The High Court on Wednesday asked authorities why the administration failed to provide security to people during communal attacks on Buddhist localities, vandalism and torching of temples in Cox's Bazar and Chittagong.

The bench of justices Naima Haider and Muhammad Khurshid Alam issued the suo motu rule as Advocate Subrate Chowdhury brought several newspaper reports of Saturday and Sunday's attacks to the court's notice.

The Home Secretary, Inspector General of Police, deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of Cox's Bazar and Chittagong, and the officers in charge of Ramu, Ukhia, Teknaf and Patia police stations have been asked to reply within one week.

The court also ordered authorities to ensure safety of the people in these areas.

A Facebook posting allegedly defaming the holy Quran apparently led to the overnight communal frenzy on Saturday. They attacked and burned at least seven Buddhist temples and nearly 30 homes and shops of the minority community in Cox's Bazar's Ramu upazila.

On Sunday, Hindu and Buddhist temples in Chittagong's Patia, and Cox's Bazaar's Ukhia and Teknaf were also attacked.

The locals have alleged that the atrocities could have been avoided if the local administration and the police had not 'neglected' their duty. Ramu Police Station's Officer in Charge Nazibul Islam has been withdrawn amid the accusations.

Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Barua, a resident of Ramu upazila himself, moved the High Court on Tuesday for a ruling upon the authorities over the police 'inaction'.

Counsel for the petitioner Advocate BM Mohammad Ilias had told reporters that the bench of justices Mirza Hussain Haider and Kazi Md Ejarul Haque Akondo would conduct the hearing on Wednesday.