Three hurt while burning effigy of French president

CHUADANGA, Nov 7 (UNB): Three people including two children, sustained burn injuries while burning an effigy of France President Emmanuel Macron protesting his comments on Islam in Nehalpur village of Sadar upazila on Friday.

The injured are Milon Hossain (25), Rafi (7) and Rahamatullah (11).

Muslim devotees held a rally after Juma prayers at Nehalpur Primary School ground.

The protesters later burnt an effigy of Macron, that is when the trio were injured, said Begumpur Union Parishad Chairman Ali Hossain.

Among the injured, Milon was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital as 50 per cent of his body sustained burn injuries, he said.

Last month, France President Macron pledged to fight 'Islamist separatism', which he said was threatening to take control in some Muslim communities around France.

His comments, in addition to his backing of satirical outlets publishing caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad, has led to a social media campaign calling for the boycott of French products from supermarkets in Muslim countries.