'January saw 42 communal attacks’ : Says Oikya Parishad, places seven demands
The Daily Star | At least 42 incidents of communal violence, including 11 killings and one rape, were reported across the country in January, raising concerns about the safety of religious and ethnic minorities ahead of the upcoming national election, said Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad yesterday.
The incidents, recorded up to January 27, also included nine attacks on temples and churches, and 21 cases of attacks, looting, land grabbing, and vandalism of minority homes and businesses, the organisation said at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club.
In a written statement, the organisation’s acting general secretary Monindra Kumar Nath said the organisation documented a total of 522 incidents nationwide over the last year.
These included 61 killings; 28 incidents of violence against women, including rape and gang rape; 95 attacks on places of worship involving vandalism, looting, and arson; 102 attacks on homes and business establishments; 38 cases of abduction, extortion, and torture; 47 incidents of threats and physical assaults; 36 arrests and torture on allegations of religious blasphemy; and 66 cases of forcible occupation of land, homes, and businesses.
He said members of minority communities want to exercise their civic rights through voting, but their fears regarding life, livelihood, property, and dignity remain unaddressed.
“The responsibility for any discouragement of minority voters must be borne by the government, the administration, the Election Commission, and political parties,” Nath said.
He also criticised the introduction of ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ votes under the referendum system, claiming it excluded secularism as a fundamental principle of state governance.
“The government and the Election Commission are directly campaigning in favour of this, which is sorrowful, unfortunate, and clearly biased,” he said.
The Oikya Parishad placed seven demands, including ensuring a level playing field for minority candidates and voters; banning the use of religion and communal sentiments in campaigns; deploying adequate law enforcement, and if necessary the army; and declaring minority-dominated areas as risk-prone zones with enhanced monitoring.
It also called for a strict ban on election campaigning at places of worship and demanded that hate speech, incitement, and the spread of communal rumours be treated as criminal offences under special laws.
The organisation urged the Election Commission and relevant authorities to act decisively to restore confidence among minority voters ahead of the polls.
