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Houses of 16 minority families of Poragacha Guccho village in Ramgati Upazila of Laxmipur district grabbed
(The Daily Sangbad, 02nd July 07) From Our Correspondent
LAXMIPUR, July 2: It was alleged that some influential of Poragacha Guccho village evicted some 16 minority families from their homes among 30 minority families and they also forcibly grabbed their home. An appeal on behalf of the evicted families was made to the District Commissioner and also to the captain of joint force seeking a remedy.
On the other hand club men led by influential land grabber Ekram Uddin are also carrying physical and mental repression on members of other minority families and they are also threatening them to leave their homes. As a result, the minority families living there at present are passing days in insecurity with the young girls of the families. The locals told that if the law enforcing agency doesn't come forward to their help, the minority families will be evicted and they even might be killed.
It was learnt that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman visited river erosion area of Ramgati upazila on February 20, 1972 and after his visit Sheikh Mujibur Rahman inaugurated a project named Poragacha Guccho village by digging soil himself to rehabilitate the landless people. After the murder of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, the influential of the area got very active to grab the property of the project. The influential persons and land grabbers intimidated the minorities and they also lodged false cases against the members of the minority families and thus so far they grabbed the houses of 16 minority families.
It was learnt that Ekram Uddin, an illegal land grabber of the area were harassing the minority families in different ways. Some unscrupulous led by Ekram Uddin alse drove 16 minority families from their land and they also grabbed their homes and property. The minority families didn't protest for fear of their lives but they submitted a written complaint to the Divisional Commissioner, Chittagong district and also to Additional District Commissioner but in spite of that they didn't get any justice. As a result 16 minority families were deprived of their rights.
A minority named Jatan Chandra told the daily Sangbad that a police constable of Chittagong district Nur Nobi and his accomplices attempted to grab his house on on May 25 but they failed in face of the resistance of the locals. Constable Nur Nobi, Masud and Ekram Uddin gave Abul Kalam, an inhabitant of the area a good beating for his resistance.
The landless people appealed to the concerned authority to take action against the club men and illegal land grabbers and to rehabilitate the evicted 16 minority families to their homes.
Evil intention to grab the property of a minority family of Gaibandha district by forged paper
(The Daily Janakantha, 02nd July 07) From Our Correspondent
GAIBANDHA, July 2: A forged paper was made in association with sub-register and document writer to grab the property of helpless minority family of village Kisamat Malibari of Sadar (town) upazila of Gaibandha district. Babul Chandra Mandal and Santosh Chandra Mandal told this in a written complaint in a press conference held in Gaibandha Press Club on Sunday. Members of the victimized family broke into tears at that time.
It was mentioned in the press conference that two brothers Babul Chandra Mandal and Santosh Chandra Mandal sold their 4 decimals of land to a businessman named Abdul Jalil of the same area in need of financial problem of their family. The two brothers handed over the paper of that sold property to Abdul Jalil on June 19 last. Later they came to know that Md. Jahangir Alim. a document writer in exchange of a handsome amount of money and by managing sub-register included two shops which value is more than taka 5 lakh (million) and also 3 decimals of land on the blank space of that paper and then submitted the paper in name of Abdul Jalil. Hassan Mahmud Siddiqui, an Awami League leader and former upazila chairman and also a witness of the paper was also present in the press conference and he told that when he signed on the paper, there was no mention of the shops and adjacent property at that time. Later it was included through a tactics and then the registry of the paper was done. It was told in the press conference that a written complaint was lodged with Gaibandha sadar police station in this connection.
Property of Adibashi (aboriginal) of Ghoraghat Upazila of Dinajpur district grabbed: Adibashi threatened to leave the area
(The Daily Sangbad, 04th July 07) From Our Correspondent
HAKIMPUR (DINAJPUR), July 4: It was alleged that some influential persons of Ghoraghat upazila forcibly grabbed the land of a helpless Adibashi and also threatened him to evict and leave the area.
It was learnt from the complaint that Adibashi Kabiraz Mumu and Biswanath Mumu own 3 acres and 32 decimals of land they got as paternal property. Habibur Rahman, a land grabber of Baldira Para of the same upazila along with his accomplice Shajahan and some other men forcibly grabbed the property of the Adibashi.
The financially helpless Adibashi family is not able to take the shelter of the court against those influential. The Adibashi submitted a written complaint to the chairman of local Ghoraghat Union on July 17, 2001 seeking justice and the chairman after scrutinizing the papers of both sides gave his verdict in support of Adibashi Kabiraz Mumu. But Kabiraz Mumu could not recover his land from the influential till date. Rather, the influential persons are threatening the family of Kabiraz Mumu to go somewhere else leaving the property and they are also intimidating them to death. The helpless Adibashi family expected the interference of the present caretaker government and human rights organizations in case of recovering their grabbed property.
A minority freedom fighter couple of Kachua Upazila of Bagerhat district evicted from their land
(The Daily Janakantha, 07th July 07) From Our Correspondent
BAGERHAT, July 7: Some land grabbers in association with police beat up a freedom fighter (62) couple of Bagerhat district, looted their goods and also evicted them from their land. Seriously injured freedom fighter Balahari Mridha and his wife Santirani Mridha were admitted into Bagerhat Sadar (town) hospital. The incident took place in village Boro Andarmanik under Kachua upazila at broad day light but police didn't take any case till Friday even after three days of the incident. On the other hand, the relatives of the injured in face of the threat of the opponents are not getting able to give the injured treatment in the hospital. At last a complaint in association with the activists of a human rights organization was submitted to the Bagerhat Police Super on Thursday.
It was learnt form the complaint that a group of armed perpetrators led by Abdul Mannan Howladar of the same area gave freedom fighter Balahari Mridha and his wife Santirani Mridha a good beating and they also evicted them from their land. They also looted the goods of the house of Balahari Mridha. Balahari Mridha received injury in his head at the strike of the perpetrators and also his two hands were broken. On information, Dipankar Mridha, son of Balahari Mridha rushed to the home. At that time the grabbers also attempted to murder him. At that time he was at first taken to Kachua hospital in senseless state in association with local UP member Abdur Raub Sheikh. Later they were admitted into Bagerhat hospital. Amit Mridha and Asit Malangi, elder son and son-in-law of the injured told that Mannan Howladra, a resident of Kundala area started living beside the office of local Magia Council some years back. In an excuse that he purchased 1 acre and 3 decimals of land from Krishna Gharami and Gonesh Gharami attempted to grab the property of Balahari Mridha for the last 5-6 months and he also started threatening and repressing Balahari Mridha. At last on June 14 last, Mannam Howladar and his accomplices carried an attack on Balahari Mridha to evict him. Balahari Mridha made an appeal to Md. Jahidul Islam, UNO of Kachua upazila seeking a remedy in this connection. Then Upazila Executive Officer directed the OC of the police station to investigate the matter and take appropriate action. But mysteriously police didn't take any action against them and as a result land grabber Mannan Howladar and his accomplices got more active. At last Mannan Howladar along with 20-25 hired perpetrators carried an attack on Balahari Mridha on Tuesday afternoon and evicted them from their home.
A minority family of Dirai Upazila of Sunamganj district ostracized for 22 days, a case lodged at the court against Panchait (village council of arbitrators)
(The Daily Prothom Alo, 07th July 07) From Our Correspondent
SUNAMGANJ, July 7: A minority family of village Bhaitgaon under Kulanja union of Dirai upazila of Sunamganj district was ostracized for 22 days. Sorujkanti Talukdar, a member of that family in this complaint lodged a case accusing 21 members of the Panchait.
According to the source of the villagers, Lal Mohan Das, village chief had a personal dispute with a poor farmer named Upendra Das. Later Lal Mohan Das called Panchait and ostracized the family of Upendra Das. The leaders of the Panchiat cut away crops of about 7 bighas( a measurement of land) of Upendra Das on April 27 after ostracizing them a month. The next day an article was published in the daily Prothom Alo in this connection. Later, the leaders of the Panchait withdrew the punishment from Upendra Das.
It was learnt from the details of the case lodged by Sorujkanti that he protested the oppression carried on the family of Upendra Das. As a result, the leaders of the Panchait got very much agitated on him and also threatened his family. He lodged a general diary with Dirai police station on June 10 seeking security to his life and property.
Later, the leaders of the Panchait got much more agitated on him. The chiefs of the village Nripenda Das, Nanda Das, Lal Mohan Das, Ratish Das and Maharatna Das on June 15 declared the family of Sorujkanti ostracized. Sorujkanti lodged the case with cognizable court of Dirai upazila of Sunamganj district on June 28. The court ordered to investigate the matter.
Sorujkanti complained that the leaders of the Panchait told them straightforward not to talk or associate with any of the villagers. Even they were forbidden not to walk through any government road or market. They were also forbidden not to worship in the temple.
When contacted chief of the village Nropenda Das over his mobile phone, a man named Liton introducing him as elder brother of Nripenda das told that Nripenda Das was not home.
When contacted another chief of the village Lal Mohan Das, he was not agreed to say anything in this connection after realizing the identification of this reporter.Dispute over of land
Three minority families of Badarganj Upazila of Rangpur district confined
(The Daily Sangbad, 07th July 07) From Our Correspondent
BADARGANJ (RANGPUR), July 7: Three minority families of Badarganj upazila of Rangpur district are living an imprisoned life in face of the threat of the terrorists centering a dispute over land. A panic is prevailing among the villagers of being arrested as the terrorists lodged a case against 27 minorities including Union Parishad Chairman.
It was learnt that Sushil, Haripad and Chan Mohan of Rajarampur Dolapara under Modhupur union had been enjoying the possession of about 2 acres of land for 40 years. Recently, the minorities sought justice to Modhupur Union Parishad after a dispute was erupted between them and Monjel, Azizul, Badsha and Nur Islam of village Nilpukur over the boundary of the land. Three acres of land of the minorities included with the land of the opponent group during the location of the boundary of the land. Later Shahidul Islam, Modhupur Union Parishad Chairman sent the opponent groups a written order to hand over the land of the minorities. But Monjel Hossain neglecting the order of the Union Parishad lodged a case against 27 minorities including the Chairman. As a result, arrest panic is prevailing in the village. The hired perpetrators of Monjel ar5e threatening the minorities. They are also attempting to lodge extortion and terrorism case. The members of that three minority families are not getting able to come out of their homes in face of the threat of the terrorists.
Dacoits introducing them as RAB members committed a dacoity in the house of a minority gold trader of city's Hazaribagh area
(The Daily Samokal, 08th July 07) Staff Reporter
A dacoity took place in the house of a minority gold trader in old Dhaka's Hazaribagh area. The dacoits introducing them as members of RAB entered the house at the dead of night on Friday, held the inmates of the house hostage and looted goods worth about taka twenty two and half lakh (million) including cash two lakh taka and 120 bhoris (a measurement of gold) of gold. The incident took place at house no. 62 of Bhagalpur Lane of Hazaribagh area. Gold trader Gobinda Chandra as a complainant lodged a case with Hazaribagh police station in this connection. Gobinda told that about 6-7 dacoits introducing them as RAB members and wearing black mask on face entered their house at about 12:30 am on Friday. The dacoits at first blindfolded Gobinda and confined him in a room and at the same time the dacoits held the inmates of the house hostage at gunpoint and beat up them. The dacoits looted goods worth about taka 22 lakh and 44 thousand including cash 2 lakh taka and 120 bhoris of gold from the almirah and wardrobe. Police could not arrest any of the dacoits and also could not recover looted goods even after the gold trader lodged a case with Hazaribagh police station in this connection.
Terrorists carried an attack on the house of a minority woman of Sadarpur Upazila of Faridpur district, two persons injured
(The Daily Samokal, 08th July 07) From Our Correspondent
SADARPUR (FARIDPUR), July 8: a group of terrorists carried an attack on the house of a minority woman Archana Rani Saha (40), a land assistant of Babur Char bazaar under Dheukhali union of Sadarpur upazila on Friday afternoon. Land assistant Archana Rani Saha and her husband Gobinda Chandra Saha were seriously injured in the attack of the terrorists and now they are admitted into Sadarpur health complex. The terrorists at that time looted cash money, ornaments and other goods. Police visited the spot
A school teacher raped a Hindu minority student
The family of the raped girl of Islampur Upazila of Jamalpur district confined for ten days
(The Daily Samokal, 09th July 07) From Our Correspondent
SHERPUR, July 9: Oliullah (48), a teacher of Guthail Progressive Kindergarten and School of an area adjacent to the bank of river Jamuna under Islampur upazila of Jamalpur district raped a minority girl, a student of class five inside the class room. This lascivious teacher is an absconding of a murder case. The destitute family since after the incident is confined for 10 days in face of threat of an influential quarter of the area.
The members of the destitute family don't dare to go to the police station even braving the threat of the opponents. On the other hand, the accused teacher Oliullah has gone into hiding. The school authority suspended the teacher. Parents of the victim came to the local journalist on Sunday afternoon in this connection and demanded justice of that lascivious teacher.
It was learnt that the father of the victim is a poor fisherman of village Majhipara of south Gilabari under Islampur upazila. He catches fish all day long from lakes and sell those fishes in the market and thus he maintains his family somehow. The daughter of the poor fisherman is the student of class five of Guthail Progressive Kindergarten and School. Oliuulah, a teacher of that school and also an accused of a murder case had been teasing the girl since long.
Parents of the girl informed the headmaster of the school of the matter but they didn't get any result. When the teasing of the teacher went beyond limit, the girl left that school and started going to South Gilabari Private School. Oliullah called the girl on June 28 evening saying that her father was there and then he took the girl to the Kindergarten. There Oliullah raped her in a desolate class room. After hearing the screaming of the raped girl, the neighbors came forward and rescued the girl almost in an unconscious state. The lascivious teacher fled the spot at that time.
An Adibashi (aboriginal) family of Mohammadpur Upazila of Magura district in panic of being evicted
(The Daily Bhorer Kagoj, 09th July 07)
MD. KAMRUL ISLAM: An Adibashi family of village Rajapur under Mohammadpur upazila of Magura district is passing days in panic of being evicted at the continuous threat of the opponents. The family of Kanu Sardar had been living in their home built on 19 decimals of land beside Rajapur bazaar for 70 years. But at present Panchanan Biswas, son of Kiron Biswas of the same village is now claiming him as the proprietor of that property. It was alleged that Panchanan Biswas in association with some local influential riotous is attempting to forcibly evict the family of Kanusardar from their home land. As a result, the family is passing days in panic of being evicted. It was learnt that Rajen Sardar purchased that property from Kanai Sardar, son of Rabindra Sardar 75 years back and also started living there.Kanu Sardar, only one son of Rajen Sardar became the proprietor of that portion of property by inheritance after the demise of his father Rajen Sardar ten years back.Panchanan Biswas, son of Kiron Biswas taking the opportunity of the death of Rajen Sardar is now claiming himself as the proprietor of the property saying that he purchased the property from Kanai Sardar. The members of helpless family told that Panchanan Biswas is giving them pressure time and again to leave the property. That portion of property is the only support of Kanu Sardar where he can take shelter. The matter was shifted to the court as the village councilors could not solve the matter in village arbitration. They also told that they were passing days in starvation at the continuous threat of Panchana Biswas and his associates.
A minority family of Barguna district threatened to leave the country
(The Daily Janakantha, 10th July 07) From Our Correspondent
BARGUNA, July 10: A minority family of Barguna district is passing days with insecurity. The family lodged a case in connection with an attempt to rape a young girl and so the family has now become the target of local influential quarter and the terrorists. The members of that minority family are even not getting able to fetch water from the tube-well. The whole family has now been held hostage by them. The family members of the family are being threatened in different ways. It was learnt that a girl of the minority family of village Amtali-Nimtali under Sadar (town) upazila went to fetch water in the afternoon on June 26 last. At that time, Sohel, wayward of Afzal Member of the same area and also terrorist Ripon, son of Joynal Mallik grasped the mouth of that girl and then took her near a toilet and there they attempted to rape the girl. But after hearing the screaming of the girl, nearby people came forward but Sohel and Ripon managed to flee the spot at that time. The father of the harassed girl in association with the local journalists and human rights activists lodged a case with Barguna police station in this connection. The accused are absconding, on behalf of the accused, the local influential people are giving the minority family pressure to withdraw the case. The elder brother of accused Sohel threatened to abduct the harassed girl and also threatened the family to leave the country. Many members of the minority family are now fleeing away. Twenty Hindu families of the village have become panicked in this incident. It can be mentioned that a girl of a minority family of this area was raped a year ago. A boy named Russel remained inside the prison many days in connection with that rape incident but recently he was freed on bail. That case is still pending. SI Barkat, investigation officer of the recent attempt to rape case told this correspondent that he investigate the matter and found the verification of the incident. He also assured the complainant to give security. The father of harassed girl sought the help of district administration and police administration so that he could live without any kind of harassment of the terrorists.
A minority hotel manager slaughtered in city's Malibagh area
(The Daily Janakantha, 11th July 07) Staff Reporter
A minority hotel manager was murdered inside the hotel in city's Malibagh area. The murderers after committing the murder also looted the cash. Police recovered the bruised dead body of the hotel manager on Tuesday morning from the floor of 'Dipa Hotel and Restaurant' of city's Malibagh DIT road. Police also recovered the chopper smeared with blood which was used to murder the manager. A hotel boy Liton went into hiding after the murder. Police are suspecting that some murderers including Liton were involved with the incident of murder.
The name of the dead hotel manager is Durjoy Chakrabarti (55). His father name is late Suranjan Chakrabarti. He hailed from village Dogerchar under Kachua police station of Chadpur district. Police told that Durjoy Chakrabarti had been serving as the manager of Dipa Hotel since long. He was a very faith staff of the hotel owner Rakhal Majumdar. So he slept on the floor of the hotel everyday. Hotel boy Liton slept with manager Durjoy on Monday night. It was learnt according to source of the police that sometime at night Liton and some other his associates slaughtered and murdered Durjoy when he was asleep. At that time Liton and his associates also took away taka 23 thousand from the cash and also two mobile phone sets and then they fled away. SI of Ramna police station Masudur Rahman who is also the investigation officer of the murder case of Durjoy told that hotel boy Liton took the job in this hotel a year back. Nobody can tell the address of Liton. Liton went into hiding after the murder. Rakhal Majumdar, owner of the hotel as a complainant lodged a murder case in this connection with Ramna police station.
An Adibashi (aboriginal) adolescent girl of Mithapukur Upazila of Rangpur district raped: 3 persons held
(The Daily Sangbad, 11th July 07) From Our Correspondent
MITHAPUKUR (RANGPUR), July 11: An Adibashi adolescent girl of Mithapukur upazila of Baldipukur area was raped at night on Sunday last. A case was lodged in this connection. Police arrested three youths. It was learnt according to the source of police and locals that four youths named Bimal, Sreeeram, Sukra and Debit of the area raped the Adibashi girl (19) of village Sahani when she was returning home at 9 pm after attending the marriage ceremony of her neighbor. After hearing the screaming of the girl, locals of the area rushed to the spot and rescued the girl. A case was lodged with the local police station in this connection. Police arrested Sriram, Sukra and Debit.
A minority of Chatak Upazila of Sunamganj district killed by perpetrators
(The Daily Janakantha, 11th July 07) From Our Correspondent
SYLHET, July 11: A minority named Sanjit Dey (26) of village Jatua under south Khurma union of Chatak upazila was killed by some unknown perpetrators. The perpetrators after failing to rape Mitali Rani, wife of Sanjit's brother on Tuesday morning killed Sanjit Dey. Injured Mitali Rani was admitted into Sunamganj Sadar (town) hospital who is fighting with life.
Two minority families of Gouranadi Upazila of Barisal district dispossessed of their land
(The Daily Janakantha, 12th July 07) From Our Correspondent
GOURANADI (BARISAL), July 12: Ramani Baroy and Bimal Baroy, two minorities of village west Shawra of Gouranadi upazila left their homes under the pressure of an influential quarter of the area. Now they are moving at the door to door in hope of getting justice. Two families took shelter in others home. They also went to the local army in hope of getting back their paternal property. Ramani Baroy and Bimal Baroy in thier written complaint told that their father Rajendranath Baroy was the proprietor of 130 decimals of land. After the death of their father in 1973, their mother Maya Rani became confounded with her children. Finding no other alternative, Maya Rani took shelter in the house of her father in village Mahipara. Taking this opportunity, some influential men of the area named Ibrahim Mollah, Mofser Sardar, Harunur Rashid, Harun Chakdar, Morujjaman Khan and Nannu Khan grabbed their property. They complained about the grabbers at different departments but they didn't get any result. Rather false case was lodged against the members of the family and they were also harassed. Recently, they made an appeal to the District Commissioner of Barisal and also to the joint force in hope of getting back their paternal pro
Land grabbers grabbed land of a Hindu temple of in Kapasia Upazila of Gazipur district
(The Daily Sangbad, 13th July 07) From Our Correspondent
KAPASIA (GAZIPUR), July 13: Illegal land grabbers grabbed more than one hundred years old traditional Dhoreswari temple and also the land of Chattar Puja (worship) of village Nalgaon under Kapasia upazila. A panic is prevailing among the local minorities over the matter. Recently, the peace loving locals expected the interference of the administration against the land grabbers.
It was learnt that land lord Narendra Narayan Roy, founder of Dhaka Balda Garden and Balda Museum dug a pond on 1.93 acres of land in village Nalgaon for Boyeswari Kali temple and Charak Puja for the worship of the Hindus. The Hindus of that area had been worshipping in that temple up to 1985. Later Reaz Uddin Majhi, member of the village cast his greedy eyes on that property. He intimidated the local Hindus when they went to the temple for the worship. At one stage he told that land lord gave away that property. When a local Hindu named Nimai Chandra Mandal lodged a case with Kapasia police station then Reaz Majhi in order to save himself from the case submitted a deed of surrender to Anadi Prasad Roy, brother of the land lord saying that he would not claim the property of Kali temple and also he would not obstruct the worshippers. After the death of Reaz Uddin Majhi, his sons Motaleb Majhi, Alauddin Majhi and Ismail Majhi in 1986 threatened the Hindus to death and also drove them away from the temple when the Hindus went to worship there. Since then nobody goes to the temple for worship for fear of the sons of Reaz Uddin Majhi.
Though the local Hindus along with Ganga Prasad Roy, a descendant of the land lord family expected the assistance of the administration in this connection but during the regime of the different governments there was no progress of the matter due to unknown reason. Recently, the peace loving Hindus and Muslims of the area in order to recover the property of the temple from possession of the land grabbers appealed to the District Commissioner and also to the office of RAB.
Melted dead body of a missing minority college going-girl of Rampal Upazila of Bagerhat district recovered after 11 days
(The Daily Amar Desh, 13th July 07) From Our Correspondent
RAMPAL (BAGERHAT), July 13: Melted dead body of a missing school going girl of Rampal upazila was recovered. It was learnt according to the police and the family of the missing girl that Barnali Ghosh, daughter of Bipul Chandra Ghosh of village Chitra under Rampal upazila and also a 1 st year student of accounting department of Khulna Government Azam Khan Commerce College went missing from her home at night on June 30 last. On the day of occurrence, when Barnali came outside of her home to attend the call of nature at about 12 midnight then the some perpetrators caught hold of her and then took her to a garden 60-70 yards away from her house and there the perpetrators repressed her brutally and then killed her by suffocation and left her dead body there. After 11 days of the incident, a woman named Soma during cutting grass saw the melted dead body of Barnali and then Soma informed Barnali's father and then Barnali's father traced the dead body of Barnali.
On information, police reached the spot, investigated the incident and takinh preparation to send the dead body for post mortem. Dead Barnali Ghosh stayed at Jahan Ali hostel. She came to the house on June 28, two days before she went missing. A case was lodged in this connection with the local police station on July 1.
A BNP leader repressed a minority farmer of Golachipa Upazila of Patuakhali district by making him nude
(The Daily Janakantha, 14th July 07) From Our Correspondent
GOLACHIPA, July 14: Bichitra Kumar Howladar (60), a minority farmer got victim of repression when he went to build a house. Apart from taking him to task, he was made nude and then he was forced to swim in the pond. Md. Zia Choudhury, a local BNP leader is the mastermind behind the incident. The incident took place at 8 am on Thursday in front of the campus of upazila's Kolagachia Degree College and also before teachers and many locals. A complaint was registered with the local police station in this connection.
It was complained that Zia Choudhury, a BNP leader of Kallayankolosh union repressed many minorities of the area in different ways since after 2001 election. He also took the possession of Kolagachia temple. Zia Choudhury also claimed the property of Bichitra Howladar in the same way.Bichitra Howladar in this connection complained to the upazila administration but there was no result. Whenever Bichitra Howladar went to build house on his land then Zia Choudhury obstructed Bichitra Howladar though Zia Choudhury had no papers for which he could claim the property. Some days earlier, Bichitra Howladar again went to build his house and Zia again obstructed Bichitra and centering this incident, Zia called Bichitra to the campus of the Degree College through Abul Kalam and wanted an explanation why he tried to build a house. At one stage, Bichitra was made nude and he was also forced to swim in the campus pond. Though some teachers and locals witnessed the incident but nobody dared to protest the incident. Later, Bichitra wanted a towel from the locals and after getting the towel he somehow covered his nude body and then went to Golachipa Sadar (town) and in association with the locals filed a complaint at the police station. OC Nasiruddin Mallik told in this connection that police were sent to investigate the matter and police were also ordered to arrest the accused. But he denied the incident if making Bichitra nude.
It can be mentioned that some days earlier of this incident, Zia Choudhury carried an attack in the room of the principal of Kolagachia Degree College in demand of extortion and also injured the principal. Recently Zia got release from jail in this incident.
A minority school going student of Rajsahi district abducted, mysterious role of police in case of arresting the accused
(The Daily Janakantha, 17th July 07) From Our Correspondent
RAJSAHI, July 17: Police could not arrest Milon Khan (26), main accused of the abduction case of a minority girl, a student of class 8 of Bibi Hindu Academy of Rajsahi Metropolitan area even in a year. The court issued arrest warrant and ordered police to execute. But police are saying that the accused are not being traced out.
The complainant on Wednesday told that Milon Khan, a wayward abducted the minority girl from in front of the academy on July 13, 2006. Sri Gopal Chandra Prang, father of the victim lodged a case under Women and Children Repression Prevention Act in this connection accusing Milon Khan and Beauty Begum. Although Beauty Begum an accused of the case was arrested earlier but Milon Khan, main accused of the abduction case was not arrested as yet. The complainant also told that police rescued the victim from village Srirampur of Badalgachi area of Naogaon district on September 6, 2006 and kept her in a safe home of the city. But police didn't arrest the custodians of the minority girl. On the other hand, due to mysterious role of police, the accused are threatening the complainant to withdraw the case. The family of the victim is passing days from insecurity for the continuous threat of the accused. The complainant expected the interference of the home ministry in case of arresting the accused.
Allegation of grabbing a cemetery ground of Nabinagar Upazila of Bhramanbaria district
(The Daily Prothom Alo, 18th July 07) From Our Correspondent
NABINAGAR (BHRAMANBARIA), July 18: It was alleged that someone grabbed the old cemetery ground of the Hindu community of village Malai under Jinadpur union of Nabinagar upazila of Bhramanbaria district. Recently, an appeal was made to the District Commissioner to protect the cemetery ground.
It was learnt from the appeal that the people of the Hindu community of the village cremated the dead bodies and also performed their obsequies in the cemetery ground situated on 29 decimals of land at the southern side of the village since British period. But few years back, an influential man named Manik Miah grabbed the cemetery ground.
This correspondent visited Malai village on Friday last and he didn't find out any existence of the cemetery ground. At present a pond was dug on the land of that cemetery ground and the pond was being used as fishery. Abdul Hannan, a resident of the village and also a retired army personnel and Abul Kashem Master, a school teacher told that since their birth they saw the Hindus cremating the dead bodies in that cemetery ground. Maulana Abdul Kashem, imam of a mosque of the village told that so far they knew, Manik Miah purchased a portion of land adjacent to the cemetery ground and later he also grabbed the land of the cemetery ground by making forged papers. Locals told that after grabbing of the cemetery ground, some chief villagers of the village in face of the protest of the local Hindus called meetings many times but there was no result. Manik Miah was requested on behalf of the village. A local named Amar Chan told that the Hindus of the village were suffering mentally after the cemetery ground was grabbed. The Hindus were not being able to cremate the dead bodies due to the crisis of the cemetery ground. Advocate Sunil Dev, president of Nabinagar Hindu Society Reform Association told demanded to recover the cemetery ground immediately. Manik Miah told in this connection that he didn't grab any cemetery ground. He became the proprietor of that land in relation of purchase from Mannan Master. The District Commissioner was contacted time and again in this connection but he was not available.
Syed Mahbubur Rahman, OC of Nabinagar police station told that police after receiving the application called the parties. Police would take necessary steps after scrutinizing the papers.
A minority BRTA official killed in Chittagong district
(The Daily Janakantha, 21st July 07) From Our Correspondent
CHITTAGONG, July 21: An official of BRTA was killed in Chittagong metropolitan area on Thursday night. The name of the deceased is Priti Ranjan Chakma (45). The passers-by rescued Priti Ranjan in an unconscious state from city's Carson road and then they took him to the hospital. The on duty doctors declared him dead. Police after conducting an investigation told that the whole body of Priti Ranjan bore marks knife injury. There was no mark of bullet. The snatchers killed him with sharp weapons. Police comprehended that the snatchers injured Priti Ranjan with sharp weapons when he resisted the snatchers. The snatchers took away all the belongings of Priti Ranjan and then they left him at Carson road. Priti Ranjan was lying on the road for long time and then the passers-by after finding him in an unconscious state rescued him and admitted him into Chittagong Medical College Hospital. There the on duty doctors after the primary treatment declared him dead.
Dead Priti Ranjan Chakma was an inspector of Chittagong BRTA. The name of his father is Dinnath Chakma. He hailed from Debashis area of Rangamati district. It was learnt according to the family source that he set for Colonel Hut bus stand from his residence at about 9:30 pm on Thursday in order to go to Dhaka. At the terminal, his wife was waiting for him beforehand. After his wife failed to contact him over mobile phone, she went to the police station and hospital and then she came to know about the murder of her husband. The family of dead Priti Ranjan Chakma could not give any clue to the murder.
Police barred Minority Sangram Parishad from holding their meeting
(The Daily Janakantha, 21st July 07) Staff Reporter
A program titled as "Making of Proposal of Non communal Bangladesh" organized by Minority Sangram Parishad, an NGO working for the establishment of the rights of the minorities could not be held for police resistance. The grieved organizers told the journalists that though the present caretaker government talked about making Bangladesh a non-communal country but the government's cordiality raises question. Otherwise, why police will resist them from organizing such an impartial program.
Minority Parishad wanted to present their proposals from a press conference in Ramna Kali temple premises at 12 noon on Friday last.
As soon as the press conference started, three platoons of police reached Ramna Kali temple. They told the organizers not to hold the press conference and also seized their papers. On duty police officials told that there could be no problem if the organizers hold the meeting with government's permission. So police at the directive of the higher authority stopped the program. On the other hand, advocate Ashok Kumar Ghosh, general secretary of Minority Sangram Parishad told that Hinsu Foundation, Christian Foundation and Buddhist Foundation would have to be formed like Islami Foundation. Three days holiday would have to be declared on the occasion of Durga Puja. Hindu teachers would have to be appointed in Hindu populated area. 75 seats would have to be reserved for the minorities in the parliament. Former president of Puja Udjapon Parishad advocate Subrata Choudhury, executive president of Minority Sangram Parishad professor Ashok Toru, vice president Bimal Majumdar, Samar Roy, Pintu Misra, Arun Das and Gonesh Roy were present in the program.
Shulka Rani, a minority school going student of Bagerhat district not rescued even after one and half year of her abduction
(The Daily Janakantha, 22nd July 07) From Our Correspondent
BAGERHAT, July 22: Shulka Rani, a meritorious student of Bagerhat district could not be rescued as yet. About one and half year has passed but due to mysterious reason there is no attempt of police either to arrest the abductors or rescue the school girl. Rather, the abductors are threatening the family members of Shulka Rani to withdraw the case. The parents of the abducted girl are passing days from insecurity and they are also moving at the door to door for the return of their daughter and also for fair justice. Nila Rani Biswas, mother of Shulka Rani told that a dispute erupted between her husband Noni Gopal Biswas and Moktar Howladar of village Moujardanga over a piece of land. Though the dispute was settled in presence of the chairman and other respected locals but Moktar Howladar started plotting to punish them and also to grab their property by evicting them from their land. At one stage, Nasir Howladar and Jasim Howladar, two sons of Moktar Howladar and also Moktar's son-in-law Abdul Mannan Kha and Jakir Hossain and Miraj Howladar threatened to abduct Shulka Rani. Parents of Shulka for fear of the threat of the terrorists sent their daughter Shulka Rani who was a student of class nine of Kharasambal Primary School to the house of her maternal uncle at Kasimpur. There Shulka Rani was admitted in Kasimpur Primary School. But accomplices of Moktar also reached there. At one stage, on January 2006 a group of terrorists including Nasir Howladar, Jasim Howladar and Mannan Kha abducted Shulka Rani on her way to the school. Later when Nani Gopal Biswas, father of the abducted girl lodged a complaint with Bagerhat Sadar (town) police station then Moktar and his sons got very much infuriated on Nani Gopal. At one stage, on November 21, 2006 a group of terroists led by Moktar, his son Nasir and Jasim carried an attack on the house of Nani Gopal and also looted. Nani Gopal Biswas told that they didn't get back their daughter till date. Police also didn't take any action. Rather Moktar and his accomplices are threatening them to death and also to evict them from their land after they lodged a case in this connection. He also complained that as Moktar's two sons Nasir Howladar and Jasim Howladar and also Moktar's son-in-law Mannan Kha are police so Bagerhat Sadar police station is not taking any legal action. The parents of Shulka Rani are now moving at the door of the concerned authority in hope to get back their daughter and also in hope for fair justice to the abductors.
An Adibashi (aboriginal) adolescent girl –gang-raped in Chittagong district
(The Daily Sangbad, 22nd July 07) From Our Correspondent
CHITTAGONG, July 22: Two brutes raped an Adibashi adolescent girl, a garments worker of EPZ of Chittagong district. The Adibashi girl went to visit the house of one her neighbor at Freeport area and at that time some wayward boys came to that house and also intimidated the relatives of that Adibashi girl and raped her before them. It was learnt that a case in this connection was lodged with city's Port police station. Hill Women's Federation, an organization of hilly Adibashis condemned the incident and also demanded immediate arrest of the perpetrators.
The relatives of the raped Adibashi girl told that the girl in the afternoon on Thursday last went to visit the house of Shaymol Joti Chakma, a neighbor of the girl. At that time, there were four Adibashi youths named Sumaon, Babu and two others in the house of that relative. When they were gossiping inside the house, the guard of the house Alomgir locked their room from outside.
The guard at that time called some local wayward boys named Rubel, Farook, Mansur and others. They at first broke open the door and then entered house and then they told others to leave the room without the Adibashi girl. But when the Adibashi youths refused to leave the room, the terrorists gave Sumon and Babu a good beating. At one stage they closed the door and then snapped naked pictures of Sumon and the Adibashgi girl. Later the terrorists confined them till 5 pm and then two terrorists raped the Adibashi girl.
When they went to the police station after a day of the incident to lodge a case, police didn't take the case at that time and told them to contact police the later day. They told that police took the case on Friday. Police so far could not arrest any of the abductors.
Land of Rathkhola in Agoiljhara Upazila of Barisal district dispossessed: Rathjatra (car festival of Lord Jagannath) not observed
(The Daily Sangbad, 22nd July 07) From Our Correspondent
BARISAL, July 22: Hindus of Agoijhara upazila could not observe Rathjatra festival this year also as the Rathkhola could not be freed from the possession of the illegal land grabbers. The administration gave notice to the illegal grabbers but they didn't free the land as yet.
People of the Hindu community in Goila of Agoiljhara upazila had been observing Rathjatra sine long. So that place is known as Rathkhola. But as a means of political power some leaders of BNP, Awami League and Jatiya Party grabbed the land and set up business institutions there.
The District Commissioner in a meeting of district law and order committee directed to demolish the illegal structures when some locals submitted a written appeal to the Upazila Executive Officer for the eviction of the illegal grabbers. But till date that direction was not executed. After an investigation in this connection, it was learnt that the list of the illegal structures was lost from Upazila Land Office.
But on Monday, second day of Rathjatra festival, Upazila administration for the second time traced the illegal structures built on the Debottor (Deity's) Property and also prepared a new list. Abdul Latif Mollah, Upazila Executive Officer in this connection told that they measured the Debottor Property and also prepared a list of the illegal grabbers. The illegal grabbers were ordered to demolish the structures. If the illegal grabbers don't leave the possession in their own accord then legal actions will be taken against them.
Allegation of the relatives in the press conference
A minority handicapped youth of Godagari Upazila of Rajsahi district made accused of a murder case in collusion with police
(The Daily Sangbad, 23rd July 07) From Our Correspondent
RAJSAHI, July 23: Allegation of fraud was found in the murder case of Rajendranath Mandal, a householder of a minority family of Godagari upazila in collusion with the police and also a land forgery circle. Police dropped the names of the adult members of the family for a mysterious reason and made Niva Rani Mandal (15), daughter of the deceased and also a school going student complainant of the case. Not only that, police even didn't make her listen to the statement of the deposition but took her signature. It was also alleged that the nephew of dead Rajendranath Mandal was made accused conspiratorially in collusion with police.
The family members of dead Rajendranath Mandal made the allegation in a press conference held at Rajshahi Metropolitan press club at 11 am on Saturday. Ramesh Chandra Mandal, son of Rajendranath Mandal read out the written statement in the press conference.
It was complained in the press conference that Maser Ali's son Haresh of village Khetur, Moidul Islam, Asir Uddin's sons Ruhul Amin, Aynal, Sabiar Rahman and Abdus Sayeed of Sheker Para, sons of Mohammad of Bidirpur Khosh Mohammad, sons of Moslem Uddin of Sheker Para Abdul Majid and Ruhul Amin wanted to grab their property by forgery. A case was pending at the court between them and the minority family centering a previous dispute over a piece of land. Rajendranath Mandal supervised the cases. So centering the previous enmity, members of the forgery circle killed Rajendranath Mandal in a planned way. Later in collusion with the police in place of them nephew of dead Rajendranath Mandal and a handicapped youth named Prodip Chandra Mandal were made accused in the deposition of the case most illegally and conspiratorially.
The members of the family after giving a detail of the killing told that as it was scorching hot so the accused at 2 am on July 11 cut the bamboo fence and then entered the house and hacked at Rajendranath's belly with a chopper from on the mosquito net. Rajendranath screamed saying, "Kill me". After hearing his screaming, Niva Rani, younger daughter of Rajendranath Mandal came to her father. Then she saw that her father's belly was bleeding. Two daughters of dead Rajendrnath Niva Rani and Sabitri saw accused Moinul, Sabiar, Ruhul, Haresh, Abdus Sayeed and Aynal Haque fleeing away.
Before Rajendranath breathed his last, he after mentioning the names of the accused told his daughter Sabitri that the accused killed him. Niva Rani also mentioned the names of the accused to the police. But police for a mysterious reason dropped the names of the accused from the deposition of the case and made a handicapped youth Prodip Chandra Mandal, son of dead Rajerndrnath's brother.
It was told in the press conference that seriously injured Rajendranath died at 3:45 am on that very night at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.
The family members complained in the press conference that on one hand they are minority and on the other hand, they are very poor. But the perpetrators are very influential. To grab the property of others by forgery is the profession of the perpetrators. After being influenced by them, Pemtoli police are trying to mislead and suppress the case in wrong direction.
Terrorists killed a minority in Khulna district
(The Daily Janakantha, 25th July 07) From Our Correspondent
KHULNA, July 24: Noyon went to attend the marriage ceremony of his maternal cousin after the completion of his H.S.C. exam. But on his way back from the wedding party at night, a group of terrorists swooped on him and since then Noyon went missing. Later his dead body was recovered from river Noboganga. Now the family members of Noyon are mourning the death of Noyon. Nobody is getting able to accept Noyon's premature death. But Kalia police are mysteriously silent. Though a case was lodged in this connection but police is not concerned at all. Police even didn't try to arrest any of the killers. It can be mentioned that Noyon after attending his maternal cousin's wedding ceremony was returning at night on July 19.The local terrorists who came after the bus driver at Baraipara Ghat of Kalia called them and then the terrorists swooped on the bridegroom's party. Centering a controversy between the bus driver and the bridegrrom party over the bus fare, the bus driver Moshiar called out the terrorists and told them to teach the bridegroom party a lesson. The terrorists beat up the people of the bridegroom party randomly. They also snatched away ornaments from the body of the women and also spoiled the chastity of the women. Noyon was also beaten at that time. At one stage, the terrorists threw Noyon down to the river. Noyon could not be found at that time. The dead body of Noyon was found floating on the river Noboganga at 9 pm on July 21. His body was bearing marks of injuries inflicted with sharp weapons. His dead body was cremated at Gazirhat cemetery ground on July 22. Ajit Kumar Saha, a retired teacher of Khulna State Joseph Josephosh Scool is the father of Noyon and his mother's names is Anjana Saha. Noyon appeared at the H.S.C. exam this year. He got G.P.A 5 in all subjects in S.S.C. exam. The family members expected that Noyon would also make the same result in H.S.C. Noyon was killed only for the buss driver didn't get his expected fare. A case was lodged in this connection with Kalia police station. It is very strange but true that Kalia police seem to be very insincere towards the case. Police could not arrest any of the killers so far. But the killers are moving at broad day light and even the bus driver, Moshiar who was the mastermind of the killing is also moving freely. These terrorists also carried their terrorist activities during the regime of the four party alliance government. Even the terrorists are also carrying their massacre at present too.
Allegation in a press conference
Property of a temple of Patnitala Upazila of Naogaon district looted and the priest harassed in a false case
(The Daily Sangbad, 26th July 07) From Our Correspondent
NAOGAON, July 26: It was alleged that some terrorists looted the property of Umamheshpur Shibpurhat Sri Sri Gobinda Temple of Patnitala upazila of Naogaon district and they also harassed Santosh Chandra Barman, priest of the temple and some other men of the priest in a false case. The priest Santosh Chandra Barman made the allegation through a written statement in a press conference held at the auditorium of Naogaon district Press Club on Tuesday evening.
It was alleged in the press conference that Nepal Saha, Bonoy Saha, Prodip Saha, Rahina Saha, Subal Saha, Sudev Saha, Bimal Saha, Monojit Saha, Babu Saha, Bishnu Saha, Bijoy Saha, Sufol Barman, Suranga Barman, Fatik barman, Shopon and Ujjal led by local terrorist Moklesur Rahman (Mukta) and also in collusion with Patnitala police sent the priest Santosh Chandra Barman and some of his relatives to the jail in false case. Later Pabitra Rani, wife of Santosh Chandra Barman lodged a case with the court. During the stay of Santosh Chandrda, his wife and his relatives in the temple, the terrorists looted away gold ornaments of the Murti (idol) and they also looted paddy of the temple house. Dipak Barman, principal of local Shibpur Chourat Barendra College and terrorist Moklesur Rahman constructed a hostel for the female students of the college after finding the temple house empty. Police released the accused after Pabitra Rani lodged a case in this connection. Later when Pabitra Rani, the complainant expressed her dissatisfaction, the court ordered for re-investigation of the case. It was urged in the press conference to submit the report after verifying the case. Some respected men of the locality including Lutfar Rahman were present in the press conference.
Attempt to grab the property of a minority of Banaripara Upazila of Barisal district, seven persons held
(The Daily Samokal, 30th July 07) From Our Correspondent
BARISAL, July 30: Incident of attack and looting took place in village Baishari under Banaripara upazila of Barisal district centering grabbing of a disputed property. On information, Banaripara police reached the spot and arrested seven persons including three women who attempted to grab the property.
Police told that Khalil Bepari of nearby village Dattapara went to build a house on the yard of a minority of village Baishari Harimohan Ghorami on Sunday morning. Locals told that Khalil Bepari accompanied by about 30-35 men and women and equipped with sharp weapons attempted to build a house on the yard of Harimohan and then Harimohan and other men of the house resisted Khalil Bepari and his hired goons. At that time the opponents looted valuable goods of Harimohan's house, looted cash money and also ornaments. About 7-8 persons including Harimohan, his wife Bivarani, Kalu and Bikash were injured in the attack. On information, Banaripara police reached the spot immediately and arrested seven persons named Khalil Bepari, Hafizur Rahman, Mamun Sikdar, Selim Howladar, Marufa Begum, Levely Akhtar and Asma and also brought them to the police station. Harimohan as a complainant lodged a case with Banaripara police station against 25-30 unknown persons including mentioning the names of about ten persons.
A minority of Avoynagar Upazila of Jessore district threatened for lodging a case of the murder of his daughter
(The Daily Ittefaq, 31st July 07) From Our Correspondent
AVOYNAGAR (JESSORE), July 31: Kumaresh Bhoumik, a minority of village Shuvorara under Avoynagar upazila ran into a trouble after lodging a case of the murder of his daughter. He is now being pressurized to withdraw the case. He was also threatened to death if he doesn't withdraw the case.
Rumpa Rani (20), daughter of Kumaresh Bhoumik was married to one Dipankar Ayech of village kakbadha under Keshabpur upazila about 7 months back. Father of Rumpa told that after the marriage, Rumpa's husband created pressure on her to bring dowry from her father. As Rumpa's husband didn't get the dowry so he, Rumpa's husband's elder brother, Rumpa's husband's younger sister started repressing her. They also murdered Rumpa by beating on May 23 last as they were not given the dowry and later they poured poison into the mouth of Rumpa and started circulating that Rumpa committed suicide.When father of Rumpa went to the police station to lodge a case in this connection, the Sub Inspector of the police station didn't take the case rather the SI simply lodged an unnatural death case of the incident of the murder of Rumpa. Later Kumaresh lodged a case with Jesore court under Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. Father of Rumpa told that Dipankar Ayech, main accused started creating pressure on Kumaresh to withdraw the case since after he lodged a case in this connection with Jessore court. Mujibur Rahman, OC of Keshabpur police station told the daily Ittefaq that police were waiting for the viscera report. Police would take action after receiving the report.
(The Daily Sangbad, 22nd July 07)
From Our Correspondent
CHITTAGONG, July 22: Two brutes raped an Adibashi adolescent girl, a garments worker of EPZ of Chittagong district. The Adibashi girl went to visit the house of one her neighbor at Freeport area and at that time some wayward boys came to that house and also intimidated the relatives of that Adibashi girl and raped her before them. It was learnt that a case in this connection was lodged with city's Port police station. Hill Women's Federation, an organization of hilly Adibashis condemned the incident and also demanded immediate arrest of the perpetrators.
The relatives of the raped Adibashi girl told that the girl in the afternoon on Thursday last went to visit the house of Shaymol Joti Chakma, a neighbor of the girl. At that time, there were four Adibashi youths named Sumaon, Babu and two others in the house of that relative. When they were gossiping inside the house, the guard of the house Alamgir locked their room from outside.
The guard at that time called some local wayward boys named Rubel, Farook, Mansur and others. They at first broke open the door and then entered house and then they told others to leave the room except the Adibashi girl. But when the Adibashi youths refused to leave the room, the terrorists gave Sumon and Babu a good beating. At one stage they closed the door and then snapped naked pictures of Sumon and the Adibashgi girl. Later the terrorists confined them till 5 pm and then two terrorists raped the Adibashi girl.
When they went to the police station after a day of the incident to lodge a case, police didn't take the case at that time and told them to contact police the later day. They told that police took the case on Friday. Police so far could not arrest any of the rapists.
Statement of raped victim- Ms. Shupta Chakma of Rangamati District -CHT before Metropolitan Judge, Chittagong on 05.08.2007
The incident took place on July 19, 2007. I, Supta Chakma, daughter of Anil Kumar Chakma went to the house of my cousin Sumon Chakma on July 13, 2007. I along with Sumon Chakma, son of Ramchandra Chakma and Babu Chakma went to EPZ on July 19, 2007 in search of a job for me. There we met Shaymal Chakma inside a road of EPZ. Sumon Chakma knew Shaymal Chakma. Later we went to visit Shaymal's house. While we were staying in Shaymal's room then Shaymal went to watch TV on the 4th floor. Shaymal came back to his room just after 45 minutes and then the accused Rubel (25), son of Md. Nasir under Bandar P.S. confined Shaymal and told that Shaymal kept girl in his room and thus he did unsocial activities and then Rubel randomly beat him and confined him in his room locking the door from the outside. Later Rubel along with his accomplices accused Mansur (25), son of Sabur and Abdul Khaleque, son of Sahiz Uddin and two others came to my room and forcibly made me and Shaymal naked and made us lie down on the *** of Shupta and took snap by a camera and the accused also touched Shupta's sensitive organs and repressed her sexually. Later the accused Rubel and Mansur tied my leg and raped me one after another forcefully and demanded taka ten thousand and at one stage the rapists forcibly took the signatures of myself, Sumon, Shymol Joti Chakma and Babu Chakma on a non-judicial stamp and the accused also threatened Shaymal to death and their naked pictures would be published if he doesn't pay the amount within August 2 and 3 . The accused after threatening us left the house at about 5:30 pm on July 19, 2007. We informed the locals of the matter. We also informed some of our relatives of the matter.
Ms.Shupta Chakma Dated 5th September, 2007
Recorded by Mr.Nazmul Ahsan, Metropolitan Sessions Judge, Chittagong under section 22 of the Act
A minority of Muradnagar Upazila of Comilla district threatened to death
(The Daily Sangbad, 01st August 07) From Our Correspondent
DEBIDWAR (COMILLA), August 1: Chandan Banik, owner of Grameen Jewelers of Companiganj bazaar under Muradnagar upazila of Comilla district is passing days in panic after he is threatened to death by a circle of fraud.
It was learnt that Gopesh, son of Lalit Debnath of village Ramkrishnapur under Homna upazila opened a jewelry shop named Shilpalay at Ramkrishnapur bazzar and started business with Grameen jewelers. Gopen Debnath took ornaments worth about taka 3 lakh (million) and 85 thousand on due payment only at the age 1 year of the business. When Chandan Banik demanded payment from Gopesh, he didn't pay the due rather started making pretexts. Later being compelled, Chandan Banik on December 14 lodged a case with Muradnagar police station accusing Gopesh Debnath and his brother Chandan Debnath and Ratan Debnath, Gopesh's relative and son of Manindra Debnath and also Jashamay Debnath, son of Rebati Debnath. Masum Talukdar, former OC of the police station investigated the case and submitted the charge sheet at the court. Since after that, the accused started creating pressure on Chandan Banik to withdraw the case.
Allegation in Press Conference
Cadres of BNP built a Madrasah in Louhajong Upazila of Munshiganj district grabbing land
(The Daily Sangbad, 03rd August 07) From Staff Correspondent
Cadres of Mizanur Rahman Sinha, a BNP leader and also former state minister for health of the alliance government drove away the Hindus of Nagerhat area under Louhajong upazila of Munshiganj district and also built women Madrasah. Earlier, the cadres repressed the women and children of the minority families by burning them with the fire of the cigarette, resisting them from observing their religious rituals, attempting to spoil the chastity of the newly wed bride and the girls and also threatening them to death.
Members of some Hindu families are living vagrant life to protect them from the repression of the cadres. Some Hindu families driven by the cadres took shelter in India. The members of these families complained to the members of the law enforcing agency in this connection but no actions were taken.
Gopal Chandra Saha, former president of Louhajong Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikkya Parishad and also the coordinator of repressed Kangsha Banik community of Nagerhat area made the allegation in a press conference held at the VIP lounge of national press club on Wednesday evening. Basudev Kangsha Banik, Gouranga Bangshi, Kulvushan Bangshi and others were present in the press conference.
It was alleged in the press conference that Hindus of all over the country were repressed brutally during the regime of the alliance government. About two hundred members of Kangsha Banik community of Louhajong upazila also were not spared from the repression. After the alliance government came into power, Ismail Hossain, vice president of Louhajong Thana (police station) BNP started repressing the members of Kangsha Banik community.
Ismail Hossain held the members of the Kangsha Banik community hostage and thus registered their property. They were obstructed from observing their religious festivals. The cadres during the regime of the alliance government also spoiled the chastity of about 8-10 newly wed bride and girls. Former state minister for health Mizanur Rahman Sinha worked as a strong back up for Ismail Hossain.
The cadres of BNP demolished the old temple of Nagerhat area in presence of Mizanur Rahman Sinha.Later Ismail Hossain occupied the property. Mizanur Rahman made sub-registrar register the property illegally. BNP leader Ismail Hossain occupied the property and also built woman Madrasah there.
Attack carried on a shop in Nabinagar Upazila of Bhramanbari district
Terrorists attempted to kill a businessman by burning as they were not given ransom
(The Daily Janakantha, 04th August 07) From Our Correspondent
NABINAGAR (BHRAMANBARIA), August 4: Terrorists carried attack and looting on the shop of a minority of Bholachang Notun bazaar under the municipality area of Nabinagar upazila as they were not given ransom. The terrorists also attempted to kill the younger brother of the shop owner who was also injured in the attack by burning after pouring kerosene on his body. After the incident, a panic started prevailing among the minority businessmen. It was learnt that a group of listed extortionists of local Narayanpur village had been demanding ransom from Devu Sarkar, a businessman and also former president of Bholachang Bazaar Committee since long. As Devu Sarkar refused to pay the ransom, the terrorists at broad day light carried an attack on his shop, broke the cash box and also looted about fifty thousand taka. Babul Sarkar, younger brother of Devu Sarkar was seriously injured in the attack. At one stage the terrorists poured kerosene oil on Babul's body and attempted kill him by burning. Babul Sarkar was admitted into Nabinagar health complex. Sayed Mahbubur Rahman, OC of Nabinagar police station in this connection told that police were sent to the spot. Police would take legal action against the attackers.
A minority family of Tarash Upazila of Sirajganj district in trouble for lodging a case of the rape incident of their adolescent daughter
(The Daily Sangbad, 05th August 07) From Our Correspondent
TARASH (SIRAJGANJ), August 5: A minority family in Tarash upazila of Sirajganj district got into trouble after they lodged a case with the court in connection with the rape incident of their daughter. The accused rapist is very influential and so he is threatening the family members of the victim to withdraw the case. The girl is now suffering from insecurity and so she took shelter somewhere else.
It was learnt according to the source of the case that Kamal Pasha, son of late Azhar Ali of nearby village Chandibogh abducted the adolescent girl, daughter of Shaymol Chandra Aynd, a Christian of village Madhainagar under Tarash upazila on July 7 last on her way to the local BRAC school and then Kamal Pasha took away the girl by motorcycle. Later, the girl was repressed brutally. After the incident, the girl was released and then the girl after coming back home told other members of the family about the incident. The Adibashi (aboriginal) community expressed their concern over the incident. Saiful Islam, elder brother of the influential accused Kamal Pasha wasted time by resisting the family of the victim from taking any legal assistance saying that the family of the victim would get fair justice. Later as the minority girl didn't get any social justice then she went to Tarash police station but police refused to lodge the case. Later the victim on July 24 lodged a rape case under Women and Children Repression Prevention Act 2000 against the rapist Kamal Pasha and three others with Sirajganj Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal Judge Court. Just after lodging the case, the accused got very furious. The victim told the Sangbad that she was fleeing away at the continuous threat. The accused went on saying that they would again abduct her and then kill. She also told that her father Shaymol Chandra after being threatened and tempted by the accused and also in fear of them told to withdraw the case. Shaymol Chandra expected legal assistance from the administration and also from the human rights organizations.
Saiful Islam, elder brother of Kamal Pasha told that the incident was fabricated. He also told that some extortionists after not getting extortion made the girl lodge a false case.
Afzal Hossain, OC of Tarash police station told that the father of the victim lodged a counter case with the police station of his daughter being raped. Police didn't get the file of the rape case as yet. No contact was possible as the complainant went into hiding.
Sumi Rani Saha, a minority school going student not rescued even after three months of her abduction
(The Daily Amar Desh, 06th August 07) Staff Reporter
Police could not rescue Sumi Rani Saha (14), a minority school going student even after three months of her abduction. Law enforcing agency also could not know whether Sumi was alive or she was killed after her abduction. Shopon Saha, father of Sumi Rani Saha is now moving at the door of police and different human rights organizations after he failed to find out his daughter. City's Motijheel police arrested a youth named Mamun in this connection but police could not collect any information from the youth about the whereabouts of Sumi Rani Saha. It was learnt that National Women Lawyers Association was trying to rescue Sumi Rani Saha.
Sumi Rani Saha is a student of class nine of Badiul Alam High Scool under Companiganj upazila of Comilla district. Her father Shopon Saha told that Raub member, an influential of the area harassed Sumi Rani on her way to the school. A case was lodged with Muradnagar police station of Comilla district on May 14 last accusing Raub member and five others after Sumi was abducted on her way to the school. Police told Shopon Saha, complainant of the case that police were continuing their drive to rescue Sumi. But Shopon Saha complained that he off and on saw some accused of the case leaving the room of the OC of Muradnagar police station after evening.
On the other hand, city's Motijheel police arrested a youth named Shamim Ahmed Mamun on May 31 in connection with the abduction case of Sumi Rani Saha. Motikheel police told that Mamun was arrested according to the information of the mobile phone. Police interrogated Mamun but police could not collect information from mamun leading to the abduction of Sumi Rani Saha. Shopon Saha also told that the abductors in a planned way gave information to Motijheel police and made Mamun arrest only to give the case another turn. Mamun was known as a professional witness of different cases of Muradnagar upazila. According to the source of Women Lawyers Association, police could not know whether Sumi after being abducted three moths back was alive or dead. The Lawyers Association told that attempt to rescue Sumi Rani Saha was going on.
High court's order neglected
Narayan Chandra, a minority teacher of Naogaon district not getting his salary since 17 years
(The Daily Janakantha, 07th August 07) From Our Correspondent
NAOGAON, August 7: Narayan Chandra Majumdar, a minority and poor assistant teacher of Hat-Naogaon High School of Naogaon town has got into communal flame of wrath. Headmaster and president of the managing committee of the school neglecting the order of secondary and higher secondary department stalled Narayan Chandra's salary and other allowances of last 17 years. Even the headmaster and the president of the school managing committee has no sympathy in case of getting Narayan Chandra'a time scale. Leaders of Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minority of Naogaon branch expressed their concern over the matter.
It was learnt from the allegation that Narayan Chandra Majumndar was appointed as assistant teacher of Hat-Naogaon High School on October 30,1978 and he joined the as an assistant teacher on November 1, 1978. According to that, he signed at serial no. 11 of the teachers' presence book. But Narayan Chandra was suspended on June 29, 1985 without any approval of the concerned ministry or board and also without issuing any show cause notice. When Narayan Chandra took legal assistance in this connection, then the court in this perspective ordered that Narayan Chandra held his post as the assistant teacher of the school on June 21, 1998. As a result of which, the school authority on June 1, 2000 issued him a notice to join his service. According to the notice of the school authority, Narayan Chandra on June 4, 2000 joined again as the assistant teacher of the school. But the headmaster told him to sign at serial no. 16/17 instead of serial no. 11 which is immoral and illegal. When Narayan protested the matter, he was then permitted to sign at serial no. 11 on July 1, 2000. At present he is continuing his service.
Narayan Chandra told the Janakantha when the daily in perspective of the complain of the human rights organization admitted the matter and told that he was supposed to get his time scale on August 28, 2002 but he submitted an application to the headmaster on April 30, 2003 to get his time scale. But the role of the headmaster is very sympathetic. General Director at the directive of the concerned ministry on July 27, 2002 sent a written direction to the headmaster and the president of the school managing committee to pay Narayan Chandra's salary and other allowances but the directive was neglected. It was complained that though there was no rule to appoint any teacher during the proceeding of the case but the headmaster and the president of the school managing committee appointed new teacher in exchange of money. Narayan Chandra is marinating an inhuman life along with his wife who is suffering from paralysis and also his marriageable daughter who is a student of H.S.C.
Mysterious death of a minority housewife of Naogaon district
(The Daily Janakantha, 7th August 07) From Our Correspondent
NAOGAON, August 7: Rita Rani Das (30), a minority housewife and also mother of a child committed suicide after pouring kerosene on her body after she failed to tolerate the repression of her mother-in-law and her husband's elder brother's wife. This cruel incident took place at Kathpatti area under Naogaon district. But the guardians of the dead housewife raised question about this death. According to them, the mother in law and Rita'a husband's elder brother's wife at one stage of their repression killed Rita Rani Das by burning. The incident created sensation in the area. It was learnt according to the source of police and locals that after Rita's marriage with Gourachandra Das, Rita's mother-in-law and Gourachandra's elder brother's wife could not tolerate Rita Rani Das as father of Rita Rani Das was comparatively a poor man. Rita Rani was repressed and harassed by her mother in law and Gourachandra's elder brother's wife off and on in absence of Gourachandra Das. Rita informed Gourachandra of the matter at that night after Gourachandra got back home. But Gourachandra tried to assure Rita after he could not take any steps against his mother. At the dead of night, Rita in offended state of mind poured kerosene on her body and set her body on fire. Sensing the matter, Gourachandra went to douse the fire but his own hands were also burnt. Rita was given treatment in Naogaon Sadar (town) hospital. Rita died at 5:15 am.
Attack carried on a minority family of Gobindaganj upazila of Gaibandha district as the family refused to pay toll
(The Daily Sangbad, 08th August 07) From Our Correspondent
GOBINDAGANJ (GAIBANDHA), August 8: It was learnt that an influential quarter carried a terrorist attack on a minority family of village Kunjanakai under Gobinfaganj upazila as the minority family didn't pay demanded toll of taka fifty thousand and the the perpetrators also ransacked. On the other hand, the destitute family beating drum in the bazaar declared to leave the village.
It was learnt that Ranjit Rampashi purchased 6 decimals of land with legal papers in 1963 and has been living for about 44 years building a house on that land. Recently, a quarter led by influential Abdul Karim Mandal and Mahfuzur Rahman Mandal, sons of Asir Uddin Mandal of the same village carried an attack to evict Rampashi and other members of the house and also demanded taka fifty thousand as toll. As the minority family refused to pay toll, the terrorists demolished the wall of the house. Since then, the influential quarter has been threatening Ranjit and other members of Ranjit's family to death. Ranjit as a complainant on June 14 lodged a petition case with Gaibandha court in this connection accusing four persons including Mahfuzur Rahman Mandal and Abdul Karim Mandal. As a result, the accused got much more furious and so they carried an attack on the minority family demanding taka fifty thousand as toll and they also beat up Ranjit and his mother Rajanti Rani. Beating drum at Nakaihat, it was informed on behalf of the family of Ranjit that they would sell their house and leave the village after being failed to tolerate the repression of Mahfuzur Rahman Mandal and his hired terrorists. The locals expected the assistance of the administration to save the minority family from the repression of that influential quarter.
Press Conference in Gazipur district
Adibashi (aboriginal) community demanded implementation of 10 point demands
GAZIPUR, August 8: Adibashi Jagaran Samity, an organization of Adibashi organized a press conference at Gazipur Press Club on Monday afternoon on the occasion of International Tribal Day and the members of the samity placed 10 point demands in the press conference in case of protecting the existence and rights of the Adibashi. Pijush Barman in his written statement told that about 50 thousand Adibashi of 6 communities live in Gazipur district. At present some Adibashi communities are facing very troubles in case of holding their existence. Illegal land grabbers grabbing their property are pushing the Adibashi into insecurity. 10 point demands were placed on behalf of the Adibashi community to protect the rights of Adibashi. To make law according to 107 ILO convention, withdrawal of false cases against Adibashi were included in ten point demands.
Allegation of ostracizing a minority family in Baghmara Upazila of Rajsahi district
(The Daily Janakantha, 11th August 07) From Our Correspondent
RAJSAHI, August 11: It was alleged that a rich minority family of village Saidhara under Aouchpara Union Parishad of Baghmara upazila was ostracized in allegation with a false case. The family members complained in a press conference held recently in Rajsahi Metropolitan Press Club that some men under the banner of the villagers were repressing them physically and mentally through intimidation and harassment in order to grab their 100 bighas (a measurement of land) of land by sending them to India.
It was complained in the press conference from the written statement that late Hanif'a son Khalek Master and Md. Tasir, Kalu's son Sajjad Hossain, Nazar Ali's sons Md. Fazlu and Masir, Rahimuddin's son Md. Golam, Ibrahim's son Besharat, Mohiuddin's son Alauddin, Amiruddin's son Akkas Ali and Sattar's son Md. Afsar of the same village led by Zia, chairman of Aouchpara Union Parishad as the complainants lodged a complaint against Khagendranath Sarkar, householder of the minority family. It was told in the complaint that Khagendranath Sarkar had an illegal physical relationship with a woman named Setara Begum of the same village which is not true at all. At present Khagendrnath's age is 55 and Setara Begum's age is not more than 20/22. Again Setara Begum is married. Khagendranath has a good family relationship with Asad Ali, husband of Setara Begum and also van driver. Van driver Asad Ali in exchange of money helped Khagendranath and his family for household works. Even Asad Ali was given rice and paddy when he faces wants.
It was also told in the press conference that so far as the family members know there is no complaint against Khagendranath Sarkar on behalf of the Asad Ali and his wife Setara Begum. But the above mentioned persons in an evil design are repressing the family of Khagendranath Sarkar through a false allegation. The chairman of Aouchpara without any prior notice issued summon on Khagendranath Sarkar to be present in the arbitration of Union Parishad. Khagendranath went into hiding for continuous threat. The family members claimed that they don't know about the whereabouts of Khagendrnath Sarkar. On the other hand, the above mentioned villagers also carried physical and mental repression on the family members of Khagendranath Sarkar.
A dacoity (robbery) committed in Rangamati district, son and daughter of the householder abducted, ransom demanded
(The Daily Janakantha, 11th August 07) From Our Correspondent
RANGAMATI, August 11: Some dacoits abducted an adolescent girl and a child from Betchari area under Kaoukhali upazila of Rangamati district and took them to the deep of jungle. The dacoits also demanded taka 4 lakh (million) as ransom for the release of the abducted girl and child. It was learnt that a group of bandits entered the house of Tapan Talukdar at the dead of night on Thursday and took away 2 bhoris (a measurement of gold) of gold, 45 thousand taka and also abducted Tapan Talukdar's daugher Mitali Talukdar (18) and son Debashis Talukdar (11). The bandits demanded taka 4 lakh as ransom for the release of them. Police and members of the joint force started their drive to rescue the girl and the child. Joint force arrested a man named Sudarshan Chakma (45), a member of JSS on suspicion on Friday morning from Bagaichari area in connection with his involvement in this abduction.
Masterminds of the murder case of Barnali Ghosh of Rampal Upazila of bagerhat district still out of reach
(The Daily Inquilab, 12th August 07) From Our Correspondent
BAGERHAT, August 12: 25 days passed after the recovery of the melted dead body of abducted Barnali Ghosh who was also a meritorious student but the masterminds of the murder case are still out of reach. On the other hand, terrorists are continuously threatening the father of Barnali Ghosh and so the family members of Barnali Ghosh are feeling unsecured and also a quarter is trying to give the case another turn. It was also alleged that a vested quarter got involved in extortion centering the incident. Barnali Ghosh went missing at the dead of night on June 30 and her dead body was recovered from the garden of Jalil Munshi of Chitra area on July 11 after 11 days of her abduction. Father of Barnali as a complainant lodged a murder case with Rampal police station at that very night. But it was alleged that just after lodging the case, an influential group of terrorists are continuously threatening father of Barnali Ghosh and also those who are helping Barnali's father in conducting the case. Recently father of Barnali Ghosh in a press conference held in Rampal Press Club told that someone from unknown mobile number was giving pressure the complainant of the case to withdraw the case, other wise other sisters of Barnali Ghosh would have to face the same consequence. The family of Barnali Ghosh is passing days under all this pressure and the family members are also feeling unsecured. On the other hand, two accused of the murder case Sujit alias Raju and Monaj Kumar could not be arrested as yet. But the concerned authority think that they can collect important information after taking two suspected persons named Liton and Mukta on remand and by interrogating them.
VICIOUS CIRCLE ALLEGEDLY OUT TO OUST A HINDU FAMILY BAGMARA:FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT : The daily Bangladesh Observer dated Sunday August,12,2007BAGMARA AUG:10 : A VICIOUS CIRCLE LED BY AUCHPARA UP CHARIAMN ZIAUR RAHMAN AIA ARE OUT TO EVICT A WELL-TO-DO HINDU FAMILY AND GRAB ABOUT 100 BIGHA OF LANDED PROPERTY, GARDEN AND TANKS. The family is continuously under threat which made them isolated and coercing them to go to India from their ancestral place in Saidhara village, UP Auchpara of Bagmara thana. The same group inflicted head of the family Khagendra Nath Sarkar in fabricated sexual scandal and hold a so called Salish presided by Saidhara Mosque Imam Zabed Ali which declared them isolated (ek ghore) on 28 July 2007. In a Press conference held on Tuesday Metropolitan Press club by Ripon Kumar son of victised Khagendra Nath and other members of family Sanjit Kumar Sarkar Kajoli Bala Debi, Renuka Sarkar, Rajat Kumar Sarkar and School girl Monika. As a result, even the family can not employ laborers from other villages. they can not harvest jute which has been inundated by flood water. The same group attacked their house when they fish from their own tank.They have beaten up fishermen and damaged their nets.Victims lodged complain with police and Joint Forces, Bagmara police told they went police officer on Wednesday for inquiry. In the meantime chairman Ziaur Rahman Zia organised a salish on the same day. To save from the physical and mental torture victim Khagendra Nath is temporarily living outside but they declared Taka 50,000 prize money to locate Khagendra Nath. It is alleged that after last UP election they told, Khagendra Nath Family have not cast their votes in favor of them. Abdul Khaleque Master is also behind the play as Khagendra Nath rebuked him for not attending school regularly as President of the school. On the other hand, private coaching of Monika also stopped as her private teacher Seema Rani Bhowmik afraid of vicious circle. Other sources said, the victim family is under continuous pressure to give regular toll to a group While contacted over mobile chairman Ziaur Rahman Zia, a leader of BNP refuting allegations said, he is trying to solve the problem. A case was also filed in the court by the victim family as police was not acting their duty.
Acid thrown on minority daughter of a tea labor of Srimangal Upazila of Moulovibazar district
MOULOVIBAZAR, August 12: Daughter of a tea labor of Gandhichara tea garden under Srimangal upazila got injured after the perpetrators threw acid on her on Wednesday night. The locals arrested the acid thrower and handed him over to the police. It was learnt that acid thrower Mannan (35) is the son of Shafique of village Lairakul under the same upazila. He is a worker of Satgaon rubber garden. He off and on teased and gave bad proposal to Bipala Rani Das (18) daughter of Mahendra Das, a worker of Gandhichara tea garden adjacent to Satgaon rubber garden. As Bapala Rani Das didn't agree with his bad proposal, so Mannan threatened her. Mannan threw acid on Bipala through a syringe at 8 pm on Wednesday when Bipala was inside the kitchen room. The locals after hearing the screaming of Bipala and her elder brother's wife came forward and caught Mannan red handed and later handed him over to Gandhichara police. A case was lodged in this connection with Srimangal police on Thursday last under Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. The injured Bipala was undergoing treatment in the hospital.
Report of Oikkya Parishad
11 minorities killed and three minority women raped in the month of June
(The Daily Bhorer Kagoj, 13th August 07) Staff Reporter
Repression and oppression on the minority community still continues countrywide even after state of emergency prevailing in the country. Terrorists killed about 11 minorities countrywide on June last. Three women of minority community were also raped. Apart from this, incidents like abduction, attack on temples, grabbing of land and looting also took place. The picture came out from the monthly report of Bangladesh Hindu Christian Buddhist Oikkya Parishad.
It was told in the report that terrorists carried an attack on Ratha Jewelry of Prabir Kumar of Sonarpatti area under Sadar (town) Upazila of Naogaon district on June 4 and killed the staff of the shop Lebu. Terrorists also killed a college teacher named Ramendranath Majumdar of Batiaghati area under Khulna district on June 7. Terrorists killed Sushil Bala of village Ramdia under Kashiani upazila of Gopalganj district on June 8. On June 9, a group of terrorists carried an attack in village west Alonia of Chadpur district and killed a minority named Arjun Chandra Roy. Hanumantha Gayeen, an owner of shrimp enclosure of village Garibpur under Chitalmari upazila of Bagerhat district was beaten to death by the perpetrators on June 15. Terrorists also killed Jitendranath Sarkar in Ashuganh rail station of Bhramanbaria district on June 19. Terrorists killed a minority old man named Gopal Sarkar under Akhura upazila on June 21. Beside this, the terrorists also killed businessman Prashanta Saha of Jessore district on June 24, Gopal Mistri of Fakirhat upazila under Bagerhat district on June 30 and a teacher named Anil Chandra Das of village Ziapur under Zakiganj upazila of Sylhet district.
A Hindu minority teacher of Borolekha Upazila of Moulovibazar district compensated taka 3 lakh (million) and 75 thousand for being in love with a Muslim girl
(The Daily Sangbad, 14th August 07) From Our Correspondent
BOROLEKHA (MOULOVIBAZAR), August 14: A religious minority family of Borolekha upazila of Moulovibazar district had to compensate taka 3 lakh and 75 thousand as a Hindu minority house tutor fell in love with a Muslim girl. The decision of paying this big amount as the compensation for being in love was decided in arbitration. The incident created sensation in the area.
According to many sources of the locals, a relation of love affair developed between Dilara Akhtar Shila (18), daughter of Farman Ali alias Farai Miah of village Rajarhati and house tutor Ripon Biswas (22), son of Kali Kumar Biswas of village Harikunji. Recently, both of them fled away for the sake of their love. Later the families of Dilara and Ripon after a through searching found them and brought them to their respective houses. The family of Dilara raised the allegation of self respect of their family against Ripon Biswas. The family of Ripon Biswas was also intimidated to lodge a case. To this the relatives of Ripon Biswas got afraid and then went to the influential villagers to save themselves from this.
Recently, to settle the matter, arbitration was called out in the office of Union Parishad chairman at Das bazaar. The family of Ripon Biswas had to compensate taka 3 lakh and 75 thousabd fro being in love with Dilara in the arbitration where UP chairman Kamar Uddin was also present.
The panicked family members of Ripon Biswas didn't say anything to anybody in this connection. On the other hand, they were very much worried in case of collecting the amount of the compensation and also for their security. According to some sources, the family Ripon Biswas was trying to collect money by selling their property. When asked about arbitration, Kamar Uddin, Union Parishad Chiarman admitted it.
Attempt to devour the village of the Adibashi (aboriginal) of Jibannagar Upazila of Chuadanga district
(The Daily Ittefaq, 14th August 07) From Our Correspondent
JIBANNAGAR (CHUADANGA), August 14: The Adibashis of Shailmari Kutirbari are at a loss for the illegal land grabbers. The Adibashis in order to save them from the hands of the illegal land grabbers submitted a complaint to UNO on Sunday.
It was learnt that two Adibashi families had been living on 3 acrtes of land of Keru and Company of Shailmari Kutirbari since the period of Brithish Regime. Faizullah, son of late Wazed Bihari of Darsana Puratan Bazar of nearby Damurhuda upazila and also Nazrul Islam alias Tuku, son of late Abu Hossain of Uthali Amtala area in order to devour the village of the Adibashi have been repressing and threatening the Adibashis in many ways. Even they are forcibly cutting down the trees and taking away the fruits of the Adibashis.
Measures to protect Debottor (deity's) property of the Hindu minority of Koira Upazila of Khulna district demanded
(The Daily Ittefaq, 15th August 07) From Our Correspondent
KOIRA (KHULNA), August 15: Gosta Bihari, secretary of Sri Sri Gobinda Zeu Thakur Temple recently organized a press conference at upazila Press Club in demand of stopping repression and threat on the minorities and also in demand of taking measures to protect the Debottor property from the hands of some influential persons who are grabbing the property by making forged papers of the property.
Gosta Bihari in his written statement told in the press conference that about 200 Hindus of ward no.9 under Sadar (town) upazila now spend their nights for fear of the illegal land grabbers. An influential Union Parishad member of ward no.8 has grabbed about 26.05 acres of land of their Sri Sri Gobinda Zeu Thakur Temple. Late Binayandra Nath Basu, a devout of Gobinda Zue Thakur donated property to the temple from his own property. But the UP member by making forged papers and in association with Abul Kashem, Alauddin, Abdul Bari, Mostafa Giasuddinn of village Koira and Rahima Khatun of Gobindapur area, Lutfar Rahman of Mothbaria and Yusuf Ali, Ayub Ali and Akbar Ali of Maharajpur area forcibly cultivating the land during the monsoon season.
He expected assistance of the law enforcing agency in this connection.
The court ordered the District Commissioner to inform the present condition of the property. The DC of Khulna district told on June that tax and revenue of this property was never due and the property was not auctioned through certificate case.
Attack carried on the shop of a minority of Tarail Upazila of Kishoreganj district
(The Daily Sangbad, 16th August 07) From Our Correspondent
TARAIL (KISHOREGANJ), August 17: Terrorists carried an attack on the shop of Ashim Debnath at Kauwakhali bazaar under Tarail upazila in the evening on Tuesday last and also looted money and other goods. At that time, the terrorists also beat up Ashim and attempted to kill him. A case was lodged in this connection with Tarail police station accusing 15 persons. Parimal Debnath is the complainant of the case. Parimal Debnath told Sangbad that listed terrorists and extortionists of Dhola Veyar area Al-amin Akram, Dulal, Sangram and some others carried an attack on the shop of Ashim Debnath, a cycle parts businessman and they also looted goods worth about taka more than 1 lakh (million). Centering this, the terrorists went to the house of Parimal Debnath yesterday morning to carry an attack. But the terrorists went back as the locals resisted them.
A minority pregnant housewife of Morelganj Upazila of Bagerhat district dies being repressed by her husband and mother in law
(The Daily Sangbad, 17th August 07) From Our Correspondent
BAGERHAT, August 17: Sabita Rani Das (19), a minority pregnant housewife of Banogram area under Morelganj upazila died after being repressed by her dowry greedy husband and mother in law. The incident took place on Friday evening but the dead body of Sabita was lying in the morgue of Bagerhat Sadar (town) Hospital till Sunday afternoon. According to the source of hospital and locals, Sabita Rani, daughter of Gopal Kumar Sarkar of village Malancha under district Sadar was married to one Gobinda Das, son of late Rakhal Chandra Das of village Banogram one and half years back. Though Gopal Sarkar during the wedding of his daughter gave Sabita's husband good amount of money but recently pressure was created on Sabita for dowry. When Sabita refused to give more dowries, her husband and mother in law started repressing her physically. Gobinda gave Sabita a good beating on Friday last. At one stage, Sabit died. When the news spread, Sabita's husband and mother in law fled away. On information, father of Sabita came to Banogram on Saturday morning and informed the local police. Later police recovered the dead body and sent it to Bagerhat morgue for the post mortem. Father of Sabita told the journalists at Bagehat Press Club that his daughter who was five months pregnant was killed.
41 acres land of two Adibashi (aboriginal) families of Kalmakanda Upazila of Netrokona district under the possession of illegal land grabbers
KALMAKANDA (NETROKONA), August 17: Illegal land grabbers have been enjoying the possession of about 41 acres land of two Adibashi families of Rangchati union under Kalkamanda upazila sine long by forged papers. Now the real proprietors of these lands are passing days starving along with their children. The women of these families are now maintaining their lives by collecting woods from the hill and selling those woods in the bazaar. They made a written appeal to the upazila administration but they didn't get any result.
Ranjit Sangma (70) of village Bokroakona told that the illegal land grabbers of the area took the possession of about 19.93 acres of land after the death of his sister Ingrej Sangma. The land grabbers of the same area also grabbed 20.73 acres of land after the death of Pranita Sangma and Sheikhji Sangman, mother of Senuka Sangma of village Vestapur. Suranjan Areng, chairman of Kalkamanda Upazila Tribal Welfare Association in this connection told that many meetings were held for this portion of land but there was no result.
Initiative to build a college on the land given lease in name of a temple of Savar Upazila of Dhaka district, cancellation of lease demanded
(The Daily Janakantha, 18th August 07) From Our Correspondent
SAVAR, August 18: The Hindu community of Kabirajpara area of Savar upazila has become aggrieved as an initiative has been taken to build a college of technical board on 9 decimals of land given lease in name of Savar Boro Temple. The locals have appealed to the chief advisor, ministry of land and also other concerned authorities in demand of canceling the lease in name of the college. It was learnt that there was a two storied bhaban (building) on 13 decimals of land adjacent to the temple. As the building was vested property, so WAPDA authority used that land by taking lease of that property from the government. WAPDA authority also left the property some years ago. Zamindar (landlord) of Mohadebpur of Manikganj district was the proprietor of the temple and the building adjacent to the temple. They in order to inspire the locals to practice religion established Savar Boro temple about 300 years ago. The family members of the landlord left the country for India before 1965. Before the 12 members of the family of landlord left, they donated 13 decimals of land adjacent to the temple in name of the temple in 1956. Present president of Boro temple Sudhangshu Vushan Datta (92), general secretary of Savar Ramkrishna Panchabati Hermitage Godadhar Saha (96) and late Jagannath Saha signed on the donation papers. At present about 20 thousand Hindus of the area have fallen in problem with 9 out of 13 decimals of land. As an institution named Savar Technical and Business Management College had taken lease of that portion of land. The local Hindus claimed that if a college was set up there both the temple and the college would be disrupted.
It was learnt according to the source of the locals that Savar Technical and Management College authority took the lease of 9 decimals of land adjacent to the temple from the government for one year. But as the college authority didn't come to possess the land, so the locals could not know anything about their lease. Later when the temple authority came to about this then the temple authority appealed to upazila administration for canceling the lease in name of the college. But the temple authority didn't get any response to that. The local residents became aggrieved when the college authority in association with upazila administration came to remove the old structure in order to occupy that land on June last. The locals even could not protest the incident as the Upazila Executive Officer himself was present on the spot. Bhivarani Bosak and Motirani Saha, residents of temple area told that the girl would suffer from insecurity and it would be difficult for the women to go outside if a college is set up there. Jagadish Chandra Roy, former member of National Hindu Welfare Trust told that it was not possible to build a college on 9 decimals of land. Gopal Chandra Saha, a descendent of the landlord's family told that his forefathers donated this portion of land in name of the temple.
Hosne Ara, principal of the college told that the college was given lease of that land through upazila administration. She also commented that the college would not create any problem for the temple and also for the local Hindus in case of performing their religious duties.
An Attack carried on a minority teacher of Feni district as he resisted a student from copying
(The Daily Prothom Alo, 18th August 07) From Our Correspondent
FENI, August 18: Terrorists harassed a teacher of Feni Polytechnique Institute as he expelled two students for copying and also for resisting the examinees from copying. They also threatened the teacher saying not to go beyond limit in future in case of charging any student for copying. A general diary was lodged with Feni police station in this connection. Institute authority formed a three member committee to probe the incident.
It was learnt according to the source of eyewitness that final exam of second semester of all years of Feni Polytechnique Institute is going on at present. Dipankar Nandi, instructor of Electric Department expelled two students of second semester of 1st year in allegation with copying and at the same time he also warned other students not to adopt unfair means. To this, the students got agitated.
Some outsider terrorists beat him on Wednesday evening near the gate of the institute on his way to the town. They also threatened him saying not to go beyond limit in future in the hall room.
Dipankar informed teachers' council of the institute of the matter. The teachers and councilors condemned the incident. A three member committee was formed in the meeting of the council. Dipankar in perspective of the decision of the teachers' council lodged a general diary with Feni police station on Thursday.
A minority night guard of Bagaichari Upazila of Rangamati district killed after abduction
BAGAICHARI (RANGAMATI), August 18: Sumon Chakma (26), an abducted night guard of Upazila health centre was killed after his abduction.
It was learnt according to the source of the locals that a group of abductors numbering 5-6 abducted Sumon at gun point from Upazila health centre on August 6. When contacted on behalf of the family of Sumon, the abductors told that Sumon was killed. They also threatened that al the family members of Sumon would also be killed if they lodge any case and also inform the local administration of the incident.
Abdur Razzak, OC of Bagaichari police station told that police came to know about the abduction. But nobody came to the police station to lodge any case. Police have nothing to do if no complaint is lodged.
A minority housewife of Purbadhola Upazila of Netrokona district repressed
(The Daily Sangbad, 22nd August 07) From Our Correspondent
NETROKONA, August 22: Some perpetrators tied up a minority housewife named Anita Rani Das of Purbadhola upazila with a tree and repressed her as she resisted the perpetrators from occupying her house. The incident took place in village Sattati under Purbadhola upazila on Monday last. The locals told that a dispute over a piece of land was going on between Narayan Chandra Das of village Sattati and Siddique and Salam of nearby village Baliakandi since long. Centering this, Kuddus along with his associates started building house on the land of Narayan Chandra Das on Monday. At that time his wife Anita Rani Das resisted the perpetrators but the perpetrators at that time tied up Anit with a tree and repressed her. When the locals came forward to rescue Anita, the perpetrators chased them and also drove them. Later police rescued Anita.
Hindus of Sherpur Upazila of Bogra district express grief for seizing Narayan Murti (idol) from the temple
(The Daily Ajker Kagoj, 25th August 07) From Our Correspondent
SHERPUR (BOGRA), August 25: Hindus of different villages of Sherpur upazila held a press conference at Sherpur Press Club on August 23 as Narayan Murti was seized from a temple. It was mentioned in the press conference that there was a Narayan Murti on the Puja Mandop (pavilion) of the house of old Babu Gopal Chandra of village Bissa from time immemorial. The Hindus of the area had been worshipping that Narayan Murti. But suddenly a group of men introducing them as members of the Detective Branch entered the temple without any permission and removed the Narayan Murti from the worship place.
The religious sentiments of the Hindus of the area were hurt in this incident. It was mentioned in the press conference that the Hindus of the area want a fair investigation of the incident and they also demanded measures for placing the seized Murti at the right place. The inhabitants of the village were present in the press conference. Later they submitted a memorandum to Upazila Executive Officer Mohammad Zakir Hossain.
A minority family of Bogra district got victim of repression as the family refused to sell their home to an influential
(The Daily Ajker Kagoj, 26th August 07) From Our Correspondent
BOGRA, August 26: A minority family of Bogra city's Katnar Para area got victim of repression and harassment as the family didn't agree to sell some portions of their home to an influential. Sangita Kundu, only one daughter of that family made the allegation in a press conference held on Saturday last.
It was told in the press conference that Joynal Hazi, an influential tobacco businessman of the town created pressure on Sangita to leave her home. As a blue print of this, a false case was lodged against her father Surajit Kumar Kundu alias Rugu Kundu, her family was harassed and also the family members were intimidated. The whole family is now passing days from insecurity for partial role of the law enforcing agency and also for the harassment of the hired terrorists of Joynal Hazi.
In the press conference held in Bogra Press Club, Sangita mentioned Joynal Hazi as an illegal land grabber and complained that Joynal Hazi purchased a building including 4 decimals of land from their neighbor Ratin Poddar. But the portion of land of the house turned into only two and half decimals as the government took one and half decimals of land for the extension of Banani-Matidhali road some years back. At that time, Joynal gave Sangita's father a proposal to purchase two decimals of land. But Rugu Kundu didn't agree to sell that portion of land of their house and so he fell in wrath of Joynal Hazi. As result, Joynal Hazi got very furious on Rugu Kundu and then he added 30 links of land of Rugu Kundu to his two and half decimals of land and then made a plan of that portion of land and made that plan approved from the municipality and then started constructing a building.
When Rugu Kundu submitted his complaint to the municipal office in this connection, the municipal office issued notice to Joynal to stop the construction work but Joynal ignoring the notice of the municipal office continued the construction work. On the other hand, Rugu Kundu was harassed and repressed as he made a complaint to the municipal office. Even Joynal Hazi threatened him to leave his home. As part of this, Joynal lodged a case against Rugu Kundu some days back. Just within some hours after lodging the case, police without any verification arrested Sangita's father and so Rugu Kundu had to spend five days behind the bar for no offence. But earlier, Rugu seeking the security of his family and property complained to police many times but at that time police were very silent. On the other hand, Rugu Kundu along with his wife and daughter is not getting able to stay at their home at night for the harassment of the hired terrorists of Joynal Hazi.
In the press conference Sangita expected the higher authorities of the law enforcing agency to take necessary steps to stop Joynal Hazi's harassment and also his attempt to grab their property.
Property of a minority family of Laksham Upazila grabbed
(The Daily Manobjamin, 26th August 07) From Our Correspondent
LAKSHAM, August 26: It was alleged that someone misused the property of a minority family of Laksham district. The family appealed to the chief advisor seeking security to their lives. Dhirendra Dey (80) of village Changaon under Kandirpara union of Laksham upazila told that he had 4 acres and 67 decimals of paternal land. Two of his brothers went to India 50 years back. Usha Ranjan, one of his brothers died 6-7 years back. He had no children. Before his death, he gave away some portion of land to the wife of Usha Ranjan.Abul, chairman of nearby Bakoy union purchased the donated property from the wife of Usha Ranjan in 1993. During the regime of the last alliance government, chairman cut away trees worth about taka two lakh (million) from his property and at that time Dhirendra and his wife resisted the chairman. Later the chairman forcibly grabbed all his property except his house. Dhirendra informed respected chairmen of the area, chairman of nearby Mudafarganj union and also municipal chairman of the matter. Dhirendra complained that Abul chairman threatened him. The whole family is now suffering from insecurity. Dhirendra in order to rescue his grabbed property made an appeal to the chief advisor, IGP of Police, District Commissioner and Police Super seeking security of lives and property. Chairman Abul Hossain in this connection told that he purchased 1 acre and 17 decimals of land from the wife of Usha Ranjan. He also told that he didn't grab property of Dhirendra. Local UP chairman Alhaz Nur Hossain told that a dispute was going on between Abul chairman and Dhirendra over property. Municipal chairman was supposed to sit in a meeting with them.
A dacoity (robbery) committed in nine minority houses of Khaliajuri Upazila of Netrokona district
(The Daily Janakantha, 29th August 07) From Our Correspondent
NETROKONA, August 29: A daring dacoity committed in nine houses of two villages of Chakua union under Khaliajuri upazila of Netrokona district on Monday night. The dacoits equipped with arms came into the villages by trawler and took away 17 cows, gold ornaments and cash money. About 5 persons including women were injured during the dacoity. It was learnt that a group of dacoits numbering 10-12 and equipped with arms came by trawler and swooped on Notunpara under Chakua union at about 2 am. At first the dacoits introduced them as police men. Later they held the inmates of the houses hostage at gun point and took away 17 cows and other valuable goods from the house of Sajal Talukdar, Shaymal Biswas, Ranu Biswas, Sanjay Das, Sanjay Barman, Rabi Biswas, Safalya Biswas and Gangapad Biswas. At that time Sajal Biswas, Ranu Biswas, Sanjay Barman, Rabi Biswas and Reba Biswas were injured by the dacoits. At one stage the villagers got organized and chased the dacoits and then the dacoits fled away by trawler.
A minority school going student abducted from Comilla district rescued in Tangail district
MIRZAPUR, August 29: Police rescued Rumpa Saha, a minority school going student who was abducted from Comilla district from village Gaiba Betil under Mirzapur upazila of Tangail district on Monday night. Rumpa Saha is the daughter of Manindra Saha of west Gaon under Laksham upazila of Comilla district and she is also a student of class nine of Nabab Fayjunnesa High School. Rafikul Islam, son of Khorshed Miah of village Gaiba Betil under Mirzapur upazila abducted Rumpa by a microbus on her way to the school on August 20 last.
Confinement and repression on two minority families of Jhinaidha district alleged, police rescued the families
(The Daily Bhorer Kagoj, 29th August 07) From Our Correspondent
JHINAIDHA, August 29: Terrorists confined two minority families of Jhinaidha district for two days and also repressed the families. Later police rescued three members of the families and admitted them into hospital. It was learnt that the terrorists carried this barbarism in village Bagutia under Shailkupa upazila of Jhinaidha district.
According to the source of the locals and the hospital, when Narendranath Biswas, a farmer went to clean seeds of paddy in a nearby ditch then a nearby influential quarter got furious on him and also injured him. Later Arun Kumar Biswas, son of Narendranath Biswas was also beaten and he was confined in his house. Even the terrorists kept guards around the house all day long and also threatened the family members. The two families got confined for open death threat. Police rescued them on Tuesday morning and also admitted them into hospital. Some listed terrorists named Harez Mandal, Azizul Mandal, Tofazzel, Kibria, Murad, Shiblu and Wabaidullah confined the families.
Attempt to evict a minority family in Nagarkanda Upazila of Faridpur district
(The Daily Samakal, 31st August 07) From Our Correspondent
FARIDPUR, August 31: It was alleged that someone is attempting to evict Muktirani, a widow of Nagarkanda upazila and also her son Sujan from their home after lodging false abduction case against Sujan. It was learnt that Sadhan Chnadra Gosami, husband of Muktirai died 4 years back. Muktirani is maintaining her family along with 2 daughters and one son through many problems. About 2-3 influential groups of the area have been attempting to grab their about 10 bighas (a measurement of land) of land since long. Recently, Jamal Miah, chatra(student front of a political party) League leader and also the son of Shahis Miah, former chairman of Nagarkanda union orally complained that Sujan, son of Muktirani and who also passed H.S.C. exam this year demanded taka 50 thousand toll from Jamal's sister Mita over mobile phone on August 10 and Jamal also complained that Sujan also threatened that if Mita didn't pay the toll, acid would be thrown on her and her brother would be killed. Jamal also complained at the army camp of Faridpur that Sujan disturbed his sister over phone.
Later Jamal lodged a general diary with Nagarkanda police station complaining that his two sisters Mita (19) and Lupi( 17) went missing at night on August 26 on their way to Faridpur from their home. Jamal mentioned in the general diary that he suspected that Sujan, his mother and their associates abducted his sisters and kept them at any unknown place. It was learnt from Nagarkanda police station that police started their operation to arrest Sujan.When asked why police were so interested to arrest Sujan, Lutfar Rahman, OC of Nagarkanda police station told that abduction was very sensitive case.It was learnt from the conversation with locals and the relatives of Sujan that police along Jamal, his father Shahid Miah and other associates of them raided the house of Sujan on August 26 night and arrested him. Sarwar, a neighbor farmer told that Litul and Jamal beat Sujan and his mother in presence of the police and police took away Sujan in condition of his injury. Taposhi (25), sister of Sujan told that Litul, Jamal and Omar Ali entered their house at night and beat up her mother and brother before police. Taposhi also told that they were being harassed for grabbing their property.
On the other hand, the locals raised question over the abduction of two sisters Mita and Lupi. The locals also suspected that Jamal fabricated the case only to harass Sujan socially. Captain Sunbir Hassan Majumdar who was in charge of Faridpur army camp told that after receiving the complaint from Jamal, he wanted to solve the matter with both the parties but he didn't get any support from any party but he also told that it was unbelievable that a minor boy of a minority family could abduct two daughters of an influential family of the area.
Jamaat men booked for storming temple in Bangladesh
Dhaka, Sep 8 - Ten members of a local unit of Jamaat-e-Islami have been booked in Pabna district in northern Bangladesh for storming a Hindu temple, damaging property and threatening devotees gathered to celebrate 'Janmashtami', Lord Krishna's birthday.There is tension in the area and more police reinforcement has been rushed, The Daily Star, the Janakantha newspaper said Saturday,Sept 8.
One of the activists has been arrested and the police are looking for nine more at Bera Pora in Santhia upzila (sub-district) for the incident that took place Wednesday, following a complaint lodged by Pradip Kumar De, President of the Siddheshwari Puja Mandir Committee.
'Armed with sticks and sharp weapons, they stormed the Mandir and threatened us to stop the three-day programme. They knocked down the shed built for the guests, cut down trees and damaged the rath (deity's ceremonial chariot),' Mr De complained. He claimed the loss would be around Tk 30,000 ($500).
Locals said there was an old dispute over the land on which Siddheshwari Mandir stands. The suspects who have now been booked had a lease issued in favour of an Islamic seminary - Karamja Dakhil Madrassa. But in response to a petition by the Mandir Committee to rejecting the lease, the High Court has ruled for maintenance of status quo. Santhia police have arrested Abdul Awal, one of the ten people booked. Sub Inspector Mizan said: 'We are trying our best to arrest the rest of the accused.'
There are 11.3 million Hindus in Bangladesh, forming 10.5 percent of the population, according to the 2001 census
The Daily Star, Dhaka,8 September2007
10 Jamaat men sued for 'attack on temple'
Our Correspondent, Pabna
A case has been filed against 10 Jamaat leaders and activists at Bera Pora in Santhia upazila for attacking a Hindu temple on September 5. President of Siddheshwari Puja Mandir Committee Pradip Kumar De filed the case with the local police station Wednesday. The accused are Bera Pora unit Jamaat ameer and superintendent of Karamja Dakhil Madrasa Abu Daud, and Jamaat activists Shahjahan, Saidul, Nudu Mollah, Chan Mollah, Hafez, Lutfor, Awal, and Abu Taleb. The complainant alleged that the accused attacked the temple while the local Hindus were celebrating Janmashtami, the birth of lord Krishna. He said, "Armed with sticks and sharp weapons, they stormed the Mandir and threatened us to stop the three-day programme. They knocked down the shed built for the guests, cut down trees and damaged the rath (chariot)." Pradip claimed the loss would be around Tk 30,000. Locals said there was already a dispute over the land of Siddheshwari Mandir. The accused had a lease issued in favour of Karamja Dakhil Madrasa. But the High Court ruled for a status quo to be maintained in response to a petition by the Mandir Committee for rejecting the lease orders.Santhia police have arrested Abdul Awal, one of the accused. Contacted, Sub Inspector Mizan said, "We have recorded the case and are trying our best to arrest the rest of the accused." Meanwhile, additional police force have been deployed in the area to defuse tension.
The Daily Star,15 September 2007
Patuakhali Land Dispute
8 hurt in attack on Hindu families
Our Correspondent, Barisal
At least eight members of Hindu community were injured and a house was burnt in an attack by a gang of armed miscreants in Marichbunia village in Patuakhali Sadar upazila yesterday. The incident was sequel to a land dispute, police said. Police said a group of armed miscreants allegedly led by Delawar Peyada, attacked the house of Narayan Chandra Majhi and Sushila Rani. The attacker searched for Narayan and failing to find him, beat and injured eight of his family members and relatives.House of Sushila, widowed sister of Narayan, was burnt. The miscreants looted goods worth about Tk 2 lakh, they alleged. Informed by local people, a police team led by Sub inspector Emran came and sent the injured people to Patuakhali Sadar Hospital. The attackers had left the village before police came. Sub-inspector Anwar Hossain at Patuakhali Sadar police station said a case is being processed and efforts on to nab the attackers.
RAMPAL (BAGERHAT), July 13: Melted dead body of a missing school going girl of Rampal upazila was recovered. It was learnt according to the police and the family of the missing girl that Barnali Ghosh, daughter of Bipul Chandra Ghosh of village Chitra under Rampal upazila and also a 1st year student of Accounting department of Khulna Government Azam Khan Commerce College went missing from her home at night on June 30 last. On the day of occurrence, when Barnali came outside of her home to attend the call of nature at about 12 midnight then some perpetrators caught hold of her and then took her to a garden 60-70 yards away from her house and there the perpetrators repressed her brutally and then killed her by suffocation and left her dead body there. After 11 days of the incident, a woman named Soma during cutting grass saw the melted dead body of Barnali and then Soma informed Barnali's father and then Barnali's father traced the dead body of Barnali.On information, police reached the spot, investigated the incident and taking preparation to send the dead body for post mortem. Dead Barnali Ghosh stayed at Jahan Ali Hostel. She came to the house on June 28, two days before she went missing. A case was lodged in this connection with the local police station on July 1.It is apprehended that more perpetrators gang-raped the college student and killed her brutally
Barnali Ghosh was confined and killed after two days of her beingraped consecutively Confession of two accused at Bagerhat district magistrate court
(The Daily Janakantha, 15th September 07)
BAGERHAT, September 15: Some 6-7 brutes led by BNP cadre and listed and most wanted terrorist Kamal Hawladar tied the mouth of Barnali Ghosh and then raped her consecutively in spite of her entreaty. Later Barnali Ghosh was confined in a room in an unconscious state for two days and then she was killed. Later to save themselves, the terrorists left the dead body in the deep of jungle in a planned way and then threw acid on the dead body. This information was learnt from Kamal and his accomplice Muktar Hossain's confession they made at magistrate court who were arrested for their involvement with Barnali Ghosh murder.
It was learnt that Barnali Ghosh, daughter of Bipul Chnadra Ghosh of village Chitra under Rampal upazila of Bagerhat district took admission at Khulna Azam Khan Commerce College after passing her H.S.C. She came home on June 28 last. Later a group of terrorists led by Kamal swooped on her way at night on June 30 when she was going with her friends Raju Haldar, Manaj and Liton. At that time the terrorists tied eyes and face of Barnali Ghosh with a piece of cloth and attempted to kill Raju, Manaj and Liton. The friends of Barnali Ghosh fled away for fear of lives. Later the terrorists took Barnali Ghosh behind the battery shop of Mahbub and there Kamal, Hassan, Mahbub, Nazmul, Mukta and Nahid repressed her brutally.
Later they confined Barnali in state of bleeding in a nearby room. Barnali's hands and face were tied and she died in that state in that room after two days. Later Kamal and his associates left the dead body in a ditch of a garden. They in a planned way threw acid on the dead body to distort the dead body. On the other hand, Bipul Chnadra Ghosh after not finding his daughter lodged a GD (96/03-07-07) with Rampal police station on July 3. Later on July 11, a woman named Sumati Biswas saw the skeleton and started screaming. The locals crowded there. Parents of Barnali Ghosh also rushed there and later they traced the dead body of Barnal;I Ghosh seeing the cloths Barnali was wearing. Police recovered the dead body and sent it to the morgue for post mortem. Demonstration and protest rallies were held in Rampal, Mangla and Khulna in demand of the punishment of the killers of meritorious student Barnali Ghosh.
Police started investigating after protest from all around Khulna district. At first Mukta was arrested from Rampal and the mystery behind the murder was unearthed after Mukta gave confessional statement at the court. Later Kamal, mastermind of the murder was arrested from Khulna. The court granted 5 days remand after the appeal of police. But mystery deepened when Kamal didn't say anything even after passing three days in remand. Later A.K.M. Shahidur Rahman, Police Super of Bagerhat district himself monitoredthe case. He sent Additional Police Super Meraj Uddin for investigation and handed over the investigation of the case to Tofazzel Hossain, Inspector of Bagerhat Detective Branch of police from Rampal police station. Later Kamal gave more sensational information. A contract of taka 1.5 lakh (million) was dealt between Rampal police and influential and rich relatives of Kamal in condition that Police would not take the statement of Kamal but that deal could not be done for Police Super. Kamal in his statement told that they poured acid on the dead body of Barnali to distort it in counsel with an influential chairman of Rampal who was also relative of Hassan, another accused of the murder case. The locals told that there weremany allegations against local terrorist Kamal but he could not be arrested as he was very influential. The locals even don't dare to say anything for fear of his force. The locals demanded justice of the murder of Barnali Ghosh.Police Super of Bagerhat district termed the murder of Barnali as a very sad incident and told the Janakantha that police are now very clear about the murder after the confessional statement of twoaccused. Police were also trying to arrest rest of the accused. Charge sheet will be given under women repression act. He also told that for speedy trial of the case, the case was under process to be transferredin Speedy Trial Tribunal. Shahidul Islam, District Commissioner of Bagerhat told that the murder case of Barnali Ghosh was sent to the ministry of home for its permission for enlisting the murder case assensational.
The Daily Star.15 September 2007
Alleged bid to grab Hindu family land in Rajshahi
Staff Correspondent, Rajshahi
Some influential people are allegedly trying to grab the ancestral land of a poor Hindu family in Talaimari area of Rajshahi city on the plea of building a madrassah there.The family of Abonikanta Saha yesterday rushed to Rajshahi Metropolitan Press Club and alleged that the land grabbers are using political influence to capture their land.They are threatening them to vacate the land, they told a press conference. They are taking help of a section of policemen, they claimed. The family showed a number of documents and court orders to prove their right on the land and drew attention of the caretaker government to help them protect it from grabbers. Pallab Saha, Abonikanta's son said, he filed a general diary with Motihar police station on March 19 seeking help to protect the land.But the officer-in-charge PS Ferdous Ahmed demanded four kathas (6 decimal) of land and Tk 6 lakh for this, he alleged.As the family failed to provide the money, police did not help them. Moreover, the OC on September 4 called Pallab at the police station and later drove him away keeping his mobile phone and Tk 4000. However, the mobile was later returned, to Pallab said.Police also threatened Babul Sarker, their attorney and business partner, with harassment by implicating in cases, Pallab alleged.Out of his total 51 kathas (about 76.5 decimal) of land, Abonikanta recently rented 3.5 katha to Babul Sarker to start a business there, he said.But local ward commissioner Tarikul Islam Paltu forced Babul to stop business as he declined to pay him Tk one lakh as toll, pallab alleged at the press conference.Pallab's cousin Amrita Rani Saha, brother Polash, mother Chobi Rani Saha and uncle Amol Kumar and Babul Sarker were present at the press conference.Contacted later, OC Ferdous denied the allegation of demanding bribe from the Hindu family. He said police were always busy in maintaining law and order in the city and had hardly any time to look into the matter."The allegations are mere propaganda", he said.
The Daily Star,27 September 2007
Land grabbers threaten Hindu family in Satkhira
Our Correspondent, Satkhira
Influential land grabbers are allegedly trying to grab land of a poor speech impaired man belonging to Hindu community at Tentultala village in Shibpur union under Sadar upazila.Speech impaired Dukhi Ram Mondal and his wife Shfali Rani Mondal came to Satkhira Press Club to narrate their woes yesterday.They said the culprits are now threatening them to vacate their ancestral land or face 'the dire consequences.' Shefali Rani said they wanted to sell 10 decimals of their ancestral land as they badly needed money last year. Ibrahim Hossain, son of Khalilur Rahman of the same village expressed his eagerness to purchase the land. Taking advantage of their illiteracy and physical debility, Ibrahim made a registered deed of 15 decimals of land instead of 10 decimals, they alleged. They also alleged the deed was done changing the actual plot of the land.Even, Ibrahim did not pay price of the land in last one year, they lamented. So, they said they demanded return of their land and punishment to the culprit. Earlier they complained to local Union Parishad (UP) chairman against the cheat, they said. They blamed a local Awami League (AL) leader Rajab Ali, also former Shibpur UP chairman and his sons for hatching a conspiracy to evict them from their land. While contacted, Shibpur UP chairman Abdul Majid confirmed the report. On contact over cell phone both Rajab Ali and Ibrahim refuted the allegation of fraudulence.
Islamist Extremism in Bangladesh (CRS Report for Congress)Bruce Vaughn, Specialist in Southeast and South Asian Affairs Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade
There is concern among observers that the secular underpinnings of moderate Bangladesh are being undermined by a culture of political violence and the rise of Islamist extremists. A further deterioration of Bangladesh's democracy and political stability may create additional space within which Islamist militants may be increasingly free to operate. Such a development may have destabilizing implications for Bangladesh, South Asia, and the Islamic world. They also have the potential to undermine U.S. interests. See CRS Report RL33646, Bangladesh: Background and U.S. Relations, by Bruce Vaughn, for additional information.
Recent Developments
Some analysts believe the as yet unscheduled 2007 election in Bangladesh will at least in part be a referendum on the Bangladesh National Party's (BNP) government and the opposition Awami League's (AL) competing visions for Bangladesh. The roughly even political split between the BNP and the AL has given small Islamist parties a political voice isproportionate with their overall electoral support in the country. The BNP, by ruling in coalition with Islamist parties, has demonstrated its willingness to work with radical Islamists, while the AL has traditionally been critical of their activities. The Islamists' position within the government has also given them a new source of litimacy.1 The AL's signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the fundamentalist Khelaphat-e-Majlis party in December 2006 further indicates the rising power of small Islamist parties.2 The United States and Britain are concerned over the rise of Islamist influence and militancy in Bangladesh. The U.S. Department of State Country Reports on Terrorism released in April 2006 observed that Bangladesh experienced an increase in terrorist activity. This included the emergence of the Jamaat ul-Mujahideen (JMB), a group that promotes a fundamentalist vision for Bangladesh. While pointing to "limited success" by the government, the report explained that "endemic corruption ... porous borders," and "the government's serious institutional, resource, and political constraints" all "undermine the government's broader counter terrorism posture."3 Former U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh William Milam is reported to have stated, "I fear that Bangladesh might revert to its pre-1991 condition in which even the peaceful transfer of power after credible elections was not possible," adding, "This impasse has serious implications not only for Bangladesh but also for the South Asian region and the Islamic world."4 Britain's High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury, who was himself almost assassinated by extremists in 2004, is reported to have stated that there is "serous potential" for radical Islam to take hold in Bangladesh and that this would "change the geopolitics of our engagement with Islam and our efforts in countering terrorism."
Read full pdf version- Islamist Extremism in Bangladesh (CRS Report for Congress)
Source: http://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/80248.pdf
This report presents the testimony of Tasneem Khalil, recounting his torture at the hands of Bangladesh's military intelligence agency, the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI). To our knowledge, this is the most detailed public account of a case of torture in Bangladesh available anywhere. It demonstrates the nature of ongoing state-sponsored violence in Bangladesh, including the torture of critics of the current government.
Read the complete report (pdf) at The Torture of Tasneem Khalil, How the Bangladesh Military Abuses Its Power under the State of Emergency.
Bangladesh has been under a state of emergency for more than a year, led by an interim government that was not elected and claims to be reform-minded. The current government, appointed in January 2007, replaced a previous caretaker government. It aims to remain in power pending national elections scheduled for 2008, though no specific date has been set yet.
Although it was installed by the army and Bangladesh has a long history of coups and abusive military regimes, the interim government was welcomed by many Bangladeshis and international observers when it was formed in January 2007 as a necessary antidote to massive corruption, widespread abuse of power, and a sense that the political process was failing to offer even the possibility of good governance.
What happened to Tasneem Khalil – which, sadly, is not uncommon – makes clear that when it comes to human rights a critical part of what was promised is not being fulfilled. After one year, the state of emergency not only remains in place but is being used to limit political party activity and restrict freedom of expression and assembly, with torture a frequent consequence for those who do not toe the line and end up in the custody of the security services.
Increased domestic and international pressure to end such abuses cannot await elections or formation of a new government. The fundamental rights set out in the Constitution should be immediately restored and respected. Ending illegal arrests and torture should not await an election. These should be a top priority of the interim government. Those members of the security forces who have been responsible for such egregious human rights violations should be brought to justice.
Read complete HTML version of the report at http://hrw.org/reports/2008/bangladesh0208/index.htm
On behalf of the outgoing Executive Committee I would like to convey congratulations to the Newly Elected Executive Committee (EC) of HRCBM-DFW 2008-2009 term from the deep reaches of our hearts. Our New EC comprise of the following Executives.
Because of your active participation and support, HRCBM and HRCBM-DFW were able to play vital roles in protecting life and liberty of, procuring justice for, and upholding dignity of the minorities of Bangladesh.
On behalf of the Outgoing EC, we promise our whole-hearted support for success in all aspects of national and international activities of HRCBM.
We convey gratefulness to each and everyone members who attended today and those who could not attend because of personal reasons. We are humbled by your trust in us!
We convey our special thanks and gratefulness to Dr. Anil Sircar, our beloved Mesomoshay, for this presence, active participation and support.
Together, We Shall Stand Upright and Tall!
Ajit RoyOn Behalf of the Outgoing Eexutive Committee, HRCBM-DFW
Idol of Hindu God Basudev destroyed in Bianibazar after failed attempt to steal the idol. Police negligence alleged.
Read the story in Bengali-
Source: http://www.ittefaq.com/content/2008/01/20/news0063.htm
Dateline: Jan 19, 2008
A new committee of HRCBM-UK has been formed. Enclosed please find the details about HRCBM-UK chapter and please join us welcoming the new committee members.
-- Dhiman Chowdhury, President, HRCBM.
Human Right Congress Bangladesh Minorities UK Chapter
(An NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economical and Social Council of the United Nations)
7a Cowper RoadLeeds, LS9 7AP, EnglandMobile: +44 07872665909Fax: +44 0113 249 65 69E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com Chairman : Mr.Gopi RoyTreasurer : Mr. Rubel Roy, Mr. Uthpal MazumdarSecretary : Mr. Sujith Kumar Chowdhury ( Leeds)Regional Secretary : Mr. Amar Baiyda ( Bradford), Mrs. Soma Das ( Birmingham), Mr. Samir Das ( London), Mr.Swajan Dhar ( Doncaster) Excutive Member : Mrs. Helen Das, Mrs. Ruma Roy, Mr.Nilue Roy, Mr. Joy Das, Mrs. Shilpi Chowdhury, Mrs. Sonali Poddar. Mr. Avijit Das. Mrs. Dipa Dhar, Mr. Suman Chowdhury, Mr. Prasenjit Das, Dr. Das Adviser: Mr. M C Dey (Bradford), Mr. T K Chanda (Birmingham), Mr. Sudhir Chandra Das. Legal Advisers: Mr.PhillipBarber (Barrister), ZenithChamber, Leeds Accountants:Mr.Satish ShahAshfords1378 Leeds RD, Bradford, UK
National Human Rights Commission sees the light of the day
Sultana Razia
This year before the Human Rights Day the council of advisers approved the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2007. The cabinet approved the ordinance to set up the long-awaited National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which will work like a national human rights watchdog. This NHRC was in the top priority of the successive political governments for long, to ensure that any rights violator is brought to justice. This NHRC can investigate human rights violations but is empowered to only settle issues or refer them to the court. This ordinance was passed when the state of emergency is going on.
Composition of the NHRCThe selection committee will be headed by an appellate division justice, to be nominated by the chief justice, and will include the cabinet secretary, attorney general, comptroller and auditor general, chairman of the public service commission, and law secretary as members.
The chairman and members of the human rights commission will be appointed for three-year tenures and for no more than two consecutive terms, according to the proposal. Their age limit will be between 50 and 72.
The chairman must have outstanding contributions made in protection of human rights, welfare of the humanity, and social work. One of the members will be either a serving or a retired judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.
Function of the NHRCThe functions of the commission will include investigating any allegation of human rights violation received from any individual or quarter, or the commission itself can initiate investigation into any incident of rights violation. The commission would be empowered to investigate particular human rights violation allegations brought forward by citizens or discovered through their own monitoring. If a human rights violation has been proved, the NHRC can either settle the matter or pass it on to the court or relevant authorities.
Background In late 1994 the process of establishing this institutions was initiated. The Institutional Development of Human rights in Bangladesh (IDHRB) project was formally launched in 1995. The work of drafting a law was continued during 1996-2001 under Awami League government. Later BNP-led alliance government on December 10, 2001 formed the committee headed by the law minister to examine the prospect of setting up of the commission. They proposed to enact a comprehensive law on the protection of human rights instead of legislating a bill for instituting a National Human Rights Commission only. After a series of meetings on January 23, 2003 committee finalised the draft and sent it to the Cabinet Division. Since then, the bill has not been placed before the cabinet meeting.
In an international conference in 2004, the former law minister informed that difference of opinion among the ministers was delaying the constitution of the institution. In the previous tenure of Awami League, their law minister was also promised to establish the institution during their tenure.
The draft bill stipulated a five-member commission led by a retired judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, which must have one-woman member. The commission is supposed to investigate any human rights violation and recommend actions. It could probe any such incidents by the defence forces. The human rights commission was also a demand of the international donors who thought good governance critically depends on the rule of law. The process has been continuing for last the 12 years. May be the first country in world that is taking this long time to establish an effective institution. The non-governmental organisations and the civil society who were critical about the progress of this institution are also keeping their views confined in seminars and meetings with the international organisations. After coming to office on January 11, 2007, the present council of advisors pledged to establish the commission to honour and institute human rights in the country. Foreign ministry placed a draft to this effect before the council of advisers on September 8. The council in principle approved the draft and asked a seven-member committee headed by the law secretary to finalise the draft proposal and resubmit it in the shortest possible time for its consideration. The law, justice and parliamentary affairs ministry accordingly submitted the revised proposal, which the council of advisers approved on December 09, 2007.
UN approachThe establishment of a National Human Rights Commission consistent with the Paris Principles relating to the status of National Human Rights Institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights could have served as an effective mechanism to address gross and systematic human rights violations.
The concept of national human rights commission/institution is, however, very more specific--referring as it does to a body whose functions are specifically defined in terms of promotion and protection of human rights. The national institutions considered here are all administrative in nature--in the sense that they are neither judicial nor law making. As a rule, these institutions have on-going, advisory authority in respect human rights at the national and/or international level. Their purposes are pursued either in a general way, through opinions and recommendations, or through the consideration and resolution of complaints submitted by individuals or groups.
From the experience of the various national human rights commissions United Nations realised that no single model of national institution can, or should, be recommended as the appropriate mechanism for all countries to fulfil their international human rights obligations. Although each nation can benefit from the experience of others, national institutions must be developed taking into account local, cultural and human rights orientation of that region and legal traditions as well as existing political organisation.
The role of national governments in the realisation of human rights is particularly important. Human rights involve relationships among individuals, and between individuals and the State. Therefore, the practical task of protecting and promoting human rights is primarily a national one, for which each State must be responsible. At the national level, rights can be best protected through adequate legislation, an independent judiciary, the enactment and enforcement of individual safeguards and remedies, and the establishment of democratic institutions. In addition, the most effective education and information campaigns are likely to be those which are designed and carried out at the national or local level and which take the local cultural and traditional context into account.
Concluding remarkNational human rights commission will be the uppermost domestic mechanism and can contribute a remarkable role in UN mechanism. We hope this long waited commission can raise voice against the human rights violations and force the state to be more accountable and comply with the international norms and standards. This establishing a NHRC is not only a moment for celebration and self-congratulation but is also a very crucial time with challenge--the challenge of making rights real, of closing the gap between the promise of the Universal Declaration and the performance of government and other actors to uphold human rights in Bangladesh.
Source: http://www.thedailystar.net/law/2007/12/03/index.htm
Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM)P.O. Box 5493, Santa Clara, CA 95056-5493Tel: (212) 592-3627, Fax: (212) 202-7683Email: firstname.lastname@example.com or firstname.lastname@example.com: http://www.hrcbm.org or http://www.hrcbmdfw.org
HRCBM PRESS RELEASE (read pdf version)
Date: December 22, 2007
A 33-member Executive Committee of the Bangladesh National Chapter of the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM-Bangladesh) was constituted at an assembly held on the premises of Swami Bholanandagiri Ashram Trust at 12 KM Das Lane, Tikatuly, Dhaka recently. Dr Ajoy K Roy, a retired professor of Dhaka University, and Mr. Rabindranath Trivedi, a former additional secretary of Bangladesh government and and ex- Press Secretary to the President of Bangladesh, were elected unanimously as President and Secretary General of HRCBM-Bangladesh National Chapter (HRCBM-Bangladesh NC), respectively, at the meeting chaired by Professor Ajoy K Roy. The Executive Committee is comprised of retired government officials, university professors, advocates, philanthropists, former ambassador, leaders of Hindu, Baidya (Buddhist), Christian and Adibashi (Indigenous People) communities, journalist, and businessmen. At first meeting of the Executive Committee on December 10, 2007 at 12 K M Das Lane, Tikatuli, Dhaka-1203, Professor Ajoy Roy, (President, HRCBM-Bangladesh NC) stressed the need of formation of Bangladesh Chapter of HRCBM tracing the historical development of HRCBM USA in 2001 primarily to protect the rights and uphold the cause of Bangladesh minorities. He emphatically declare that – To-day, the 10th December, is the World Human Rights Day, so we have to say straight to the Government as well to the World community of Nations that we, the Minorities of this part of the world now constituting Bangladesh, have been the victim of persecution, physically, mentally and materially since the division of the Indian Subcontinent in 1947 and exposed to many discriminatory laws and constitutional amendments in which our fundamental rights have been constrained and marginalized. We, on this auspicious day, very sadly remember betrayals of many commitments from political parties & leaders and governments as well.
We resolve on this World Human Rights Day, 2007 that:
Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM), is formed with a mission to strengthen our people called minorities who are placed in a disadvantageous position economically, administratively, socially and politically; our mission is to blend human rights advocacy with humanitarian services and sustainable development; so that minorities in Bangladesh may prosper in free and fair atmosphere and may make full contribution towards national development, international peace and cooperation in keeping with the progressive aspirations of the mankind.
We the members of HRCBM, a human rights organization, an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations, have no other aspiration or interest, political or any sort.
We will continue to oppose all sorts of discrimination and inequity, and selective application of law on the basis of religion, caste creed and sex including 8th amendment of Bangladesh Constitution and Vested Property Act and other statutes that discriminate Bangladesh minorities. We will oppose unlawful, fraudulent and intentional lease of Debottor Properties, Cremation Sites, Religious Institutions of minorities, grabbing of minority properties and lands with special reference to lands of indigenous people and settlement of non-locals in Chittagong Hill Tracks that directly violates the judgment in the Higher Court of Bangladesh; We will continue to support for materialization of CHT Peace Accord, and uphold principles of equity, natural justice and fundamental human rights.
We extend our congratulation on the Caretaker Government led by Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed that the council of advisers approved the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2007 very recently, a few hours before World Human Rights Day today. The cabinet, at its weekly meeting, approved the ordinance to set up the long-awaited National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which can investigate human rights violations but is empowered to only settle issues or refer them to the court.
However, we noted with dismay and despair that there is no provision for members belonging to various minority groups (religious and ethnic) and women.
We demand, loud and clear, to the government for adequate minority representation (not less than two) in the proposed National Human Rights Commission.
We demand a special chapter dealing with minority human rights issues be included with adequate representation of minority communities with full status of commission members. A similar chapter dealing with rights of women and children also be constituted within the frame of national human rights commission. If this is not done a demand may arise for the constitution of a separate and independent separate Minority Rights Commission (like Justice Sachar Commission in India). There have been some reports in the daily newspapers that the US House of Representatives has expressed concern over human rights violations in Bangladesh and is said to have requested their country's foreign office to investigate the violations.
We note with concern that the US House of Representatives (according to press reports) has expressed concern over human rights violations in Bangladesh and is said to have requested their country's foreign office to investigate the violations. It is also reported that the representatives have requested the US President to take punitive actions against Bangladesh. We appeal to the government to take stern measures against those who indulge in minority persecution of any sort.
The other office bearers of the newly Elected Executive Council of HRCBM-Bangladesh NC are:Vice- Presidents: Brig Gen (Retd) Jayanta Kumar Sen, Mr. NG Paul (Retd. Addl. Sec), Mr. P.R. Barua (Retd. DIG, Police), Mr. Chitta Ranjan Sarkar (President, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad), Mr. Satya Ranjan Barai (Retd. Addl. DIG, Police), Prof. P. B. Chakma (Dhaka University), Adv. Subrata Chowdhury (Supreme Court), Mr. Sanjib Drong (Gen. Sec., Adibashi Forum), Bishop Michael Baroi (Bishop Church of Bangladesh) and Mr. S.S. Chakma (Erstwhile Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal), Chief Coordinator: Mr. B.N. Chowdhury (Trustee, Swami Bholanandagiri Ashram Trust), Treasurer: Mr. Ramesh Chandra Ghosh (Proprietor, M/S. Shymali Paribhahan), Additional Treasurer: Manindra Kumar Nath (Exec. VP, Mercantile Bank), Additional Secretary General: Prof Ashok Taru Saha and Mr. Debashish Nag (Retd. Deputy Sec.), Secretaries: Mr. Dipak Kumar Saha (Retd. Addl. Sec.), Mr. Gopal Chandra Sen (Retd. Divisional Chief, Planning Commission), Shrimati Rakhi (Bhadra) Dasgupta (Director, Dhaka Bank), Mr. Anish Kumar Sarkar (Retd. G.M., Sonali Bank), Mr. Samaresh Boidya (Journalist, HR Activist), Mr. Gobinda Chandra Mondal (Asst. Prof., Dhaka Univ.) and Mr. Ranajit Paul (Jony Enterprise), and Members: Mr. Shib Shankar Chakraborty (President, WHF-Bangladesh Chapter), Shri Hiralal Bala (Retd. Sec., G.O.B.), Mr. Dipak Ranjan Sengupta (Retd. Sec. G.O.B.), Mr. Shankar Ranjan Saha (HRCBM, Naogaon), Adv. Rana Das Gupta (Acting Sec. Gen. BHBCOP), Adv. Jagadish Sarkar (Judge Court, Dhaka), Mr. Madan Sahu (Asst. Editor, The daily Star), Adv. Titus Hillol Rema (Adv. Supreme Court, Adibashi Christian Leader), and Shrimati Sabitri Bhattacharya (VP, WHF-Bangladesh Chapter).
Dhiman Deb Chowdhury,President, HRCBM-Central
Dr. Ajit K. Roy,Secretary General, HRCBM-Central
Delhi says atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh could affect bilateral tiesFriday December 7 2007 00:00 IST ASHWANI TALWAR
NEW DELHI: In a statement that echoes India's recently-expressed "concern" over the state of ethnic Tamils in Malaysia, the government on Thursday told Parliament that it kept close tabs on the well-being of Hindus in Bangladesh.
Delhi has conveyed at the "highest levels" in Bangladesh that incidents of atrocities against minorities affected public sentiment in India and could affect bilateral relations, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.
The minister was replying to a question from two Biju Janata Dal members, who were referring to US reports on "societal abuses and discrimination based on religious beliefs."
"Reports of violence and atrocities against minorities including Hindus in Bangladesh are received from time to time," Mukherjee's reply said.
"The primary responsibility for the protection of the life, liberty and property of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, rests with the Government of Bangladesh," it added.
"It has been conveyed at the highest levels of government that such incidents have an adverse impact on public sentiment in India, which in turn have the potential of affecting bilateral ties, and should be strictly dealt with," he said.
At least in public, Delhi had used milder terms while reacting to the Malaysia controversy – involving DMK chief M Karunanidhi too – which broke after authorities suppressed a Kuala Lumpur rally by Malaysian Indians protesting against their "marginalisation."
But Delhi had shown its displeasure by summoning Malaysia's acting High Commissioner to the Foreign Office and telling him about the "widespread concern" in India about the fate of ethnic Indians in that country.
The BJP MPs didn't specify which "US reports" they had based their query on. But the reference could be to the International Religious Freedom Report, prepared every year by the US Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour.
The US noted certain constitutional guarantees to the minorities as well as sporadic attacks on Hindus, Christians and Ahmediyas. Writer Taslima Nasreen's case also figured.
Meanwhile, Pranab Mukherjee met Bangladesh Foreign Advisor Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury here on Thursday, ahead of a two-day meeting of Foreign Ministers from countries in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)-group.
Source: http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEH20071206111827&Page=E&Headline=Delhi+says+atrocities+on+Hindus+in+Bangladesh+could+affect+bilateral+ties&Title=Top+Stories&Topic=0
It is our duty to ensure that these rights are a living reality -- that they are known, understood and enjoyed by everyone, everywhere. It is often those who most need their human rights protected, who also need to be informed that the Declaration exists -- and that it exists for them.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
It is our duty to ensure that these rights are a living reality -- that they are known, understood and enjoyed by everyone, everywhere. It is often those who most need their human rights protected, who also need to be informed that the Declaration exists -- and that it exists for them.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Video of the Commemoration of Human Rights Day, 10 December 2007, Room XVIIat the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland
View photos with captions on new page
This theme for 2008, "Dignity and justice for all of us," reinforces the vision of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as a commitment to universal dignity and justice. It is not a luxury or a wish-list. The UDHR and its core values, inherent human dignity, non-discrimination, equality, fairness and universality, apply to everyone, everywhere and always. The Declaration is universal, enduring and vibrant, and it concerns us all.
Since its adoption in 1948, the Declaration has been and continues to be a source of inspiration for national and international efforts to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
It is difficult to imagine today just what a fundamental shift the Universal Declaration of Human Rights represented when it was adopted sixty years ago. In a post-war world scarred by the Holocaust, divided by colonialism and wracked by inequality, a charter setting out the first global and solemn commitment to the inherent dignity and equality of all human beings, regardless of colour, creed or origin, was a bold and daring undertaking.
High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour
It is difficult to imagine today just what a fundamental shift the Universal Declaration of Human Rights represented when it was adopted sixty years ago. In a post-war world scarred by the Holocaust, divided by colonialism and wracked by inequality, a charter setting out the first global and solemn commitment to the inherent dignity and equality of all human beings, regardless of colour, creed or origin, was a bold and daring undertaking.
High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour
An essential element in the protection of human rights is a widespread knowledge and understanding among people of what their rights are and how they can be defended. The Declaration is now available in over 360 languages and is the most translated document in the world – a testament to its universal nature and reach.
Sixty years on, we pay tribute to the extraordinary vision of the Declaration's original drafters and to the many human rights defenders around the world who have struggled to make their vision a reality.
The Declaration belongs to each and every one of us – read it, learn it, promote it and claim it as your own.
Source: http://www.un.org/events/humanrights/2007/