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(Translated from Bengali)
Report from SAMBAD, Dhaka, Karthik 15 (bengali calender), Tuesday, Oct 30, 2001: From Chitagong Bureau (South-east Bangladesh)by Anjan kumar Sen: In many villages of Rauzan and Rangunia Upa-Jillah (sub-districts), the hindus this year couldn't offer Durga Puja - not even `Ghat- puja' (symbolic Durga puja). Many houses were torched and looted after the election on Oct 1st..... Not only the houses were torched, the minorities have been threatened that they need to pay tax to perform `ghat-puja'. On Vijaya Dashami, the oppressors (`Faizal Vahini') also declared that the minorities need to pay monthly tax to live in Bangladesh. The police/administration is keeping quiet. Last Saturday, a resident of Rauzan - Mr. Adhir Dey had to leave his village for town because he dared to challange the `declaration'. Hundreds of minority families from these two Upa-Jillah have moved to nearest towns to save the modesty of their women and girls.. In the villages Koyepara, Bagoan, Gujra, Noapara, Binajuri, Dabua, Deoanpur of Rauzan and the villages Kadamtali, Shilok, Podua, Sabek-Rangunia, Santiniketan of Rangunia the minority homes are empty except elderly ladies. The minorities are so scared of losing their property and modesty of their women that they are reluctant to go to police. Many lodged specific complaints, but didn't get any help and thinks the happenings are their fate. Many allege that police initially moved against some BNP cadres, but had to backtrack under pressure from top BNP leaders. .... The home minister of Bangladesh has claimed that reporters are making a mountain out of an ant-hill....... (more descriptions of atrocities)........... ..On 14th Oct, the Durga idol of Ramkrishana Sevashram was destroyed by the attackers, and a bengali businessman was mercilessly beaten...... |
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