Joy Sarkar, a 22-year-old Hindu youth, has been arrested by police over his allegedly “religiously offensive” remarks on social media, reported Hindu Voice. The incident transpired on 26th December in Ward Number 11 of Alipur in the Faridpur District of Bangladesh, just one week after Dipu Chandra Das was lynched to death by an Islamist mob. Sarkar had written, “Sanatana Dharma is the oldest religion,” on Facebook, triggering the police action over claims of blasphemy.
Police sources stated that a post about Islamic history was shared on Facebook under the username “Arafatul Ashik” at around 8:05 pm. Joy Sarkar, the son of Shankar Kumar Sarkar, referred to Hinduism as the oldest religion in the world in the comments section, which was considered “blasphemous,” according to several people familiar with the issue.
After being circulated in a Messenger group called “Loge achi.com,” the screenshots rapidly spread around social media. The pictures went viral in a matter of hours. Tensions erupted around the area as online outrage intensified. The authorities acted hurriedly to uphold law and order, as Sarkar was taken into custody by Kotwali Police that same evening.
19-year-old Mohammad Sarafat Ahmed Shubho launched a formal complaint at Kotwali Police Station on 27th December. He claimed to be doing so “on behalf of all citizens of Faridpur district.” Police informed that Sarkar continues to be behind bars, and the accusations are being looked into. Officer-in-Charge threatened with “strict legal action” if the allegations are proven.
Additionally, police announced their zero-tolerance policy for any behaviour that “hurts religious sentiments,” warning that those responsible for such acts would not be spared.
