Citizen Delegation Inspects Human Rights Violations Against Religious Minorities in Raozan

A citizen delegation on Saturday visited the sites of recent attacks and arson targeting religious minority households in Sultanpur Municipality of Raozan upazila in Chattogram, expressing serious concern over minority safety ahead of the upcoming national election.

The delegation was led by Professor Robayet Ferdous of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at the University of Dhaka. Other members included Zakir Hossain, Chief Executive of Nagorik Udyog; poet and journalist Hafiz Rashid Khan; human rights activist Dipayan Khisa; Satej Chakma, International Affairs Secretary of the Bangladesh Indigenous Youth Forum; Tasnia Al Sultana, staff lawyer of BLAST’s Chattogram unit; Tawhid Ahmed Rana of Ain o Salish Kendra; and Priya Jyoti Chakma Ribek, General Secretary of the Parbatya Chattogram Pahari Chhatra Parishad at Chittagong University.

Local representatives of the Raozan Municipality Puja Udjapan Parishad were present during the visit, including President Sadeep Dey (Sajib), General Secretary Dipta Chowdhury, Vice President Tapan Chowdhury (Manu), Adviser Arun Biswas, Organizing Secretary Triphal Chowdhury, Ullash Dhar, and Shankar Dey.

While visiting the fire-damaged home of victim Arati Shil and speaking to journalists, Professor Robayet Ferdous said the attacks appeared to be an attempt to create fear among religious minorities ahead of the election.

“We see that before elections, attacks like these are carried out to create panic among minority communities,” he said. “Many of the victims are still traumatized. We often talk about a level playing field for candidates, but we rarely talk about a level playing field for voters. Can all voters in this country exercise their right to vote without fear? There is no guarantee that those attacked here will be able to vote safely.”

He urged the government to ensure that all citizens can cast their votes freely in the upcoming election, to conduct a proper assessment of the damage, and to ensure compensation for affected families. He also stressed the need to remove fear and guarantee the security of minority communities.

Zakir Hossain, Chief Executive of Nagorik Udyog, noted that with the election scheduled for February 12, the next eleven days are critical.

“We hope the situation will improve once a new government takes office after the election,” he said. “But ensuring the safety of minority communities during this pre-election period is urgent. We observed that no concrete initiative has yet been taken by the authorities. We urge the administration to prepare a list of affected families, quickly assess the extent of losses, and arrange rehabilitation. Token assistance alone cannot ensure security.”

He also expressed hope that the cases filed over the incidents would bring the real perpetrators to justice.

BLAST Chattogram unit lawyer Tasnia Al Sultana said the affected residents are living in constant fear.

“Even when they sleep, they are afraid of when another arson attack might happen,” she said. Referring to one of the cases (GR 261/25), she said the police were supposed to submit a report by January 25, 2026, but failed to do so. The deadline has now been extended to April 7. “If police reports continue to be delayed like this, justice will become difficult. We hope these cases will at least provide legal protection to the victims,” she added.

Victim Mithun Shil told the delegation that attackers had locked them inside their home from outside and then set it on fire.

“Their intention was to kill us,” he said. “Nine of us, including elderly parents and small children, managed to escape by cutting through the fence with a sickle. My passport, Qatar work permit, and flight ticket were all burned. We have lost everything, and no assistance has yet been provided, although the UNO said help would be given.”

Other victims said that Hindus and Muslims had lived peacefully in the area for a long time, but arson attacks began after the election schedule was announced. At least nine houses were set on fire after being locked from outside, and banners were reportedly hung at the scenes after each incident, bearing the names of local NCP and Jamaat leaders. They said such incidents have declined since nominations were finalized, but locals are still patrolling the area at night to ensure safety.