation, the vulnerability of religious minorities, and the role of state institutions in preventing mob justice. As the legal process unfolds, the outcome will likely have lasting implications on how similar cases are handled in the future.
The incident at Kadirdi Degree College serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of religious sensitivities in Bangladesh, where an allegation—whether true or false—can trigger violence, endanger lives, and challenge the principles of justice and due process.
