Bangladesh Assures Sushma Swaraj of Hindus’ Safety As Jamaat-E-Islami Terrorists Torch 30 Hindu Houses Over Alleged Facebook Post

Over thirty houses belonging to Hindus have been set on fire in Bangladesh after rumours spread that a Hindu minority youth posted an offensive Facebook status, reports ANI.

The situation in Thakurbari village remains tense, as a man was killed when police opened fire on a violent mob that resorted to arson attacks on Hindu homes, reported the Dhaka Tribune.

Police have arrested at least 53 people for alleged involvement in burning down homes belonging to the minority Hindu community.

Police later confirmed that the arson was carried out by Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) terrorists in Rangpur to create unrest ahead of the next parliamentary elections.

"Jamaat tried to fuel unrest as elections are nearing," Rangpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Mizanur Rahman told reporters. "Jamaat-Shibir carried out the attacks led by them. They are the instigators of the arson attacks, lootings of Hindu homes," he added.

Rahman said that four people – responsible for instigating the attacks over rumours of an offensive Facebook status – have been identified with one already being arrested. He was identified as Khaleya union Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary and Shaleyashah Jam-e-Masjid Imam Sirajul Islam.

Sirajul and others delivered provocative remarks before carrying out the attacks.

At the same time, Kotwali Police Station office in charge Babul Miah claimed that a local Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader was also involved in the incident.

Police raided the homes of three others who evaded capture and fled.

Meanwhile, Minster for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj confirmed that Bangladesh government has assured the safety of Hindus in the region. The government has also assured to pay compensation to those whose houses were burned down.