The second day of Muslim protests took place in the Bangladeshi capital following the publication of an insulting image on social media that was considered offensive to the country’s Muslim majority.
According to the Associated Press, about 10,000 Bangladeshi Muslims demonstrated in front of the Dhaka Grand Mosque in the Bangladeshi capital for the second day in a row. People chanted “Death to the enemies of Islam.” The publication of photos of the Holy Quran next to a statue in a Hindu temple has sparked protests by Muslims across Bangladesh over the past two days.
“We call on the government to arrest those who insulted the Holy Quran by placing it next to a statue,” said Mossadegh al-Madani, head of the Islamic Movement of Bangladesh.
He added that the protesters are demanding the death sentence for the perpetrators. Police say at least two Hindus were killed in Friday’s attacks.
Thousands of Bangladeshi Muslims gathered in the capital after Friday prayers to face police brutality. Security forces used tear gas and batons to disperse the protesters. Dhaka police deputy said at least three people were arrested in the clashes and taken to the police station for questioning. Protesters hurled stones at police.
Protesters also chanted slogans against Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Husseini, accusing him of having close ties to India.
Bangladeshi officials have ordered an extensive investigation into the images posted on social media. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh has also warned against any attempt to disrupt social order and coexistence between Hindus and Muslims.
