32 Citizens Condemn Minority Killings and Violence Ahead of Bangladesh Election

Ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, 32 citizens have issued a statement condemning a series of continuous acts of violence over the past several weeks, including successive planned killings particularly the killing of minorities, arson attacks on homes, and other assaults—and demanding that those responsible be brought under the law and punished severely.

The statement said:
“From reports published in various news media, we are observing with deep anger and concern that ahead of the 13th National Parliamentary Election, over the past several weeks, successive planned killings have taken place, including the murder of minority citizens, attacks on their family homes, and acts of arson. There is a widespread public perception that these incidents are being carried out with the intention of destabilizing the country before the election.

‘Several individuals, including Dipu Das in Bhaluka of Mymensingh, Rana Pratap Bairagi in Jashore, and Sarat Chakraborty Moni in Narsingdi, have fallen victim to these killings. In addition, in Raozan of Chattogram, homes of members of the minority community were set on fire after locking the doors from outside. We express our deep anger and condemn these incidents in the strongest possible terms.’”

The statement further said that it is well known that harmonious relations among the general population of Bangladesh, including citizens of different religious faiths, are part of the country’s heritage. Instances of hatred or animosity among ordinary citizens toward any particular religion, community, or ethnic group are rare. On the contrary, those carrying out these violent communal attacks or killings constitute a small segment of society who are driven by communal extremism and politically motivated malicious intentions. Undoubtedly, they are actively attempting to disrupt the upcoming general election. The signatories firmly believe that domestic and foreign instigators and patron groups are also providing them with support.

The statement noted that it is as clear as daylight that, ahead of the election, a group is deliberately carrying out these acts with the aim of questioning the credibility of the election and creating tension. Among the general population of Bangladesh, attitudes of tolerance and empathy are widely observed. For generations, people of all religions in this country have lived together in harmony.

The signatories also expressed shock and anger at the repeated failure of the government to promptly investigate these incidents and to bring those responsible for sabotage, killings, and attacks before the courts. They demanded proper, impartial investigations into all such incidents, the arrest of the real perpetrators, and their prosecution. At the same time, they called for identifying through investigation those involved behind the scenes and informing the public, and bringing them as well under the purview of justice.

They placed four clear demands:

1. Those responsible for the killing of members of minority communities, attacks on their homes, and acts of arson must be immediately arrested and brought to trial. At the same time, the instigators and facilitators must be identified and strict legal action taken against them.
2. The interim government must take special measures to protect minority homes, shops, and all establishments, as well as temples, churches, and all places of worship. All political parties and social forces must be united to build social resistance in vulnerable areas.
3. The administration must immediately issue special directives to ensure the religious and overall security of Hindus and all religious and ethnic minorities in the country and to preserve communal harmony. Strict and regular monitoring must be increased.
4. All mainstream political parties are urged to take special initiatives to collectively resist these incidents by mobilizing the people of the country, particularly their own party leaders, activists, and supporters.

The statement was signed by:
Anu Muhammad, economist and former professor, Jahangirnagar University; Advocate Sultana Kamal, human rights activist and founding chairperson, Human Rights Protection Council; Khushi Kabir, coordinator, Nijera Kori; Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director, Transparency International Bangladesh; Rasheda K. Chowdhury, Executive Director, Campaign for Popular Education and former adviser to the caretaker government; Advocate Z I Khan Panna, senior lawyer, Supreme Court of Bangladesh and president, Ain o Salish Kendra; Shaheen Anam, Executive Director, Manusher Jonno Foundation; Shamsul Huda, Executive Director, ALRD; Md. Nur Khan, human rights activist; Dr. Samina Lutfah, professor, University of Dhaka; Dr. Sumaiya Khair, professor, Department of Law, University of Dhaka; Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, senior lawyer, Supreme Court of Bangladesh, among others.