Section 144 has been imposed in Hathazari after violent clashes erupted over a controversial Facebook post. The local administration issued the order on Saturday evening, effective from 10 p.m. Saturday until 3 p.m. Sunday.
The restriction applies to areas from Meererhat to the 11-mile substation and from the Upazila Gate to the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Hathazari, including both sides of the roads and nearby areas. During this period, all forms of gatherings, processions, protests, and the carrying of explosives, firearms, or any other weapons are prohibited, along with any assembly of five or more individuals.
The unrest began around 8 p.m. on Saturday when a young man, identified as Arian Ibrahim, posted an objectionable video on Facebook targeting the Hathazari Grand Mosque. The video spread rapidly, inciting anger among students of Darul Ulum Moinul Islam Madrasa and local residents. In retaliation, madrasa students blocked roads in Hathazari, disrupting traffic on both the Chattogram-Khagrachari and Chattogram-Rangamati highways for several hours.
The protests turned violent as demonstrators vandalized vehicles participating in the Jashne Julus procession.
Arian Ibrahim was arrested by district police for his controversial post. However, the situation worsened when clashes broke out between two groups—one supporting the protesters and the other opposing them. Nearly 50 people were injured in the scuffles, with many engaging in physical confrontations using sticks and throwing bricks.
Madrasa students also set fire to roads as part of their protests, with senior teachers intervening to calm the situation.
Police have since reinforced their presence in the area to restore order and prevent further violence.
