Several thousand members of the Hindu and Buddhist communities held a human chain and protest rally in Ukhiya upazila of Cox’s Bazar on Friday afternoon, demanding the withdrawal of what they called a false case against Haldiyapalong Union Parishad Chairman Imrul Kayes Chowdhury and several journalists. The demonstration took place beside the Cox’s Bazar–Teknaf highway at Morichya Guramia Garage area, with participants from various parts of Haldiyapalong Union.

Speakers at the rally alleged that a local BNP leader, Monjur Alam Member, had obstructed the construction of a market at the Morichya Bazar Central Jame Mosque. To divert attention, they claimed, a Hindu woman named Shilpi Karmakar was made the plaintiff in a case filed on January 28 at Ukhiya Police Station against the chairman, journalists, and others. They demanded the case be withdrawn within 48 hours, warning of larger protests if not addressed.

Community leaders described Imrul Kayes as a non-communal leader who maintained harmony among all faiths and urged Shilpi Karmakar to withdraw the case immediately.