BHBCUC claims 257 communal violence incidents, 44 deaths in six months
Desk Report | The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC) has claimed that at least 257 incidents of communal violence occurred across the country during the first six months of this year, leaving 44 people dead.
The organisation also placed an eight-point demand, calling for stronger legal and institutional measures to protect the rights and security of religious minorities.
The figures were presented at a press conference held at the National Press Club on Monday (July 27) by the council's Acting General Secretary, Monindra Kumar Nath.
He said the data, compiled from media reports and the organisation's own documentation, covers the period from January 1 to June 30, adding that the actual number of incidents could be higher.
According to the council, the documented incidents include 40 cases resulting in 44 deaths, 62 attacks on places of worship, idol vandalism, looting and arson, 47 attacks on homes and businesses, 42 cases of threats or attempted killings, 21 incidents of alleged land and property grabbing, 15 cases involving places of worship, 10 incidents of abduction, extortion and torture, and five cases of rape or gang rape.
The organisation also highlighted several incidents from districts including Narsingdi, Shariatpur, Sunamganj, Tangail, Joypurhat, Cox's Bazar and Manikganj, alleging that members of religious and ethnic minority communities were targeted in those attacks.
The council criticised the arrest of Haridas Chandra Tarani Das in connection with the construction of a Ram statue in Palashbari, Gaibandha, describing it as inconsistent with religious freedom and the rule of law. It also reiterated its demand for the release of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson of the Sammilito Sanatani Jagaran Jote.
The organisation further alleged that actions taken against minority community officials during the previous government's tenure remain unresolved under the current administration.
To strengthen minority rights and security, the council renewed its eight-point demand, including the enactment of a Minority Protection Act, establishment of a National Minority Commission and a Minority Affairs Ministry, effective implementation of the Vested Property Return Act, reserved parliamentary seats for minorities, legislation to protect debottar properties, passage of an anti-discrimination law, full implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, and additional public holidays for different religious communities.
