Two Christian villages in Pabna, about 230 kilometers of northwest from Dhaka, were attacked by the BNP Cadres, leaving at least 30 injured an nearly 200 families confined in their houses under two unions of Chatmohor police station (PS). The houses were looted, ransacked, women and men assaulted and damaged the goods in those houses very extensively. The villages are Foiljona and Kadamtoli under Foiljona union. The Christian families were kept besieges for long. The role of police was very mysterious in arresting and also in giving protection to the Christians. It was alleged that the local Member of the Parliament (MP), Md. M.K. Anwar Islam of Chatmohor Constituency was the main planner for this attack because the Christians campaigned and organized people to vote for Awami League, now opposition in the Parliament. He acted through the local Uion Parishad (Union Council) Chairman of Foiljona, Md. Shajahan Ali and his collaborators, the active members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) now in power.  

The incident occurred on 26 and 27 February. On 26 February evening a planned attack was on the house and people of Chander Bari (the house of Sushanta Pereira) in Kadamtoli. The attackers first demanded two bottles of alcohol from Chandan Pereira, a student of class ten who does not drink alcohol himself and who said he is dependent on his brothers. Then he was beaten mercilessly and when Chandan’s brother Sushanta protested it. Immediately after this came about 50 to 60 people armed with local weapons, sticks, hockey sticks, bamboo, pistols etc., beat up women and children in the house, ransacked the houses, broke goods and furniture and picked up Mr. Gogon Rozario and Mr. Anil Gomes, the teacher of the mission school. They were taken to the house of one influential Muslim man who was good but whose two sons involved with the perpetrators. Some local good men negotiated the matter within a couple of hours and these two Christian men were released. When they were locked in the room they were assaulted mercilessly before the villagers rescued them in the night.   

Next morning Subol Mondol, along with another Muslim man Mr. Shyam from Foiljona went to Sushanta Pereira’s house to visit the victims of the previous night. While coming back they were attacked on the way by six BNP cad-res on two motorbikes. They beat Subol on his head and broke his right arm. It was around 9 a.m. on 27 February. At the same time a group of about 4-5 hundred people armed with pistols and local weapons attacked the house of Mr. Subol, ransacked all his houses (there are five buildings and about 10-12 rooms. All the rooms were looted, broken all the furniture and robbed of gold ornaments, money and valuables. They beat seven cows in the cowshed and injured them. At that time about 30 people were injured and Mr. Paul Baidhya (75), father-in-law of Mr. Subol was beaten and both his arms were broken. This group was organised and headed by Foiljona UP Chairman and BNP union unit president Mohammad Shajahan Ali at 10:30 a.m.

 

To make things worse, no police personnel arrived at that very moment despite of informing them on the previous day. All these happened just because the Christians and the religious minorities normally vote for Awami League (AL) and during the last 8th parliamentary elections on October 1st. the Christians campaigned openly for AL, campaigned on behalf of the party and motivated others to do that. When the attackers attacked the villages and the house, beat up these people, they uttered very insulting language against the Christians and also to Christ such as ‘we rape you and we rape your Jesus’. They repeated this continuously while attacking both the villages on February 26 and 27. They also shouted saying that no Christians will be able to stay in those villages because they vote for AL. All those were injured were admitted to Pabna hospital for treatment. Two persons with broken arms have been transferred to Dhaka Pongu (Disabled and rehabilitation) Hospital. The four women injured were: Pori Boidhya (35), wife of Subol Mondon, Asha Pereira (26) wife of Sushanta Pereira, Eli Pereira (24) and Shilpi Pereira (13).  

The BNP terrorists have continuously threatened and tortured the Christians of those villages since October 1 election calling them voters of the AL. When this correspondent visited the affected areas the local Muslims, Christians and Hindus reported that the Christians were the target of attack there because they support AL, their number is comparatively very small, most of the men in those areas work in Dhaka or outside the country and are well-to-do. And so these terrorists demand very often tolls from the Christians and Subol, being a local influential, rich and committed for the well being of the poor people of the area, he is the main target.

More than 25 thousand Christians reside in a number of villages under nine unions of the upazila. The violent attack on the Christians in those two villages has sent a wave of panic among all the other Christians. There is sub-mission in Foiljona under the main Parish in Mathurapur, which is about hundred years old. Some of the threatened men left Foiljona and Kadamtoli for Dhaka and other places because the government has not yet done anything but arresting only five people who are not the real criminals.

The BNP terrorists attacked another two places called Khetupara and Manikhat unions under Sujanagar Union on February 23 (Eid Festival Day) leaving at least 20 injured including a woman and two children. There also the BNP cadres looted, ransacked and assaulted the people supporting AL. Many have left their homes from those areas for fear of further attack.

In all these places the police first refused to file cases by the victims. In Foiljona police first refused to file the case and they lodged a Suomoto (where the police is complainant) case despite of the victims submission of the case.  The Opposition Leader and the President of AL Sheikh Hasina the ex-prime minister has visited the affected spot on March 4 and consoled them promising to extend all help to the Christians.

March 6, 2002 

Christians still struggle in Foiljana (Follow-up)

After February 27, several times the terrorists came to the Christian villages in Foiljana demanding toll money (illegal). They beat another family members on March 26. These people cannot even go to the police who not only refuse to help them, but also rather threatened them with dire consequences if they go for further help from elsewhere.
On June 12 the same Muslim terrorists group of BNP demanded Tk 20 thousand from each family if they want to reside in the villages they are in now. The Christians refused to give any money to them and they went to the leaders of BNP. There was a negotiation meeting on June 14. The Christians are so afraid to tell me what had happened there, that till today I could not get the result of that meeting. 

1.       The school guard (a poor Muslim who was given this job out of charity assaulted Peter Rozario's wife Mrs. Jotsna Rozario, a schoolteacher in Gogtola) on April 27. On May 23, a negotiation meeting was arranged locally by the instruction of the said MP. The police did not accept the complaints. The Christians went to the meeting and the meeting was led by one of the BNP leaders. The BNP cadres were there to help and support the Muslim man. The verdict was that the accused would give Tk 2000/- to the victim. Nevertheless, Tk 1000 from the amount should be given to the BNP party for merriment. Until today the money has not been paid. 

2.       A Christian man in Shimilua has been beaten severely on June 23. As his relatives are busy in taking care of this injured man no further information has been received from them yet. He was beaten because he refused to pay a big amount of illegal toll money. 

3.       A group of Christinas (Catholic) in Srimongol Tea Garden were attacked by a group of BNP terrorists on June 19 and occupied four house evicting them from there. The Muslims took possession over the houses and lands overnight. I was called and to help them. I instructed the Christians to get the help from the police. I went to the Srimongol Mission on June 21 and sat with the victims. Then I went to the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) but it was not possible to meet him. I met a very influential man of the local BNP who has a very good relationship with the parish priests. He promised me to help the Christians.  

On June 22, night one of the men Romesh Kondo was attacked and beaten severely and he disappeared from that night. Another group of terrorists took away the bitter-plants, the main business they tribal Christians have in the tea garden. They took away many plants from their garden. But according to our instruction, the Christians tried to chase the Muslim attackers and caught one. they informed the Priests and I was contacted. I contacted the authority and told them to take the kidnapping case and not to release the attackers until Romesh is found.   

The ordinary life of the Christians is very dangerous now. No security of life and property. I have rescued three young girls this year alone from the Muslims who were kidnapped and forcefully married to the Muslims. When the Muslim kidnap and marry, the parents do not get any help from the court, neither from any local administration such as police. The future of the Christian community is very dark in Bangladesh. Although they are not so much politically involved, but now a day, the culture of illegal tolls demanded by the BNP cadres and no support is available from the administration in this regard.

So many people, for their life safety, are leaving for foreign countries. Muslim fundamentalists and the Taliban groups members are found everywhere today on our society. In the present government, four Talibans MP are there out of whom two are ministers in two different departments. Very slow but steady conspiracy is going on against the Christians to eradicate them from this land. Even the small children tell the Christians in the rural areas, “this is not your country. You are of Bush people. Go to Europe and America.” Our people are becoming quite and speechless hearing these from little children. 

Fresh Attack on Hindu Families in Natore

Criminals allegedly belonging to the BNP injured at least 50 people when Hindus of Basantapur village came under renewed attack on May 8 night. Sources said, a gang of about 40 armed criminals riding motorbikes entered the village at about 11:30 p.m. on May 8, firing gunshots and exploding crackers. They then attacked the houses of 13 Hindu families leaving at least 50 injured, three of them critically.
The criminals looted a huge amount of cash and property including gold ornaments. They also ransacked the houses. During the attack, the gang members harassed the Hindu women and beat up the men. They threatened the rape the women if villagers disclose their identity to newsmen.
Sources said the same gang went to the village the following day and warned the villagers of dire consequences unless they paid them toll money. Earlier on May 4 the gang had notified the 13 families in advance to pay them toll money ranging from Taka 20,000 to 50,000, sources said. None of the villagers dared to disclose the names of the gang. Sources however said BNP cadres Kausar, Hossain, Zia, Ruhul, Babul, Amin, Tofazzol and Amzad of Basantapur and its adjoining areas mights have been involved in the extortion.

Police lodged a decoity case and arrested 4 BNP cadres - Hossain, Zia, Ruhul and Mazem. A temporary police has been set up in the village to avert further untoward incident. With the attack on May 8, the Hindus of Basantapur came under attack for the fourth time since the October 1, 2001 Parliamentary Elections. Local AL leaders Shahajan Ali and Hanif Ali Shiekh visited the village. D.S. 11.5.02 . 

Bail petitions of Alamgir rejected

The chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s court, Dhaka yesterday rejected the bail petitions of former state minister for planning Dr. Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir in connection with three graft cases. Magistrate Mohammad Nurul Karim Majumder passed the order on three separate petitions submitted by the defence lawyers on behalf of the accused. Alamgir was produced before the court at about 1:15 p.m. Moving the petitions, advocates Syed Rezaur Rahman, Rahamat Ali, Sahara Khatun, Quamrul Islam, Abdullah Abu, and Abdur Rahman Hawlader stated that the co-accused of the cases except former prime minister and Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina were earlier granted ad-interim bail by the High Court. So, the accused Alamgir should be released on bail as co-accused. Special PP Fazlur Rahman Kahan opposed the petitions. After hearing both sides, the court passed the order.  

The court also directed the jail authorities to provide all necessary things to Alamgir in the jail custody. In the first case, filed with Tejgaon thana, it has been alleged that during the Awami League rule, the then prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Alamgir and six other ministers embezzled Tk. 21,57,050 by appointing consultants for the Bangabandhu Nove theatre without inviting bids. In the second case, filed with the same thana, it has been alleged that Alamgir and seen others embezzled Tk. 4,52,65,646 in purchasing equipment for the theatre from the second lowest bidder. In the third case, filed with Tejgaon thana, it has been alleged that Alamgir and 11 others were involved in inviting bids without estimating the cost of the theatre. They misappropriated Tk. 52,28,210 by doing this. The Bureau of Anti-corruption (BAC) filed the cases against Dr. Alamgir and others with Tejgaon thana on March 27. Daily Star, 19-05-02  

A Hindu family evicted Kulaura 

House of a Hindu family burnt to ashes, family threatened to death. The terrorists inflicted in human torture to evict a Hindu family in Kolaura intending to grab the land. They set fire on the house after pulling all the women out of the house on April 20 at Luxmipur village under Sadar union, Kulaura. The Hindu family is threatened not to file any case.
It has been reported that on this day at about 10 a.m. on armed group of 70-80 led by Iliad Mia, attacked the house of Nanda Lal Nath and asked the women to leave the house. Then they poured carocine on the house and set fire. Before that when the women came out of the house the attackers put a fence in between the house and occupied one of the portions. The local people could not save the house from burning through fear of the attackers.

Not even the UP member Azad Miah and UP member Sabuj could stop the attacker and save the house. One of the members present there as witness of the fire and atrocities, mobiled the police when a group of police appeared beds by $ 1 Faruq. By this time two room were burned to ashes.

On this day Nanda Lal and male members of his house went to the court to Moulvibazar to present on a case filed by Ilias Miah against them. Jotendra Devnath filed a case in this connection with Kulaura PS. On the basis of this complaint the SI Farup Ahmed, Asst. Police Super of Kulaura sent the OC visited the spot on April 24. Since then the accused have been threatening and harassing the members of this family.

A reliable source reported that the main accused Ilias Miah is patronized and protected by the BNP local and central leaders and he is trying to manage the local administration with a big money, these has been a long continued dispute over a land between Jitendra and Ilias. This issue has been used in order to grab further land and money. Ilias is filing false cases one after another with an evil intention to jointly planned to settle and negotiate the incident but Ilias and his group non-cooperated them. The case could not be settled. Janakantha 19-5-2002

 Trial of killers of Buddhist monk demanded

Recently formed `national action committee’ demanded trial of the killing of the Buddhist Monk Gyanjoti Mahather and exemplary punishment of the real killers of their spiritual leader. Committee Chariman Monulal Barua alleged that the police arrested victim’s sister-in-law Nipu Barua and one teacher Putul Barua, instead of arresting the real culprits to divert the motive of murder.

He was addressing a press conference at the National Press Club on May 9 morning. Among others Dr. Sukamal Barua, P.R. Barua, Biswapati Barua, Buddhananda Tehro, Bhikku Sunanda Prio, Dr. Asim Ranjan Barua, Shelu Barua attended the press conference.  

Monulal Barua said they demanded of the government to take action on gruesome murder of Gyanjoti Mahathero before their national festival `Buddha Purnima,’ which will be observed on May 26 next. Within a day or two, they would submit ultimatum to the President and the Prime Minister in this connection. They have drawn up programs to hold rallies in various towns and villages, form human chain and observe mass hunger strike. But they would wait for the government responses. They demanded immediate release of Nipu Barua and Putul Barua. Bangladesh Oberver, 10-05-02 

AL leaders visit Ashram of main Hindu priest 

A delegation of Awami League central committee on May 10 visited the Ashram of slain Hindu priest Madan Gopal Goswami at Manikchhari of Khagrachhari hill district, Leader of the delegation Suranjit Sengupta and former deputy speaker Prof. Ali Ashraf Addressed a rally of mourners at the Ashram premises. Suranjit sengupta said leaders and workers of Awami League are in oppression after government of BNP-Jamaat alliance came to power in the October 1 election through what he said, “rigging”. In continuation of a process the priest was killed, he alleged. Suranjit said life and property of the people are not secured in the hand of present government. The BD. Observer, 12-5-02 

Shanti fair foiled by police in Khulna

Khulna district administration and police foiled a five-day religious programme of minority Hindu community at district’s Dumuria upazila on May 13. Police arrested two of the organizers and assaulted them in front of scores of devotees who came to join the programme Monday night at Udayan Junior High School ground at Shovna UP of Dumuria. District administration deployed more than one hundred police at the venue of religious programme and prevented devotees to come there.  

Shibu Prasad Roy, Chairman of Shovna UP said, police foiled a religious progrmme titled as `Shanti Mela’ (peace fair) organised by local Hindus at around 8 last night, few hours before it was scheduled to be started at 12 a.m. and ransacked equipment of worship and used slang words to devotees.

Police, as per order of the district administration, beat professor Shushil and Banshi Master-two of organizers arrested  them-they were released on bail later today May 15. When contacted sources of district and police administration admitted the incident saying that to nab an outlawed party leader they had done it one out lawed party leader backed the organizers and he was schedule to attend the programme. BD. Ob., 15-5-02. 

Prime suspect of Priest Killed in Chittagong is still at large  (Follow-up)

The prime suspect of the killing of pries Madan Ghopal Goswami, the main worshipper of Gachchabil temple at Manikchair is yet to be arrested after 18 days of the murder. Police sources said that they already fond out the clue of the killing but the main suspected accused remained absconding. Talking to The Bangladesh Observer, Additional DIG of Police, Chittagong Range, Kalipada Sarder said, “The priest was killed centering Aaron the incident f tolls collection and a local terrorist was involved in the killing.” 

However, the additional DIG said, the alleged killer Ziaul maintains a good link with the UPDF men so it would be tough to attest him. “So far police attested six persons in this connection and CD police is trying to arrest the main accused,” Kalipada added. Earlier, the case was handed over t CID as the local thana police failed to arrest the killers.  

Meanwhile, Inspector General op Police (IGP) Modabber Hossain Chowdhury visited the spot on May 10 and ordered the police administration to take stern measure to trace the accused and attest them. The DIG also ordered the local police ensure security of the family members and relatives of the slain priest. Earlier, top leaders of both the Awami League and BNP visited the temple (Ashram) after the killing and demanded exemplary punishment of the killers.

Madan Gopal Goswami was killed on April 28 last while a gang of miscreants attacked him with sharp weapons inside the Gachchabil temple at Manikchhari Upazila in Khagrachhari. BD. Observer, 16-5-02 

 7 extortionists chargesheeted in first case under new law in city

Chargesheet in the first case file under the recent enacted Law and Order Disruption crimes (Speedy Trial) Act in the city was submitted on April 28. Sub-Inspector (SI) Md. Monirul Islam, Investigation Officer (10) of the case submitted the chargesheet against seven extortionists to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court, Dhaka. The charge sheeted are: Md. Rana, AKM Md. Hossain Alian Mamun, Md. Sajjad Alias Rubel. Alias Nata Rubel, Jewel, Sohel, Md. Farook and Md. Jainal. One Rana was arrested and the rest went on hiding since the incident were prosecution witnesses.  

In the FIR, filed with Mohammadpur thana (PS), it has been alleged that 7 local extortionists went to the Nabinagar Housing Project in Mohammadpur area at about 11:00 a.m. on April 21 demanding Tk. 50,000 from the contractor Abu Hanif. As Hanif refused to pay the money the extortionists shot him. The local people chased and caught Rana with a pistol and other six managed to escape. The victim’s brother Md. Abdul Halim filed the case under the new law. The court issued warrants of arrests against six absconding accused and ordered for attachment of their property.  

Attacks on minorities, custodial torture, violence continue

The Amnesty International (AI) has alleged attacks on minority communities, particularly Hindus and custodial torture by police and armed forces in the country. Atrocities against woman and political violence are widespread, said the AI Country Report 200 some other capitals yesterday May 28.   AI Bangladesh chapter Director Golam Mostafa released the report at a press conference here. Its vice president Nasrin Sultana was also present.  

 Following the October one general election, won by the BNP-led coalition, BNP supporters reportedly attacked Hindus at many places because of their perceived support to Awami League during the election.

 Several Hindus were reportedly killed and Hindu women were raped and their houses burnt. Hundreds of Hindu families were driven off their homes, the report said.  

 About 150 people were killed in political violence before the election, it said. The AI called upon the government to bring to justice the perpetrators of the se attacks. So a signatory to the International Convention on Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against Women, the government is required to take steps to eliminate discrimination against women, it said. Hindus came under attacks by members of the BNP-led alliance before the election also, since it was perceived that they would vote for Awami League.  

  The backlash after the elections was "systematic and severe". Most of the attacks took place in Barisal, Bhola and parts of Pirojpur, Khulna, Satkhira, Gopalgonj, Bagerhat, Jessore, Comilla and Narsingdi, the report said. But police failed to take effective measures to protect them. Though some arrested were made but most of the perpetrators were not brought to justice. In response to a petition in November by legal aid organisation Ain-o-Shalish Kendra, the High Court gave the government one month time to explain why it did not protect Hindus. The government promise investigation into the atrocities, but no information was provided in this regard, the AI said.  

  On November 22, writer and journalist Shahriar Kabir was attested on his return from India where he investigated the condition of Hindus who had crossed the border after the election. Police seized his passport, five videocassettes, 13 audiocassettes, three CDs, several unprocessed films and his camera. "In December, he was charged with sedition but the authorities did not make public the evidence to support the charge. His detention appeared to be solely because he had been investigating the condition of Hindus who fled persecution", the report said.

  The report also said that people of other minority communities also suffered attacks. In June, ten people were killed and mire than 20 wounded in a bomb explosion in a Church in Baniarchar, Gopalgonj last year.

  Clashes between tribesman and Bengali settlers were also reported from the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). Army personnel allegedly raped three tribal women in May but no one is known to gave been brought to justice for this, the AI report said.

  On women's rights, it said women continued to be subjected to violent attacks including rape. Dozens reportedly died in dowry-related murders. Acid attacks lift many severely scarred. The authorities rarely provided protection or means of redress. The failure of police to investigate and take action against the perpetrators somehow established a climate of impunity. In an appeal to the Supreme Court, religious groups sought to overrun a landmark High Court judgement, which banned fatwa, often used to repress women's rights.

 The international human rights watched with torture in custody persist with impunity. At leas 30 people reportedly died from torture in custody but the authorities ignored it. The new government promises on October to repeal the Special Powers Act (SPA) and the Public Safety Act but cottoned to use those to detain people without trial. Besides, thousands of people await trial in overcrowded prisons. On the global human rights situation, AI Secretary General Irene Khan said, "The universality of human rights is facing the strongest challenge yet. Double standards and selectivity becoming the norm". Daily Star, 29-5-02

 

Temple broken in Sirjagonj

A group of miscreant’s on May 18 at Dukhiabari west village in Sirajgonj entered into the Baruari temple and broken down everything inside. They broke the goddess Luxmi also into pieces. This bad happened at the midnight on the day of the incident. Prothom Alo, 20-5-02

 

Christian women raped, She commited suicide

Maya Rani Baroi, a housewife from Panigati village, Alfadanga under Faridpur, committed suicide on May 18 after she was gang raped and threatened by the rapist. She filed a case with the police but did not get any security from them.
Maya Rani was continuously under threat and pressure from the rapists, it was reported. On April 10, Maya Rani was gang raped at her house by some miscreants. On this day Anna Baroi (60), the mother of Prodip Baroi was beaten to death and another woman Nila Baroi (40) was severely injured from chopping. After the incident Santosh Baroi, the elder brother of Pradip Baroi lodged a complaint with the police against the rapist. Police arrested some of them but the rest and the relatives of the rapists were putting continuous pressure on Maya and her family to withdraw the case. Finally Maya took insecticide and committed suicide. Prothom Alo 20-5-02 

Hindu goddess broken, set fire in the temple

A group of terrorists June 2 entered into the place of worship at Foempur village, under Patnitola Upazila, Naogaon set fire on the alter and broke the goddess. The local Hindus are in panic their. Prthom Alo. 4-6-02

Catholic Church attached in Agoiljhara, 4 houses damaged, 7 injured

A Roman Catholic Church and the Christian village in Chhoto Dumuria under Agoiljhara uapazila, Barisal was attacked by BNP cadres on a dispute on the Catholic Mission land. The BNP cadres ransacked and damaged four houses of the village and injured seven people by chopping on July 21, 2002. Alamgir Hossain Kazi had seized 13 decimals of church land right after the October 1 election. When Christian leaders went to BNP leaders and administration they came on July 20 and restored the land, setting a border pillar. But Alamgir and his sons and 15-20 BNP activists attacked the village damaging the houses and injured seven people, one seriously, by chopping with knives. Prothom Alo, 24.7.02   

Christians attacked in Satkhira

In Tetulia Union, Satkhira, a Protestant Christian Pastor Manik Sarkar was taken from a tea-stall on July 14. He was demanded a big amount of illegal toll by the BNP cadres and when he refused, the cadres broke his right shoulder with a hammer. A case was registered July 15, but the BNP terrorists threatened him if he would not withdraw the case. Christians held a protest meeting and appealed to the Prime Minister and Home Minister through the DC. They also submitted a memorandum to the DC requesting protection and security of life. Janakantha, 24.7.02   

 Agoiljhara Christian village attacked second time 

The Christian village Chhoto Dumuria under Agoiljhara upazila, Barisal was a attacked the second time on July 28. The first attack was on July 21 when a group of police was deported there to protect the village. But on July 26 suddenly the police protection was withdrawn for unknown reason without informing the Mission authority. Few hours after the police left, the Christian village, the BNP terrorists attacked the village with bottles full of acid in their hands and threatened the Christians to withdrawn all the cases filed against them on the first attack. They said, if the Christians will not withdraw the cases they would threw acid on the women and young girls and burn them. At this the Christians were in panic and they went to Agoiljhara police station and filed a general dairy on July 27. This was published in the daily Prothom Alo and so the administration deported police again from July 28. The Police Super of Barisal, Md. Muhashin Hussain said that the police protection will continue to stay in that village until the situation is normal. P. Alo, 31.7.02  

 Khasia Punji demolished in Kulaura, one tribal killed

The forest guards with the help of the Bengali terrorists demolished a Khasia punji in Fultola Union under Kulaura upazila, Maulvibazar on July 26. One adivasi man Abinash Murong, was killed and 10 were injured during the raid. The adivasis used the spears and arrows to protect themselves during the attack and raid and two forest guards were injured from the arrows. On July 21 the forest guards went there armed with a group of Bengali terrorists and destroyed completely the Khasia punji (village) and evicted all the adivasis from their own lands and homes. The adivasis returned when the attackers left on July 26 and were trying to rebuild their houses. They were attacked the second time on this day. Police recovered the body of Abinash Murong and a rifle. The forest guards said, they evicted the adivasis in order to recover the forest reserve lands and they did not use any outsiders as their help.

 The local eyewitnesses and the adivasis informed that, 20 Khasia families had been living in Section - 22 of the Juri Range - 1 since many years. On last July 21 Juri Ranger Khondoker Badrul Alam took people from three juries under his protection along with the beat officers and forest guards and invaded the said area of the adivasis and destroyed completely the houses of the adivasis. It has been reported that a section of local Bengali vested group also was with the invaders. The local people and the Khasias said, without informing the forest administration or the police department, the invaders identified one of them as a magistrate and another OC and IO of the thana when they attacked the punji. Consequently, the Khasias left their homes through fear. During this time in absence of the Khasias, the invaders/attackers looted all the valuables such as motorcycle, television, and other important things from the houses of the adivasis and then destroyed the houses completely.  

It was known that for some days the adivasis led very inhuman life in the forest and on July 26 they all returned to their area and began to rebuild their dwellings. Hearing this, the forest guards against attacked the adivasis with the outsider Bengali terrorists. During this attack Abinash Murong, son of Kartik Murong was shot dead by the attackers. When the attackers went to this spot, the adivasis took a defensive position using their arms arrow and spear. But, first the attackers used guns against the adivasis and when the ammunitions were finished the adivasis used their arrows. During this time two forest guards got seriously injured. The adivasis informed the police that the gun did not belong to them but the attackers left it purposely to harass them. The Forest department expressed dissatisfaction over the incident because the forest guards did not have any permission to evict the adivasis. Prothom Alo, 28.7.02    

 Eviction drive at 'Khasia Punjee' in Moulvibazar: One killed 

  One member of a tribal Khasia family was killed and at least 10 others were injured during an eviction drive at 'Khasia Punjee' at Kulaura upazila in Sylhet on July 21.  The Juri Range Office of the Department of Forest conducted an eviction drive at Section No. 22 under the Juri Forest Range-1 at Fultala Union in Kulaura upazila on July 26. The drive was conducted to recover land of the Forest Department occupied by some Khasia tribal families.

  One person named Abinash Murong, son of Kartik Murong was killed on the spot.

  Twenty Khasia families were living on the evicted land since long. The only occupation of the Khasia families was cultivation and marketing betel-leaf. They cannot live in plain lands and creation and preservation of forest is part of their life. In different forests in Moulvibazar more than 1,000 Khasia families live and cultivate betel-leaf form generation to generation.

  However, the evicted Kasias informed that on the fateful day forest officials along with a group of 'Bengali miscreants' of the locality attacked them and demolished their houses and betel-leaf gardens and ultimately evicted them form the Punjee.

  Now the Khasias are living in the nearby forest under open sky without food.

  On July 25, the evicted Khasia families came back to their 'punjee' and tried to reconstruct their houses. But on July 26 the forest officials along with the miscreants came again and attacked them for the second time. This time the forest officials opened gun shots on them and their family member Abinash Murong was killed on the spot. The forest officials and the miscreants looted their motorcycles and other things, the Khasias complained. They also pointed out that no police and magistrate were present during the eviction drive.

  Police of Kulaura Police Station said the Forest Department conducted the eviction drive in Fultala Khasia Punjee without informing police or the local administration. After receiving an information of the incident in Khasia Punjee police went to the spot and recovered the body of Abinash Murong and a 303 rifle. The body was sent to Moulvibazar hospital morgue for autopsy.

  However, the Kulaura forest officials denied the allegations that some local goons were with them during the eviction. The forest official informed that their department has security force with arms. So they can conduct any drive to protect the reserve forest form illegal occupants without help form the police, but if needed, they can seek help of police, the forest official added.

  The tribal people of different 'punjee' in Moulvibazar arranged several press conferences recently where they alleged that some local miscreants were trying to grab lands at Khasia 'punjees' at different tribal populated areas. In some cases, these miscreants attacked the Khasias to evict them. D. Star, 5-8-02   

 

Bikhu killed by SKC’s men

Salauddin Kader Chowdhury, parliamentary advisor of PM, directly patronized Bhikhu Gyanojoyti Mohasthabir's killers. His body was buried in hurry under pressure and the temple authorities were threatened to blow out the roof of the Bauddha Bihar. Not even his close friends, his guru (teacher) and other benefactors could pay their last homage to him under such pressure S.K. Chowdhury in order to protect the killers and to divert the motive of the murder, has made-up various false stories about the monk involving women. Even the OC of Rawzan thana, under the influence of the powerful, is raising objectionable allegations

 

Land grabbing in the Tea gardens

The Investigation of the Lakhaichara Cases

Date : August 7, 2002

 

Cases

1.       Non.F.I.R case No. 24/02 Art. 107/114/117 (C) and Non G.R. No. 375/2002  dated : 3.6.2002;

2.       CrP. 143/323/325/307/379 dated : 3.6.2002

3.       Children and Women Repression Case No.10(2)/30 dated 18.7.2002

 

Background

I, the undersigned, reached Srimongol on the early morning of August 6, 2002 and at about 10:45 a.m. went to the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Maulvi Bazar with Fr. Lehane, CSC to discuss about the cases filed against the adivasis of Lakhaichara and Langlia Chara Punjee. Several cases were filed by a certain group of people who intended ultimately to evict the adivasis and occupy their lands where they had been living for over a centuries. One of the cases was a rape/assault case filed by one Jamila Khatun d/o. late Sayed Ali of Sindurkha Road, Srimongol {Children and Women Repression Case No.10(2)/30 dated 18.7.2002} against four persons: Md. Afsar Miah s/o. Hafiz Miah; Surendra Kondo s/o. Rasia Kondo; Krishna Tati s/o. late Sikar Tati and Atit Kondo s/o. Kush Kondo, all from Lakhaichara Punjee. The case was filed on18 July at Srimongol thana. The Investigation Officer (IO) of this case is Md. Monir who seemed to have found out the truth on his investigation. But I came to know from various sources that the opponents of Atit and Surendra filed this counter case to tackle the first land case and the incident occurred on 23 June when Romesh, brother of Atit Kondo and his nephew Louis were beaten up. From that day Romesh has disappeared up to date.

  

First Meeting with Add. SP and OC

When we reached the Add. SP's (Mr. Moinul Islam) office, we found the OC (Amal Kumar Dhar) of Srimongol thana at the Add. SP's office having their meeting. It was an advantage for us to speak before both the OC and the Add. SP. Fr. Lehane and I explained the purpose of our meeting with the Add. SP and he asked the OC also to stay with us. The OC quite understood and stayed with us to share the problems. I explained the cases and the situations when the entire incident occurred and I expressed my wish to do the investigation myself on the following day. We had discussed everything in details and I committed myself to find out the truth and help the police administration to end the cases peacefully so that the falsely accused innocent people could be released from harassment. Both Add. SP and OC committed themselves, saying that they will do their utmost to do justice to the poor people. The Add. SP also said that for his satisfaction, he would visit the spot and look into the investigation report of the SI's of the cases.

 

Delwar and his companions' threat

We left the Add. SP's office at 1:50 p.m. and we met four people: Delwar, Khalil, Zahed Ali, and another unknown man with Delwar. When we were getting on the main road Delwar stopped our vehicle and asked me, "Why did you go to the Add. SP when we wanted to sit and negotiate the cases?" He got angry with me and threatened, saying that he will see to the cases. Delwar said that he spent a lot of money for going up and down to the mission without any good solution. I told him that he was supposed to come to meet me at the mission on that morning at 10 a.m. but he didn't show up. He also threatened Atit Kondo, Krishna Tati and Surendra Kondo, who were in the same vehicle with us. Khalil told them that there are three more cases to be filed against them and he will not let them live in peace while he is alive and during his lifetime only he will kill them. We left them behind, requesting them to come to the mission at 2:00 p.m. He also said that he would come.

 

Visit to Lakhai Chara and Langlia Chara Punjees

In the early morning of August 7, 2002 Frs. Lehane, Liton, CSC and myself left Srimongol Mission for Langlia Chara lime garden and the Lakhaichara Punjee. I first met Raja Goala at the house of Atit, who said that some 15 days ago he was taken to Delwar and Khalil and accused for helping Surendra. Then we went to the garden of Mintu Miah and met with the guard Md. Ali Ashgar (Askar). He has been working in Mintu's garden for the last seven months. I asked the following questions:

 

Quest.: Do you know that if there is a garden which belongs to Md. Delwar Hossan or Khalil?

Md. Ali: There is no garden of Delwar or Khalil in this area at all. We don't know who Delwar or Khalil are.

Quest.: Do you know something about a rape/assault incident, which occurred on July 8 here in this garden?

 Md. Ali: No.

Quest.: Do you know a woman named Jamila Khatun d/o. late Sayed Ali from village Sindurkha, Maulvi Bazar?

Md. Ali: No, I don't know. I have never heard of this name during my seven months work here.

 

Then came Md. Mintu Miah in the garden and I asked him the following questions:

Quest.: Are you owner of this garden?

Md. Mintu : Yes, this is my garden (we were in his garden talking to people).

Quest.: Do you know that there is a garden of Md. Delwar attached to your garden around here.

Md. Mintu : No, there is no any garden here which belongs to any Delwar.

Quest.: How long have you been in this garden?

Md. Mintu : Three and half years.

Quest.: Do you know something about a rape/assault incident, which occurred on July 8 here in this garden?

Md. Mintu : No such incident occurred here during these years that I am here. I come to the garden and stay here for the whole day and no such incident occurred. It is a conspiracy and false. These people ( he showed the adivasis, especially Atit, Surendra, Romesh and others) live here and they are here for many years.

Quest.: Do you know Jamila Khatun?

Md. Mintu : Who is she? There is no Muslim woman in this area and no Muslim woman comes to the garden at all.

Quest.: Did you see Delwar or anybody building some tin-roofed houses in this area?

Md. Mintu : This Delwar had never any house nor garden here in this area and no house built by Delwar ever. But he has been trying to occupy 3 places illegally from the people around. People chased him and his people. He will not succeed to own any land here. He is a bad man and he and his group are terrorists.

 

At this stage, Md. Mintu said, "I will stand for the adivasis who are suffering so much. If police or any government authority comes, I will testify for them because they are the residents of this place." He also said that Delwar has been trying to enter this garden since long but he will never be able to come here. He said, Delwar is a terrorist and he has a group working on his behalf. He said, 'Delwar, Khalil, Nizam, etc. are very bad people.' He also requested me to help the people who are suffering so much and he will do his best to help them too. 

 

Then came Md. Zahiruddin Mollah who is also a guard in the garden. I asked him whether he knows anything about the assault of a woman on July 8 by four people in this garden, he said no such incident occurred here and there is no Jamila Khatun in this area at all.

 

Many people gathered around and all said that no woman-assault incident occurred in the area, Delwar had never had any land there or never built any tin-roofed house around there. They also said, there is one Muslim woman housewife in the garden there.

 

Durpati Kondo w/o. Domesh Kondo (disappeared Domesh) said, (her house is in the garden where Delwar claims he built the tin-roofed houses) she had never seen any house built by Delwar.

I found a very old thatched house of straw-roof. The laborers sit and rest in that room. There is no wall around but two benches to sit in under a straw-roof.

 

I spoke to Md. Afsar (36) s/o Md. Hafiz Miah, one of the accused in assault case, who said the case is completely false and there was never any Jamila here, nobody saw her, nobody knows her, no such incident occurred here. He said, "I know Khalil, the laborers of Delwar, who came to occupy some plots of land illegally and he was chased away by the garden people. The lands he attempted to occupy belong to Atit, Goalini, Pabitra, Surendra and their family members.He said, "Delwar entered the houses of Atil, Surendra, Galini, Romesh, Domesh and others, occupied the houses and garden, evicting these innocent people from their own houses where they have been living for years." During this time the victims went to their relatives for shelter and Delwar took away the limes, jack-fruits, pineapples, betel leaves, cut down the trees and damaged a lot the properties of the evicted victims. Delwar hired laborers from Srimongol town brought by jeep and carried away all the production, he said, and Delwar used to come by motorcycle.

 

I met Kasem in Langlia Chara, who resides at Bikram Tati's house. His wife is the only Muslim woman residing in whole Langlia Chara and Lakhaichara Punjee.

Hossain Miah (50) from Langlia Chara Dotto Basti has been residing there since 1975. He said, all the cases filed by Delwar and his people against the adivasis are false. Delwar, Khalil, Nizam, Harun, Yusuf, Zahed Ali, Arjot Ali, etc. are all terrorists.

 

I met many local people and asked them about the assault fact but nobody had ever heard of such incident, neither anybody knew who this Jamila Khatun was.

 

I have found the so-called buying of lands, building the tin-roofed houses by Delwar was fake and no truth was found during my visit to the spot. On the other hand I also did not find any truth in the assaulting of Jamila Khatun in Langlia Chara or Lakhai Chara. So I want to say that this was an attempt of Delwar through his group (Khalil, Nizam, Harun, Yusuf, Zahed Ali, Arjot Ali, etc) to evict the adivasis who have lived in those places for generations, working in the tea gardens and Punjee for their survival. The lands are khas but the adivasis had lived in those lands for generations. They also have lease documents for each one.

 

In the evening came to me the ex- UP member Sankor Goala s/o. late Ramcharan Goala with his brother Gonesh Goala from Kaikkachara tea garden, and Abdul Matin s/o. late Nannu Miah from Radha Nagar. They were supposed to come with Delwar Hossain and Md. Khalil Miah. But Delwar and his companions did not show up. Md. Matin and Sankor were supporting strongly Delwar and requested to negotiate the cases but Md. Matin said that Delwar should be compensated for all his losses. I told him that the most loss was of Atit, Surendra and their group. Finally Md. Matin said that I should investigate the spot and if I find out that Delwar built 4/5 tin houses in Lakhaichara where he spent more than Tk 5 lakh, Atit and his people should compensate Delwar. But I told him that when Delwar did the deeds on the land of Domesh and his family members, he did not mention in the document that he could cut the trees on the land and take away also the limes and other fruits in the garden. From the production of the garden Delwar has gained the most. Besides, Delwar took away may lands fraudulently from Surendra. Md. Matin and Sankar insisted that Gonesh gives testimoney that Delwar had built the houses and spent a lot of money. Delwar also charged Gonesh for paying alcohol worth Tk 2,800 to Atit and Surendra's group beating Delwar, which is a lie. 

 

But Gonesh said, 'Sister, I am a sick man and I don't want to say any lie. I haven't seen any house neither any tin to build the house.'

 

At the end at about 6:30 p.m. Gonesh was accompanied by his cousin brother Sankar and Md. Matin to the house of Md. Delwar Hossain and he was given mental pressure for about three hours charging him why he did not say that he saw the houses of Delwar. Md. Delwar insisted that he should write on a paper that Gonesh would pay all these money to Md. Delwar if he did not testify it to me. Anyway, Sankar supported his cousin and took him out of Delwar's house at about 10 p.m.

 

There came also Mr. Jalal, SI of one of the cases. The Add. SP asked the witness about the fact and they said, no assault incident occurred on 8 July in Langlia Chara, from the day of the incident on 23 June Romesh has disappeared, they don't know any Jamila Khatun who was allegedly assaulted by four people in the garden, etc. The ASP also spoke to them personally. As the SI already had done the personal interrogation and the Add. SP got the reports from the SI, he was satisfy with his findings too.

 

Recommendations:

1.                   As the investigation found the cases false, they should be ended as quick as possible

2.                   Delwar has no land in neither Lakhai Chara nor in Langlia Chara. All local people identified Delwar as a 'bad man' and his associates 'terrorists'.

3.                   No Jamila Khatun was assaulted on the said date, the filed complaint is false. So the alleged accused should be free from all kinds of legal and illegal harassment

4.                   The adivasis should be allowed to work and live in peace and all false cases against them should be withdrawn.

5.                   For a peaceful solution, both parties can sit, dialogue and solve all problems mutually and can bring permanent peace in the area.

 

Investigated by

 

Rosaline Costa

Human Rights Coordinator

Hotline (HRs) Bangladesh

Box-5, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

Tel.: +9352149

Mobile : 017-548909

E-mail : hlbtimm@citechco.net

August 1, 2002

 

Two Christian Families attacked in land-grab bid

Armed miscreants in a bid to capture ancestral homesteads of two Christian families, attacked their houses and beat all the inmates including housewives and children at Bonpara Christianpolli in Boraigram upazila in Natore in the early hours of yesterday 23 September, 02.

  The 40 or so attackers, equipped with firearms and lethal weapons, entered the houses at about 3:30a.m by breaking the bamboo fences, the victims told this correspondent during a visit.

  They ransacked the houses and looted Tk. 28,000, a gold chain and household good.

  The injured are Hamdu Crush, 40, (a day labour), his wife Sundori Koraia, 35, his sons Sumon, 18, Manik, 14, Ratan, 10, and daughter Ratna, 8; Babul Crush, 28, (a day labour and Hamdu's younger brother), his wife Dipali Gomez, 26, daughters Jui Crush, 7 and Juthi Crush, 3, his sister Nannolina Crush, 32 and Dipali's brother Nilu Gomez.

  However, none of them was hospitlalise till yesterday.

  The attackers were led by one Ershad Ali Master, an alleged smuggler and his sons Quamruzzaman Raju and Ekramuzzaman Biddyut of Haroa village, according to a case recorded with Boraigram police station.

  The victims alleged that Ershad roughed up Dipali after stripping off her clothes.

  "Ershad Master was shouting at the attckers, saying it will not be a crime to kill two or four Christians", Dipali alleged while describing the incident.

  During their one-hour rampage, they also planted some saplings at the courtyard in a bid take possession of the land, they said.

  "The attackers tried to snatch the deeds of the land and also to have my finger mark on a blank deed, but failed as I kept the deeds at one of  my relative's house", Babul Crush said.

  "They want to capture 31.5 decimal land out of the total 44 decimal which we (the two families) inherited from our father", he said.

  "Ershad Master has been threatening for the last few days to evict us from our land. We informed Sayer Uddin, Majhgaon UP chairman and Boraigram upazila covenor of Jubo Dal about the threats. Sayer Uddin has arranged police Vigilance", he added.

  When contacted, Ashrafuzzaman, ASP of Boraigram circle, said that one and a hafl months ago, Ershad lodged a 'partisan suit' with Baraigram upazila judge court claiming that the 31.5 decimal land was sold to him by Babul's sister Sukumar Crush.

  Sukumari and his brothers also filed a counter suit claiming that they did not sell their land.

  The court formed a one-member commission with a lawyer to probe the matter. The commission was due to visit the spot yesterday, sources said.

  Eleven people have been accused in the case. Police arrested Ershad Ali Master and his sons Quamruzzaman Raju and Erkamuzzaman Biddyut.

  Police have has been deployed in the village as panic gripped the area, police sources said.

  Villagers at the Christianpolli told this correspondent that Ershad was not directly involved with any political party. But many of the attackers including Ershad's son Raju are cadres of ruling BNP. Daily Star, 24-9-02

 

Puja Mandap vandalised in Pabna

In Pirojpur, the so-called Al Saidee Mujahid Bahini threatened that the Puja celebration would not be allowed at the birthplace of Delwar Hossain Saidee, local MP of the Jamaat-e-Islami.

Unidentified miscreants demolished all images of Goddess Durga at the Durga Mandir at Shakharipara under Ataikula Upazila in Pabna yesterday.

In another incident in Pirojpur, an organisation called Al Saidee Mujahid Bahini has sent letters to all Puja committees in Sadar and Nazirpur upazilas, intimidating Hindus not to celebrate Puja this year. In Pabna, the images at the Durga Mandir at the residence of district Awami League leader Chandan Kumar Chakrabarty were demol ished in the early hours of yesterday. The incident has sent a wave of panic among the Hindus living in the upazila. In protest, they decided not to celebrate the Puja this year.

On information, Ataikula police and Additional District Magistrate Nurul Islam visited the temple. Police claimed that law enforcers were deployed at the temple, but no policemen were found there till yesterday noon.Leaders of the District Puja Celebration Committee also visited the temple and urged the authorities to ensure security to the Hindus in the area.

In Pirojpur, the so-called Al Saidee Mujahid Bahini threatened that the Puja celebration would not be allowed at the birthplace of Delwar Hossain Saidee, local MP of the Jamaat-e-Islami and asked the Hindus to demolish idols by yesterday.

The organisation said that unless the Hindus demolish the images on their own, members of the Bahini would launch a demolition drive.The administration beefed up security and assured the Puja committees of their help in peaceful celebration of the Puja.

State Minister for Finance Abul Hussain also met with local politicians and sought their all-out support.Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police (Barisal Range) Golam Mostafa termed the letter of the Bahini an attempt to sabotage the Puja celebration.

Pirojpur police arrested Convenor of the district Jubo League Sadullah Liton and former joint convenor of the district Bangladesh Chhatra League Kamruzzaman Shahin on suspicion of sabotage.D.S., 10.11.02

 

Temple Torched idols destroyed in Bangladesh

Although no major Bangladesh newspaper has reported this story - Hindustan Times seems to have recieved this feed from AFP - and remains suspect at the time BangladdesherDak ciculates this piece. Readers' caution is requested.

A temple was torched and statues of deities were destroyed in three attacks on Muslim-majority Bangladesh's main religious minority ahead of a festival, officials and reports said on Tuesday.

In the northern area of Kishoreganj, a temple was set ablaze and badly damaged on Saturday. A leaflet left behind called for an end to "idol worship" and for a mosque to be built in the temple's place, the Sangbad newspaper reported. One day later, a group destroyed statues of deities, made ahead of the major Hindu festival of Durga Puja on Thursday, in Narayanganj near the capital Dhaka. A private guard identified as Shah Alam was arrested for the attack on Sunday, police officer Ashadul Islam told AFP by telephone. Separately, two teenagers were arrested for destroying idols in the western Natore district, Sangbad reported.

Opposition leaders have alleged persecution of Bangladeshi Hindus since Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's Islamist-allied coalition swept in to power last October.

The government has denied any campaign against Hindus, who form about 12 percent of Bangladesh's 130 million-strong population, and has assured full security for the festival on  Thursday.

The US State Department's 2002 International Religious Freedom Report said Bangladeshis "generally are free to practice the religion of their choice," but said police are often slow to assist minorities who are victims of crimes.

In the Narayanganj incident, local lawmaker Giasuddin Ahmed, who is from Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party, offered 40,000 taka ($689) for the destroyed deities to be rebuilt.

Hindustan Times, 9th October 2002, Dhaka, October 08

 

Ethnic Cleansing In Bangladesh By Saleem Samad on 8 November 2002

Ethnic cleansing of minorities in Bangladesh  (then East Pakistan) started in 1947. Over half-a-century has passed with no end is in sight. Minorities in Bangladesh,  including women and children were subjected to extreme brutality and torture following the last National Election in Bangladesh held in October 2001, forcing many families to migrate out of their  "Homeland of generations" for physical safety. In the recent past, there have been several cases of brutal killings of prominent members of minority communities in the strategic Chittagong and its Hill Tracts, by armed gang of Islamic fanatics. Significantly, these tragic incidents were perpetrated in the wake of Santu Larma - Khaleda Zia high-level talks at Dhaka on April 20, for establishing permanent peace in the said region. That very day in Rangamati (CHT), an armed gang of Bnp-Jei backed ‘United People’s Democratic Front’ (Updf) attacked pro-Larma Chakma tribals resulting in the death of four Chakma Buddhists. Next day (April 21), at Vill. Hingla in Rouzan locality of Chittagong, Gyanjyoti Borooah (55 yrs), a locally popular Buddhist Monk, running an Orphanage / Monastery was brutally killed. Thereafter on April 28/29, another Chakma Buddhist named Gyandarshi Chakma was shot dead at village Babupara in Mahalchhari (Cht). One of his companion sustained bullet wounds. The same night,  Madan Gopal Goswami, a Hindu Priest of  was gunned down in Gachhabil area of Manikchhari (Cht). These cases of utmost brutality generated strong resentment among local Chakmas and Hindus.

Some "recent" incidents (2002)

 ( 1 )    20th April 2002, at Moulavibazar district of Bangladesh, in Laxmipur village under Kulaur Police station several armed Muslim fundamentalists attacked the houses of Dulal Debnath and Jitendra Debnath, both members of the Hindu minority community. The houses were set ablaze. The group of miscreants led by Iuyas Mian of Balichiri village forcefully captured their lands. A case has been filed against them at the Kulaur police station.

( 2 )    8th May, 2002, N. M. Jahangir Alam-A well known journalist of the newspaper Sambad which is published from Dhaka, was beaten up by Muslim fundamentalists. Because he was accused of publishing several news, reporting the poor conditions of the Hindu minority of Bangladesh. He filed a case at the near by Police Station but the police did not show the any interest in arresting the miscreants

 ( 3 )    5th May, 2002-in the morning, At the Dolu Bridge area situated in the Shattkaniya sub-district of South Chattagram, a group of Muslim fundamentalists kidnapped Rupam Mullick, a Hindu resident and damaged his arms and legs.

 ( 4 )    23rd May, 2002, near Sadhurpara situated at the Chandgaon police station of Chattagram, the local Muslim fundamentalists forcefully captured the lands owned by a Hindu widow Charubala Nath (80).

 ( 5 )    8th May, 2002,-in Narikelbaria village of Bakharpara sub-district situated at Jessore, a local Muslim extreamist, Saiful along with Kabir and other fundamentalists demanded, more than 1 lakhs takas (U.S. $2,000) as Jizya tax (tax imposed by non-Muslims on Muslims) from a business Subodh Saha. But Subodh refused to pay the tax. As a result the fanatics took a glass bottle fill with hot water and vehemently beat Subodh with it. He was badly injured. His two legs were damaged. Another person called Bablu Saha, who came to protect Subodh was also beaten up.

 ( 6 )    10th May, 2002, at night, a Hindu journalist named Manik Mazumdar's office was destroyed by a group of right wing Muslim fundamentalists. Manik Mazumdar is the president of reporter's union of Madhukhali sub-district in Faridpur.

 ( 7 )    25th April, 2002, 9 o'clock at morning in Thakurgaon district, Chandramohan Sarkar, headmaster of Shapla Adarsha Uchcha Vidyalaya was forcefully resigned from his post because of being a Hindu, by Muslim fundamentalists.

 ( 8 )    7th May, 2002, at the Shathkhira sub-district, in the Sreerampur village a Hindu housewife was raped by a reactionary Muslim fanatic named Shafiqul Islam. A case has been filed but no adequate action has been taken by the police against the accused.  

( 9 )    9th May, 2002, at night, a Hindu religious place-''Aditya Asram'' situated in the Khashipur village under the Banshkhali police station of Chattagram was demolished by some Muslim activists. A group of 30 to 40 muslim fundamentalists along with sharp weapons attacked the ''Aditya Asram''. The priest of the temple-Pradipananda Purimoharaj was deeply injured by the fundamentalists. The property of the ''Ashram'' has been looted & taken away by the attackers.  

( 10 )    4th May 2002, at night, near the Biyanibazar of Sulhet district, a Hindu Brahmin girl of the Uttabhag village has been kidnapped by a group of Muslim fundamentalists and raped mercilessly. 5th May, the villagers rescued her but she was totally senseless.  

( 11 )    3rd May, 2002, at night, in Kumilya district of Bangladesh Brajendra Bhowmick, a Hindu villager of Haludia situated under Mujaffargunge Union was attacked by armed right wing Muslim fundamentalists. The houses of Subhash Chandra Bhowmick, Nakul Chandra Bhowmick and Bimalendu Bhowmick have been set a blaze. The local police station is still indifferent regarding the incident.  

( 12 )    8th May, 2002, at night, in the Nator district of Bangladesh, the villagers of Bashantapur at Shingra sub-district were attacked by armed Muslim extremists. The houses of Niren, Nitai, Atul, Prabhat, Dinesh, Ajit, Krishna, Jitendra, Basudev and Sukumar, all Hindus were looted. The families have decided to leave Bashantapur for India.  

( 13 )    Recently, near the Patuakhali sub-district of Bangladesh, at Khachipara and Kalishuri village of Banpual-the Hindu minorities have been forcibly interned at their homes to keep them under observation. Shishutosh Dash, Bhabaranjan Das, Debendranath Sarkar and Hiron Kumar Sarkar were forced to sign and give away all their houses and properties to the Muslim fundamentalists. They only cried in silence and left their land to move away to any other place.  

( 14 )    20th April, in evening, at Uttapara sub-distict of Shirajgunga a Hindu clothes merchant, Nitai Sarkar has been attacked by some muslim exrremsits. Clothes from his shop were stolen that valued nearly, 1 lakh (U.S. $ 2,000) takas. Being mercilessly beaten he is now under treatment.  

( 15 )    15th April 2002, in the Chagal Naiya sub-distict of Pheni district, Khrishna Das (60) and Ujjal Das (27) Hindu vilagers of Sattar village has been severely tortured by local right wing Muslim fundamentaliss, because they refused to pay the jizya tax according to their demands.  

( 16 )    20th May 2002, at Bargauna district of Bangladesh, in Bukabania Zabar of Bamma sub-distrcits some Hindu owned lands surrounding a temple were captured by the Muslim partymen. They belonged to the fundamentalists group of the Bangladesh National Party. They have started to build their party office in that area.

 

Forceful Conversion of Two  Minor Hindu Girls to Islam-Attack on Family Members:

Monday, August 05,  2002 

Two  minor Hindu girls, namely Miss Sushma Rani Malo (15 year old), daughter of Shri  Anil Chandra Malo and Miss Putul Rani Malo (15 year old), daughter of  ShriMonoranjan  Malo of village Kulpaddy, Police Station and District of Madaripur, were  kidnapped from their houses one kilometer from Madaripur police station. The  guardians of the victims described in a very heart-rending manner to Advocate  Rabindra Ghosh, President HRCBM, Dhaka, Bangladesh, that their minor daughters  were students of Class VIII. The minor girls were kidnapped by some Muslims of  the same village, led by the Imman of Madaripur Sadar Hospital Mosque. They were  forced to sign an affidavit that they are 19 years of age and they wanted to  convert to Islam at their own will on 25th of July, 2002. In addition, they were  allured and detained and compelled by some Muslims of the same locality,  particularly the supporters of Jamal-E-Islami Party, to swear an affidavit by a  Notary Public at Madaripur. The victims, Putul Rani Malo and Sushma Rani Malo,  came back to their parents on 25th July, 2002, in the evening. On hearing the  news that the two girls had gone back to their parents some Jamal-E-Islamic  supporters numbering about 250/300 surrounded the houses of the victim-girls at  about 11 P.M. at night. The criminals started assaulting Arun Chandra Malo(26),  brother of victim Sushma Rani Malo. Arun Chandra Malo sustained severe injuries  on the lower portion of the eyes, which were still visible after 8 days. He was  under the treatment of local doctor. Ultimately those two victim girls were  again kidnapped by the Muslim criminals on 26th July, 2002. The police and law  enforcement authorities did neither provide any protection to the girls and  their families nor arrested the criminals. Not only that the miscreants with the  help of some police officials of Madaripur police station tactfully obtained an  undertaking from the guardians of the victim girls that they do not like to  lodge any complain with the police and they did not take any cases against the  criminals. Advocate Rabindra Ghosh finally was successful in filing two F.I.R.’s  with the Madaripur Police Station during his visit.

Advocate Mr. Ghosh pointed to the Deputy Commissioner  that the consent of any minor, according to law, is no consent and the date of  birth of the victims proved that they were minors. So the consent obtained by  the criminals by an affidavit in the Notary Public has got no force in law.  Until and unless the minor becomes 18 years of age she is not capable to give  consent as per the latest ruling of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. It is quite  astonishing to note that the "No objection certificate" obtained by some police  officers tactfully from the simple-minded and law-abiding guardians of the  victims are very much unwarranted and without jurisdiction; and for this  deceitful endeavor on the part of any law-enforcing agencies are highly  reprehensible and punishable under law. It is also astonishing to note that  while the victim girls were kidnapped from a house by the miscreants the police  was silent and they were allowed to organize processions in the locality in the  name of religion and promote violence and intolerance. Mr. Ghosh requested the  Deputy Commissioner of Madaripur to hand over the minor victims to the legal  guardians but no actions have yet been taken. A serious tension is prevailing in  the area and the minorities fear for their life and security.

 

3 injured as  Islamic terrorists attack Christian Para (locality) in Barisal : March  23rd, 2002

UNB,  Barisal

Armed terrorists attacked  the Christian-dominated area at Kashipur on the outskirts of the town yesterday,  leaving three people injured, one witness said the hoodlums numbering around 10 swooped on the Christian Para at Icchakati at about 11 am  and ransacked a house belonging to Badal Baidya. During the raid,  they also stabbed three people, including Liton Sadhu, when they tried to resist  them. Liton was admitted to Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital "in  critical condition"  March 22, 2002

 

Terrorists attack houses of Christian  community in Pabna : February 28th, 2002 

PABNA, Feb 27: At least 20 people were injured as some terrorists allegedly attacked and damaged several  houses of Christian community members in two villages of Chatmohor Upazila in  the district on Tuesday night, reports UNB. Local people said the violence  started when one Susanta Modal of village Kadamtol refused to pay money allegedly to some cadres of JCD, the student wing of ruling BNP, for buying  liquor. Refusal to pay money made the cadres angry and they went on the rampage  assaulting Susanta. Ten people were injured and four houses ransacked in the  attack, according to sources. 

 

Gang rape continues at  Naugaou, minority girls appeal for justice: February  13th, 2002

 Daily  Janakantha dated 13th February, 2002 

Naugaou: After brutal gang  rape of minority girl Purnima at Ullapara, another Purnima has become the victim  of gang rape at Niamatpur under Naugaou. Terrorists armed with lethal country made weapon burst into the house of Mr. Gajendra Nath Sarkar at mid night, the  miscreants went on rampage at the house kicking and punching family members  first and then forcefully kidnapped Ms. Babita Rani Sarkar, holding the family  at gunpoint. Next morning, the miscreants dropped off the subdued and tormented  body of Ms. Babita who was seriously wounded but alive. Terrorist warned the  local minorities for stern punishment if the incident is reported to police.  This incident further instigated fear among minorities at Bhahadurpur village.  To escape humiliation and save their females minorities are sending out all the  young girls and women to relatives in towns. Ignoring all the warnings,  oppression and torture of miscreants, Ms. Babita, a student of class ten in  local school and her family decided to file case in the local police station.  The brave girl identified one "Shariful" among eight evildoers. Police has  arrested Shariful and Ahidur Rahman while writing this report. Ms. Babita has  now taken refuge to the residence of her maternal uncle at Mandar Bevbra  village. Latter Police Superintendent Mr. Mustafijur Rahman visited the village  assuring the safety of minorities there but locals said minorities never been  safe since the last election. Some also stated that Babita's distant sister was also gang raped earlier but administration has not done enough to endow justice. 

References : 

1] Bangladesh A Country Study, Ed. J.Heitzman & R.L.Worden, 2nd Ed, Federal Research Division, Library of Congress, Publisher U.S. Army, 1989, pp.250,255  

2] Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 th Ed, Micropedia, Vol.1, p.789 Desh. 

3] State of Minorities in Bangladesh : From Secular to Islamic Hegemony : Saleem Samad 

http://www.mnet.fr/aiindex/ssamad_Bangaldesh.html  

Several other human rights related web sites. 

Through Internet : Ethnic Cleansing In Bangladesh By Rahul Gupta  8 November, 2002

Vanishing Minority Population

 Hindus comprised nearly 30% of the total population in Bangladesh in 1947. After the exodus of minorities following the partition of India in 1947, the hindu population went down to about 22% by 1951. Due to unabated persecution, intimidation, and forcible conversion to Islam, the Hindu-Minority population kept on dwindling and now stands at a meager 10.5% of the total population in Bangladesh (1991 census). 
Interesting to note that minority Muslim population in adjoining West Bengal (India) showed a positive growth rate and according to 1991 Census, stood at nearly 24% of the total population from only about 12% in 1947.

 India and West Bengal Census Data

 Source: Census of India 1991 (http://www.censusindia.net/), Data Source : 1991 Census of India 

Table 29: Population of India since 1901 Census

 Table 24: Three Main Religions in every state, (India, 1991)

 Hindus              687,646,721      82.00 %

Muslims            101,596,057      12.12  %

Christians          19,640,284        2.34 %

    (Total)           846,302,688

 West Bengal (1991)

Hindus              50,866,624        74.7 % (1961 : 78.8%, decreased 4.1%)

Muslims            16,075,836        23.6 % (1961 : 20%, increased 3.6%)

Christians          383,477 0.6 %    (1961 : 0.5%, increased 0.1%)

West Bengal (1961-1991)

Year     Total     Hindu    Muslim  Chrsn    Others

1961     34.92    78.8      20.0      0.5        0.1

1991     68.07    74.7      23.6      0.5        0.6  

Bangladesh

 In Bangladesh, hindu population was 38% in 1941; 29% in 1951, 22.5% in 1961; 18.5% in 1974;

12.2% in 1981 and 10.5% in 1991. Hindu population decreased by 12% from 1961 to 1991 (Ref 1, 2).

 The vanishing minority population is understood from researching the census documents published the government. Fifty years ago in 1941, 28.3 per cent of the total population was minorities. The population of Hindu was 11.88 millions, while 588 thousand was other religious and ethnic minorities (Buddhist, Christian and animist). Evaluation of government statistics of 50 years, from 1941 to 1991, indicates a large drop in the figure for minorities. A comparative picture shows that the number of the Muslim majority increased 219.5 per cent while the Hindu community increased by 4.5 per cent. (Ref 3). 

 If normal increase rate prevailed, the number of the Hindu community in this country would have been 32.5 million, but the Hindu population in Bangladesh stood at 12.5 million in 1991 Census (State of Human Rights, 1994). Therefore the missing population is 20 million. (Ref 3).  

Subject:   The Arrogant Cowards       Date:    Mon, 28 Oct 2002      From:     "Shafiq Ahmad"@mail.citechco.net

 Those who are very happy at the army operation  cannot see through their myopia the long term implication of the army call up, which results in eleven heart-attack deaths in roughly as many days of operation to turn the heart sacred (or, is it meant to convey that they are the ones with sacred hearts??!!!  That would be funny indeed). If these bull-headed sepoys can beat up and take 85-year old women of their own country to their camps blindfolded, only a mad man will nurture the delusion that they will "deliver" us from the scourage of large scale politically-patronized crime. Those who are cheering the army raid should press the government to first arrest and blindfold those godfathers who form part of that very government, before the sepoys blindfold innocent housewives and their octagenarian mothers-in-law. I know there will be people who will come back with lame but vociferous arguments against what I have just said, but I could not care less.  We are a coward nation and I know that even the officially-organized insult and torture of our elderly will not be reason enough to put aside our myopia and our silly partisanship.   

Army 'beats up' 85-yr-old lady, SI's wife in city  by Staff Corespondent

Army personnel yesterday allegedly beat up the wife and mother-in-law of a police sub-inspector (SI) after taking them to an army camp at Mugda in the city's Sabujbagh area.

Shahatunnesa, 85, mother-in-law of Kabirul Islam Molla, SI of the Dhanmondi Police Station, was admitted to the    Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) in a critical condition while his wife Minara Begum was released after first aid. Witnesses said Shahatunnesa and her daughter- were supervising construction work of their building at 87/A, West Madertek in Sabujbagh at about 9:00am when an army team arrived there. The troops rounded up two youths in front of the building and then sought Minara's permission to enter the building to conduct a search.  Minar let them in, but then got angry when the troops went to the roof.

"Why are you creating unnecessary hassle for us?" she was quoted to have said. At this, the troops became furious and some of them were locked in a scuffle with Minara Begum. They also grabbed Shahatunnesa when she came to rescue her daughter-in-law, family members alleged. The 85-year-old lady was allegedly kicked and punched.

The army then blindfolded them, took them to a camp at Mugda where they were beaten up and confined. They were however released after more than three hours. SI Kabirul Islam expressed his grievance over the incident.  "Why should they bat up my old mother and wife? What right do they have? I am a policeman. So, why should criminals stay in my house?" said Kabirul. "They (army) were dragging away my daughter and I tried to stop them," said Shahatunnesa, while being treated at the DMCH. "But they kicked me in the waist and clubbed me. Later, they took us to the army camp."
No case was filed till filing of this report last night.  

Rosaline Costa
Human Rights Coordinator
Hotline (HRs) Bangladesh
Box-5, Dhaka-1000
12 August, 2002

Note: Ms. Rosaline Costa is a member of HRCBM and Ex-President of HRCBM's Dhaka chapter, Bangladesh.