Facts in Brief: According to a report published in *Daily Prothom Alo* on September 12, 2024, it was learned that following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, minority communities across Bangladesh have experienced a series of violent attacks. These incidents, primarily targeting the Hindu community, have resulted in the extensive destruction of homes, business establishments, and places of worship, with some properties even being set on fire.
The violence began on the afternoon of August 5, with the first two days witnessing the most significant number of attacks. *Prothom Alo* correspondents conducted investigations from August 5 to August 20, uncovering evidence of at least 1,068 houses and businesses belonging to minority communities being damaged. Additionally, 22 places of worship were attacked. Out of 64 districts, at least one incident occurred in each of the 49 affected districts.
The southwestern division of Khulna was the most affected, with at least 295 homes and businesses destroyed. Other regions also saw significant damage, including Rangpur (219), Mymensingh (183), Rajshahi (155), Dhaka (79), Barishal (68), Chattogram (45), and Sylhet (25).
The attacks have also claimed lives, with two members of the minority community confirmed dead. Mrinal Kanti Chatterjee, a retired schoolteacher, was beaten and hacked to death on August 5 in Bagerhat Sadar. His wife and daughter were injured in the attack. The second victim, Swapan Kumar Biswas from Paikgachha, Khulna, was tortured and killed on August 8 while returning home.
Of the 1,068 houses and businesses attacked, at least 506 belonged to individuals involved in Awami League politics, indicating a possible political motive behind some of the violence.
Christian and Ahmadiyya Muslim communities, as well as ethnic minorities, were also targeted. The Bangladesh Christian Association reported attacks on churches in Naogaon and Dinajpur, as well as Christian homes in Barishal, Khulna, Mymensingh, and Parbatipur. In Thakurgaon, a statue of Mother Mary was damaged, and threats were made against missionary schools and colleges.
There were at least 10 attacks on ethnic communities in Dinajpur, Rajshahi, Naogaon, Chapainawabganj, and Thakurgaon. In addition to property damage, there were cases of land grabbing and theft of fish from ponds. Statues of Sidhu Murmu and Kanhu Murmu, historical figures from the Santal rebellion, were also desecrated.
There was also the destruction of at least 137 homes and six mosques across various districts, including Panchagarh, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Nilphamari, Dhaka, Sherpur, and Mymensingh, belonging to the Ahmadiyya community.
Robert Simon, prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF stated, "The systematic violence against minority communities in Bangladesh is not only an attack on their fundamental rights but also an affront to the principles of equality and justice. The international community, along with the Bangladesh government, must take immediate action to protect these vulnerable people and hold the perpetrators accountable."
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder and President of JMBF, echoed the need for urgent intervention, adding, "We condemn these brutal attacks in the strongest possible terms. The widespread destruction of property, desecration of places of worship, and loss of innocent lives must not go unaccounted for. We call on the Bangladesh government to initiate a full and impartial investigation into these incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice."
JMBF believes that safeguarding minority communities in Bangladesh is crucial for the nation's long-term stability and social harmony. The Bangladesh government, with the support of the global community, must act swiftly to ensure justice and protect minority communities from further violence.
JMBF Calls for:
1. A Comprehensive Investigation: The United Nations and the Bangladesh government must conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the violence. The inquiry should identify those responsible for orchestrating and participating in these attacks and bring them to justice.
2. International Oversight: The European Parliament, various governments, and international human rights organizations must advocate for transparency and accountability in the investigation. International involvement is vital to ensure an unbiased process and protect the rights of Bangladesh's minority communities.
3. Protection of Minority Communities: The Bangladesh government must take immediate steps to restore security and prevent further violence. This includes providing protection to minority communities in affected areas and ensuring they can live without fear of persecution.
4. Justice and Accountability: Those responsible for these heinous acts must be held accountable through fair and transparent legal proceedings. The culture of impunity surrounding attacks on minorities in Bangladesh must be dismantled to secure long-term peace and coexistence.
JMBF urges the international community, particularly the United Nations, the European Parliament, and human rights organizations, to stand in solidarity with the affected communities, monitor the situation closely, and ensure that the rights of Bangladesh's minority groups are safeguarded.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) reaffirms its commitment to justice, accountability, and the rule of law and will continue its efforts to restore peace and harmony in Bangladesh.
Thank you,
Advocate Shahanur Islam
Founder & President
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
Email: info@jmbf.org; Website: www.jmbf.org
============================================================ JMBF is an independent non-profit, nonpartisan human rights organization registered in France with registration number W931027714 under the association law of 1901, dedicated to defending human rights, fighting for justice, and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond.
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