45 people killed in 1045 incidents of communal violence in Bangladesh in one year: Oikya Parishad
Press conference of Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Parishad at the National Press Club in the capital Photo: Prothom Alo
1 thousand and 45 incidents of communal violence-persecution-persecution have occurred in the last one year across the country. 45 people from religious and ethnic minority communities have been killed in these incidents.
This information has emerged in the report of violence-persecution-persecution committed against the religious-ethnic minority community of Bangladesh last year. Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Parishad released this report in a press conference at the National Press Club of the capital on Monday. The report is based on media reports from July 2023 to June 2024. General Secretary Rana Dasgupta presented the report in the press conference.
According to the report, there have been 45 murders in the last one year. 7 bodies have been recovered (appearing to be murders). There have been attempts to kill 10 people. 36 people have been threatened with death. 479 people were assaulted/physically abused/injured. Contribution has been demanded from 11 people. 102 cases of attack/vandalism/robbery/arson occurred in residences/businesses. There were 47 incidents of encroachment of homestead/land. There have been 45 cases of homestead/land occupation/eviction and threats. There were 11 incidents of threats/attempts to force emigration. There have been 15 cases of encroachment and attempted encroachment of Devotar/Temple/Church property. There have been 7 cases of encroachment/attempted encroachment of cremation grounds. There have been 14 incidents of attack/vandalism/looting/arson in temples. 40 idols were vandalized. There were 25 incidents of gang rape/rape/attempted rape. There were 12 incidents of abduction/disappearance and forced conversion. 8 people have been arrested on trumped-up charges of blasphemy. There were 32 incidents of communal violence during the last parliamentary elections. There have been 5 incidents of communal violence in local government elections. Apart from this, 14 other incidents have occurred. Total incidents 1 thousand 45.
The environment is completely compressed. Religious events are being organized under police guard.
When the public arrests any of the terrorists during terrorist activities, the police-administration makes him 'mad' and basically encourages communal violence.
The report notes that 70 to 75 percent of violence against minorities is geocentric. In this, it is said that, with the evil intention of land grabbing, the terrorists who have landed in Bhumiheko are often under the influence of various political parties and are carrying out communal violent attacks against the minorities. Government agencies are also involved in the heinous practice of land grabbing.
Rana Dasgupta said, communal and fundamentalist evil forces are spreading their influence in all areas including state, government, administration, politics, society. They are making the minority community more insecure and distrustful. They are being forced to leave the country. He demanded the implementation of election promises in Awami League's manifesto, including formation of National Minorities Commission to prevent minority persecution, enactment of special protection law for minorities.
Rana Dasgupta said in reference to the death of pilgrims in the Rath Yatra of Bogra, "We are shocked by this incident." He demanded a fair investigation into the incident.
Also present in the press conference were one of the presidents of the Parishad, Nimchandra Bhowmik and Nirmal Rosario, members of the presidium, Kajal Debnath and Bhikshu Sunandapriya, Information Communication and Technology Affairs Secretary Shubhra Dev Kar. The press conference was moderated by Dipankar Ghosh, organizing secretary of the Parishad.