REPORTS FROM THE HUMAN RIGHTS CONGRESS OF BANGLADESH MINORITIES

Recent Atrocities Against Minorities in Bangladesh

Bangladeshi women protesting against the government of Bangladesh during a demonstration in the eastern Indian city of Calcutta on Nov. 20, 2001. They are demanding Dhaka put an end to "atrocities" against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. REUTERS pix

Report from Bangladesh on December 17, 2001

[A special report of Human Rights Congress of Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) Relief Worker from Ground Zero, as it happening.]

In continuation of our previous report on torture and persecution on
religious minorities in Bangladesh we are to inform you as under :-

Yesterday, 16th of December,2001 I along with my colleague Shri Jagadish
Chandra Sarkar visited West Brahmani of Narsingdi district where a good number of incident of communal persecution took  place. An oldest temple namely "Shawshan Kalibari Mandir " is the symbol of Hindu heritage which was also ransacked by some terrorists at night on 25th October,01 after our national election is over.
The terrorists entered into the Mandir and broke the lock and took away a
valuable "Shitala Murthi" with an intention to destroy the temple and to occupy the deities property. The "Shitala Murthi" was found in a nearby jungle in a broken condition which was also recovered by some people. A case was also registered in Narshindi police station and the Shitala Murthi was taken into custody by police officer. No terrorists have not yet been arrested by the police. We interrogated some local people ,shebait , pujari and also the police officers of Narshindi police station for such occurrence who admitted the fact and the case is under
investigation.  The complainant of the case Shri Chitta Ranjan Malakar told us that originally the Mandir was built in the year,1869
by his grand-fore father and now they have donated the Mandir to Shri Ram
Krishna Ashram, but some terrorists conspired to occupy the deity's property during recent abnormal situation on minorities. We also went to the Ashram of Shri Ram Krishna at Narsingdi the Maharaj told us that continuous harassment upon Hindu religious minority is going on and they are now in panic. We have also seen some old buildings of Hindus which have been occupied by some terrorists and those buildings are now under the control of local police for their use. ( A video tape was made on this temple )

We are getting constant news of repression on minorities from different
parts of the country and please help us in procuring accurate information on this issue those who live within Bangladesh and
West Bengal.

****

Recent Atrocities Against Minorities in Bangladesh

Report from Bangladesh on December 14, 2001

[A special report of Human Rights Congress of Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) Relief Worker from Ground Zero, as it happening.]

In continuation of our previous report on torture and persecution on
religious minorities in Bangladesh we are to inform you as under :-

Just yesterday on 14.12.01 we, on behalf of HRCBM along with some dignitaries and advocates  visited Gaffargaon area within Mymensingh district 150 km from Dhaka to see the wretched condition of 11 families, who lost even their hard-earned cows, beddings, cooking materials, rice, paddy, coconuts, utensils, food for breakfast before and after the election is over by some unknown terrorists :-

Gaffargaon police station :

Gaffargaon is a thana where a small number of  Hindu families live. We interrogated the family members of Dr.Subal Chandra Roy and also a Members of Muslim community they also admitted that on 17th of October,01 30-35 terrorists attacked the house of Dr.Subal Roy at 10.30 p.m with deadly weapons and the terrorists claimed themselves as police officers and started looting valuable cows numbering 10 from the cow-sheds valued at taka 40,000/- on whose
income the members of their family live on, the terrorists also looted gold ornaments,valuable plates,utensils bedding, cooking materials, rice paddy, coconuts, food for next day breakfast amounting to taka 1,56,560/- and rendered them distress and street baggers. The terrorists also wanted to give their aged daughters for rape,but fortunately their daughters namely - Monika Rani Roy(17), Shika Rani Roy (16),Dipika Rani Roy (18) Ethi Rani Roy(16) were put in a safer place. But the terrorists insisted them to bring them immediately; otherwise they would be killed. Dr. Subal Chandra Roy lodged a complaint through a Dafadar of  his village in Gaffargaon police station, but no recovery of  looted materials nor any case was registered by the Officer-in-charge of the said police station,no help no sympathy was offered to them. Some of the inmates of the house are hesitant to describe something before us because after our departure from this place there would be further repression. And the victims are still on threat, as a result they could
not bring their daughters back at their homes.
There was a Zaminder namely Late Mahendra Kumar Sarkar, most of the properties belonged to him and now his descendants are somehow look after the properties of late Zaminder Mohendra Kumar. His name and fame throughout the Gaffargaon was spread out for his humanitarian contribution towards the society and for the country. But it is very unfortunate that his house was also ransacked by some Islamic terrorists recently. We got interview from 12 inmates
of the houses Kandipara, Gaffargaon,Mymensingh who told us that 30/35 gangsters entered into the houses of 12 families and looted all the belongings amounting to Taka 3,00,000/=. The inmates of the house told us that a complaint was also lodged but no effective measures have been taken by the police and no recovery of looted materials were made. We also went to Gaffargaon police station to know the progress of the case, but the Officer-in-Charge of Gaffargaon was not
available in the police station, most probably he left knowing our presence in the area.

We distributed some relief materials such as rice, winter clothes, breads and utensils amounting to Taka 50,000/- to the affected Hindus and consoled them for further relief and requested them to resist further terrorist attack in future.
(Video will speak ) The contribution was so insufficient we could not distribute further relief to the other affected victims.

While we were proceeding towards Dhaka from Gaffargaon yesterday after our interview with some affected minority some of the Muslim fundamentalists wanted to know for what purpose we came to Gaffargaon and wanted some relief materials with jaundice eye.
We faced a very hectic event with great risk and could distribute relief materials to the affected Hindus in Gaffargaon,Mymensigh.

We have also decided to talk to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Dhaka Range, Dhaka regarding communal atrocity in Gaffargaon and will ask why cases filed by the victims were not registered and why action has not yet been taken since after 2 and half months against the culprits responsible for the endless misery of the Hindu victims.

Barguna District:

Just it has come to our notice from Barguna District, on 9th December,2001 14/15 terrorists with deadly weapon attacked one retired teacher of Hoglapasha -Shri Sontosh Sikdar (60) and his wife, Dilip Sikdar(40) Radheshayam (45), Tarun(20), Malay (40) Mridul (35) and Bijan Sikdar(30) and made them injured. Condition of the victim Bijan Sikdar is reported to have been critical and his hand was broken . The terrorists also set cow-sheds on fire and continued to terrorize the area. No case was registered due to fear of life in Hoglapasha police station. We have also decided to go to Barguna district to ascertain the damages very soon.

***

Recent Atrocities Against Minorities in Bangladesh

Report from Bangladesh on December 12, 2001

[A special report of HRCBM Relief Worker from Ground Zero, as it happening.]

In continuation of our previous report on torture and persecution on
religious minorities in Bangladesh we are to inform you as under :-

Brahmanbaria District
On 3rd Nov,01 one school teacher Shri Haradhan Master of Bancharampur
police station within Bisnupur village is reported to have been threatened by some terrorists to pay an amount of Taka 50,000/-, otherwise
his only daughter would be taken away for rape. Haradhan Master reported
that while the terrorists came to his house he was not present in the house,but the terrorists told to his wife that an amount of Tk.,50,000/- should be paid to them, failure to pay such illegal amount the members of this family should leave the country within 8 P.M. Accordingly terrorists came second time in the house of Haradhan at 8 P.M. and started to beat the wife of Master Haradhan and his son. Only to save herself and his son
she gave some wearing golden ornaments to the terrorists and took shelter
in a neighboring Muslim family where she was not escaped from the clutches of the terrorists and the terrorists put her in a room and kept the room under lock and key. On hearing the news of persecution Haradhan Master came to the spot and managed to open the room and recovered his wife. In the meantime the house of Haradhan Master have been ransacked and all the belongings have been looted by the terrorists. Haradhan Master tried to
lodge a complain in the police station but no case was registered by the
local police. Finding no other alternative he reported the incident to the local Member of parliament, but it is of no effect.Haradhan Master
is still no in a position to go to his school due to fear of life. He
appeared in the Office of "Janakantha" and narrated the story.

Chittagong District

On 10th of December,01 some terrorists at Rangunia police station in
Dovashi Bazar looted a Jewllery shop belonging to Shri Kartic Dey , some terrorists took away huge golden ornaments and some cash and also has beaten Kartic Dey mercilessly and warned them to leave the country. The
names of the terrorists have been known as 1) Bachaiya, 2) Taher and his
group.

Rangpur District

On 10th of December,01 some unknown criminals, at Badarganj police station
entered into Kali Mandir and started to demolish "Shitala Devi" " Mahadev" and images of "Dhakini Jogini" at night. It has been reported by our men that a total damage would be Bangladesh currency Tk.12,00,000/-(twelve lacs).

***

Destruction of Kali Temple at Madaripur

Report from Bangladesh on December 4, 2001

[A special report of HRCBM Relief Worker from Bangladesh, as it happening.]

Our representative from Madaripur district reported that some terrorists on Saturday last dated 1.12.2001 forcefully entered into "Shawsan Kali Mondir" within Madaripur town  and started demolish the same and set on fire on the Mandir and also the pillars and structure said Mandir
were destroyed. The terrorists looted 35 bags of cement, rod and building materials. The terrorists also set the house of dead body for cremation on fire with a view to get the Hindu community out from their home and hearth. A sense of insecurity amongst the Hindu community in the Madaripur town area was prevailing.

To-day, we have decided to send one representative from World Hindu
Federation, Bangladesh Chapter , Dhaka Unit and also on behalf of HRCBM to ascertain the loss of property.
We also condemned such terrorist activities at Madaripur and urged upon the government to arrest the culprits responsible for the offence.

" Ajker Kagaj" the national daily dated 4th of December,2001 has also
focused this incident at page No.8 column -2. 

***

Recent Atrocities Against Minorities in Bangladesh

Report from Bangladesh on November 30, 2001

[A special report of HRCBM Relief Worker from Ground Zero, as it happening.]

In continuation of my previous report on communal persecution and torture on Bangladeshi Hindu minorities I append below the nature of persecution at Mirersarai, Chittagong visited by us on 30th of November,2001 :-

Mirersarai police station :
=================

Das para

Das para is village where 52 Hindu family lived within Mirersarai police station. On the 2nd of October and onward the terrorists with a view to occupy the ancestral properties of Hindus started attack on those families one after another. The terrorists attacked all the inmates of the houses,looted all the belongings including utensils.It is reported that the terrorists attacked at 12.30 hours on 2nd of October with deadly weapons upon the Hindu inmates of the houses and assaulted 32 persons including children of 12 years. The injured persons were also admitted into Mirersarai local hospital where I visited first on 15th of October and took some valuable statements from the victims in the Hospital and the Nurse on duty and also took interview with the local Member of Parliament Mr. M.A.Zinnah, alongwith the local Sub-inspector of police of Mirersarai police station who for the first time denied the allegation and later on admitted the incident. Mr. M.A. Zinna assured me that no incident like this would happen in future.
I told him that during I992 at the period of Begum Khaleda Zia there was a
serious communal torture on the minorities after the demolition of Babri mosque in India, but Mr. Zinnah could not give a satisfactory reply.

The most unfortunate incident of Mirersarai is that one Sunil Sadhu, aged
about 32 years was killed by some terrorists and this Sadhu was also devoted to Puja and other religious ceremonies. His sudden death made the Hindu community disheartened and rendered in great anxieties and worries. When we were entering in Das Para, a pathetic scene was awaiting for us, the old widow mother of Sunil Sadhu(52) started crying like child and she became mad loosing his only son.
The sister of Sunil Sadhu became senseless after constant crying and this
situation compelled us to cry along with the distressed family of Sunil Sadhu. We saw some police/Ansars have been deployed to observe the present situation in that area.

We distributed some winter clothes,shari, lungi,biscuits and some money to
the 120 victims of the locality on behalf of HRCBM and became happy to get
those relief materials.  On that day a meeting was also organized on behalf of Bangladesh Puja Ujjapan Parishad, Chittagong Committee. The spot interview in our video tape will speak a volume of oppression on the Hindu minorities in Mirersarai. The miserable condition of Hiudus of Das para know no bound. We could not even take our food on that day as the crying of old mother of Sadhu reminded us whole day journey unforgettable.

We talked with some women victims who although were gang raped could not
disclose the incident of rape due to social restriction and thought that their husband may abandon them for ever. We also took interview in a solitary room one women told me that she has been raped but she will not disclose it to anybody. She did not identify the culprits responsible for the offence.

We, on behalf of HRCBM  decided to talk with the Home Minister of Bangladesh requesting him to help us in visiting some other affected areas where still a great number of Hindu minorities are on constant threat by the Islamic fundamentalists or they are about to leave the country for fear of life. We could give the victims some extent of consolation that HRCBM has taken a very affective role in rehabilitating the minority victims of Bangladesh.

If anybody of us interested to rehabilitate only the mother of Sunil Sadhu(52) it would be a great help for rest of her life. And if you are interested to help her please inform me immediately as there is none to look after her and her daughter at present.

We have decided to visit Bagerhat immediately and let you know the latest
development.

***

Recent Atrocities Against Minorities in Bangladesh

Report from Bangladesh on November 28, 2001

[A special report of HRCBM Relief Worker from Ground Zero, as it happening.]

In continuation of our report dated 25th Nov.2001, we reproduce below more
incidents of communal persecution at Bhola :

Lord Hardinge police station:
=====================
While we reached at the village namely Anandaprasad one Aicha Ram Das (50)
years and his wife Kanchan Mala Das (35) started to narrate the manner of
torture by the local miscreants. The miscreants on 2nd October, 2001 with
ram dao, kirish and deadly weapons approached to Kanchan Mala Das to use her house to rape two neighboring hindu girls, but as Kanchan Mala vehemently refused to allow them to do so the local miscreants threatened to rape Kanchan in her house forcefully she (Kanchan) went into her room and brought a bottle of poison showing the miscreantsthat she would swallow the poison and commit suicide. While narrating the story of torture she burst into tears before us and we took her picture. Kanchan Mala did not say what happened later on as she fell unconscious. The house of Kanchan Mala has been looted on that day and we paid her some amount of money and she told us that money is not necessary but security of  life is necessary.

One Upendra Kishore Das(75) of Anandaprasad village son of Nanda Basi told
us that all his belongings including wearing clothes had been looted on 2nd October, 2001 by some unruly mob. The mob gave threat Upendra if he
discloses the names of the mob he would be killed. We found that the said
old man has no means to survive. We gave him taka 5000/- in disguise because if the criminals know that Taka 5000/ has been given to Upendra he will be looted again. We informed the local police station and local administration so that this may not happen again.

1) Puspa Rani Das wife of late Braja Lal Das , 2) Bakuli Das wife of Bankim Das have been gang raped on 2nd October by the miscreantrs at night in a crop field. The miscreants looted all the belongings including utensils of the inmate on that very day. Jogendra Kumar Das son of Ram Kumar Das of Anandaprasad village was attacked by the terrorist 3 or 4 times in October.
In this connection, Abu, son of Jalil Meah, village Anandaprasad, has been
arrested by police.
Dulal, Sohag Zakir, Minto and Kamal were also arrested in connection with
this case.

Khokan son Waziullah, Nabi son of Nasiruddin of village Chandpur of Lord
Hardinge, Belayet
son of Nur Islam, Nazir Ahmed son of late Badiuzzaman , Farid son of late
Langra, Nazir Mohibullah , Malek Majee  son of Kamal,  Musleuddin , all of
village Chandpur are responsible
for the communal persecution against the Hindu religious minority.

Saymal Das son of late Monindra Das had a cow which is the only source of
income. This cow
had also been looted by the criminals of the locality. We paid him Taka
5000- to purchase another one.

Fatimabad village :
=============

We visited Fatimabad village where Sabita Rani Das wife of Siddu Das, Bakuli wife of Kali Mohan have been gang raped and due to severe persecution they left the country. Sujata Rani Das wife of Jadev, Supriya wife of Ramani were also raped on 2nd October, 2001 by some terrorists . Maarani Das wife of Shibu Das was cross examined by us but she refused to tell the history of rape. They had no food even to eat, we paid Tk.2000/- for their survival.

Dulal Das, Sura Bala wife of Mongal Das, Nepal Das son of Aswani Das, Ramesh Das son of Mongal Das , Minu Rani Das wife of Samir Das, Sontolshi Das wife of Upendra Das have been paid Taka 1000/- each as we saw the victims have got no clothes to wear. We also distributed some winter clothes to them and as a result they became happy.

We will also visited Tamizuddin police station, Doulatkhan police station,
Char Facision police stations Lal Mohan police station and Borhanuddin police stations on 23rd of November, 2001 We are going to prepare a list very soon and we will send it to all concerned one after another.

The most pathetic and significant incident of torture of women has been
detected at Bhola where we came to know from a doctor that one Hindu woman
has been raped and after raping one Battery cell was pushed into her vagina, who was subsequently admitted in the local Hospital. We went to that Hospital, but the victim was not available at that time. The administration denied the allegations, but local people have come forward to inform us of the incident which took place on 3rd of October, 2001.


Report from Bangladesh on November 25, 2001

We just reached in the morning at Dhaka after a through visit from Bhola,
Gazaria, Lal mohan, Barisal, Perojpur, Agailjhara, Gournadi and some
adjoining villages in Bangladesh on behalf of "World Hindu Federation" Bangladesh Chapter, Dhaka Unit and also on behalf of HRCBM. We distributed an amount of taka 35,500/- in cash and also distributed some winter clothes amounting to taka 25,000/- to the needy and affected Hindu
and Christian minorities at the spot mentioned above.

We give below the nature and extent of mischief and damages caused to the
Hindu and Christian Minority by terrorists. The damages and mischief were so uncountable which are more and more higher than that of news published in the daily news papers of Bangladesh earlier and other sources. The
subscription is so meager we could not imagine that the amount of money and clothes would have been consumed and utilized at Bhola district only.

Bhola:
=====
We first of all went to the Office of Deputy Commissioner, Bhola District to ascertain the spot. He was kind enough to give us a vehicle on request at 12.00 hours to facilitate our journey. The D.C. Bhola also gave us an
interview on 21.11.01 ignoring a great number of incidents communal attack
on the religious minorities (No leader of Awami League was made available).

Gazaria police station:
================
Gazaria is within Bhola district. In this police station more than 5000
religions minorities live there. First we got information that only 2
families of this police station were displaced. But on scrutiny it has been ascertained that more than 50 families have been uprooted and their
belongings have been looted by terrorists. One Pallabi Rani told us that her rice, pot, clothes have been looted and she has got no other means to
purchase the rice, pot even clothes. Another Purna Thithi told us in a
crying mood that her adjoining land has been occupied by her neighbor during communal frenzy. A Radha Gobinda Mondir which was constructed during British regime was demolished and a huge amount of tax has been imposed upon the inmates of the house and the male member are still hiding their skin due to fear of life. Another Ram Krishna Doctor's house was demolished and five lacs of taka have been taken away from him. One female member Isha Moni told us that her each and every coin kept for future expenses of her children has also been looted by the terrorists.

Lal Mohan police station
==================
One Basana Das, Sushama Das of Lal Mohan told us in pathetic language that
some terrorists came to them and asked for money and ordered them to go out from the homestead and also showed them Dao, Kirish and knife and ultimately caused heavy injury on them and looted even
wood for cooking.   The local chairman was also interviewed who told me that there would be no further communal atrocities in future.

Lord Hardinge police station:
=====================
More than 300 Hindu families are living there. We went there on 21st of Nov 2001, Before hand some people of the locality misguided us and requested not to go there because there was no communal attack on Hindus. We became surprised that when we reached with a motorcycle there more than 40 men and women came to us and started to tell their story after the election is over on 1st of October 2001. Most of them left for India. Only some old and minor boys and girls are staying .Three women have been identified as rape victim.
Their names are 1) Surma Das, 2)Basana Das, 3) Puspa Rani ,They have been thoroughly cross-examined and they confessed that they have been raped. But due to social prestige they kept themselves mum.

Barisal:
=====
A great number of communal incidents at Barisal took place. We could realize that this area was dominated by Mr.Abul Hasanat Abvdullah, the then Chief Whip of BD Parliament. After the election is over the veteran leader Mr. Abvdullah left the country and staying in India for life. As a result the workers have became leaderless and tremendous persecution upon the religious minorities started from the 2nd of October 2001.

Agailjhara police station :
==================
We visited so many places of Agailjhara police station and we accompanied
the Officer-in-charge of Agailjhara who for the first time did not encourage us to go to the spot, but when we insisted him to accompany us then he went up to only 2 spots where we saw more than 23 houses of different religious minorities have been either demolished or broken into pieces. We asked each and every member of their families and admitted that a serious communal violence took place. They told me that they don't want money but they want security and prestige, although they lost their belongings. We distributed taka 500/- for each family for food and utensils only.

Gournadi police station:
==================
A terrible communal attack on the Hindu and Christian minorities in this
place took place after the election is over. We saw 50 Hindu families and 3 Christian families have become rendered homeless as their dwelling houses have been broken into pieces, tin shed houses have been broken, there is no article left behind. The Officer-in-Charge of Gournadi was interviewed but he did not admit any communal attack on the Minority community. When I saw him a video tape then he became furious and called a Leader of local BNP and warned me for the consequence. House of Krishna Para of Chadshi was demolished as Krishna Pada was the supporter of a particular party "Awami League". His puja Maddap was also broken into pieces. ( More details regarding communal attack on minorities at Gournadi p.s. will be exhibited soon.)  We did not pay money to the distressed Hindus in this police station due to shortage of money, we also assured them rehabilitation soon. A project is expected to be made very soon.

Perojpur District:
============
We also visited some spots at Perojpur where we saw 4 hindu families have
been totally rendered homeless as the terrorists compelled them to leave the country within 48
hours. I contacted with the President of Local Puja Parishad of Perojpur, but he for the first time
did not admit any communal frenzy in Perojpur  as soon as one Priyatosh told
me that 4 Hindu families namely 1)Sawpan 2) Haripada Tarapder 3) Nepal
Halder and 4) Surja Kanta Paul were badly affected by the Islamic
fundamentalists. The president Local Puja Parishad wanted to conceal the
fact for the first time although he is Hindu. It seems that the feeling of
insecurity and uncertainty was prevailing at that time. Our presence in
Perojpur town made the Hindus more courageous and turbulent I found at their
attitude. It is very unfortunate that one old lady aged about 60 years was
beaten by a group of terror its on 24th of Nov.2001 with a view to kidnap
her only daughter  Nilima Biswas and also for a piece of cultivable land. I went to the spot and asked the local people and admitted the fact. I have asked the local police authority to register a case against the culprits responsible for the offence.

Suggestions:
=========
We realized after through scrutiny that a project for rehabilitation of
Bangladesh Minorities should immediately be set up and a systematic process
of distribution of relief materials should be made. Because we found that
some NGOs have also visited those places but could not identify the actual
distressed persons. It has been observed that while distributing relief
materials to the distressed Hindus some unknown Muslims claiming themselves
to be poor Hindu came to us for help but on verification it has been
disclosed that those poor Muslims were once convicted for the offence of
robbery, theft etc.

Transportation:
===========
Minimum 4 (four) vehicle preferably Micro Bus (four wheeler) for moving one
place to another is absolutely necessary. One Vehicle is not enough for
distribution of relief materials in different parts of the country. A minimum fund of Taka 6,00,000/= ( Tk. Six lacs) for  the transportation cost is necessary to cope with the present situation. We spent this time Taka 6,000/= for the transportation cost only and sometimes
vehicle for outside Dhaka is not available and more costly.

Border should be closed:
==================
Fleeing Hindus should not be allowed to cross the border as the Hindus
continue to cross the border for safety and security, the strength of
Minorities will be shaken and ultimately the Hindus will be rootless after 5
years, or Government of India should be requested on this issue. The only
distressed Hindus should be given temporary shelter for their safety only.


Report from Bangladesh on November 13, 2001

Chittagong:
=========
Nov.11 - Armed miscreants ransacked some 36 houses at West Noapara in Rouzan
Sub district on Saturday, the reports UNB.

We had an interview with the local people at Rouzan 20 to 25 hoodlums
attacked the houses and looted cattleheads. They also took away fishes from
ponds of Hindu owners. As police from the police headquarters appeared
lately in the scene the terrorists fled away with the booties ending a
six-hour action beginning from 8 a.m.

A temporary police camp was set up in the area after the terrorists picked
up one Amol Chowdhury for informing police of the incident.

Another incident took place at 69 Para of Rouzan some terrorists numbering
15 to 16 appeared in Gourishankar Hat on 11.11.01 at 10 hours and demanded
money amounting to Rs. 50,000  each from the shop-owners of Hindu community
who could not pay as a result one Bidhu Babu has been kidnapped and huge
number of rice, wheat and some cash has been looted by the criminals and
rest have been warned not to file any complaint to the police station;
otherwise, their life would be jeopardized. We have already sent two persons
to ascertain the damages caused due to looting.

Perojpur :
======

One Dr.Deb Lal Dakua aged about 50 years of Nazirpur Sub district under
Perojpur district has been threatened to convert to Islam within 7 days. The
Islamic fundamentalists came to him with a knife to cut the front side of
his penis on 11th of this month. After the election was over he was also
threatened to convert to Islam and forced to come in a hut in presence of
huge number of their supporters then he became unconscious. Today, 13th
November "The Janakantha" published the news with the photograph of the
victim - Dr. Deb Lal Dakua. Tension is going on there in Nazirpur. We have
also sent one of our colleagues to ascertain the names of terrorists. Dr.
Deb Lal was also asked to pay Rs. 50,000 to the terrorists within 7 days;
otherwise he will be killed. So a sense of insecurity amongst the Hindus in
Nazirpur is going on. Dr. Dakua registered a case in the police station for
safety.

The main objective of the Islamic fundamentalists is to eliminate Hindus
from Bangladesh.

Report from Bangladesh on November 10, 2001

Just today, 11th we reached Dhaka safely from Chittagong Mirersarai where
one Hindu minority was killed, 30 families have been rendered homeless, 8
persons are now in Sub-district Hospital, Mirersarai who are still fighting
for existence. We personally interviewed with the victims and talked with
them at night. One victim Dilip Kumar Majumder told us that he has been
brutally attacked by some local Muslims named Rafique, Soleman, Mohiuddin
and others as the victims did not agree to pay Zazia tax (illegal
contribution). His head injury is very critical and he requires immediate
medical treatment. Another victim Shadan Bala Das told us that she has not
escaped the merciless beating by some local miscreants. She was also
threatened to leave the country or convert to Islam. Another victim Jhutan
Kumar Das aged about 12 years was also attacked resulting in head injury and
the Hospital sources narrated that the victim is going to recover. Another
victim Sanjit  Kumar Das told us that he has been inhumanely tortured by
some local Muslims and demanded a huge amount of money. As he could not
mitigate their illegal demand the criminals started beating himmercilessly.

Another victim Sujit Kumar Das of Mitanala, Mirersarai told us that he has
been mercilessly beaten because of his inability to pay.  Another victim
Niranjan Majumder told us in a pathetic way that even his utensils have been
looted away and later on he has been struck on his head and he fell
unconscious and he has been taken to Mirersarai Hospital. Another victim
Benode Behari Das was also inhumanely tortured by the local Muslim criminals
who wanted money from him for the first time and as the victim is poor and
unable to feed himself even he was beaten up mercilessly.

Yesterday, 10th of Nov, 2001 the local Member of Parliament, one Minister
happened to be at Mirersarai, Chittagong. We had an opportunity to interview
with the local Member of Parliament and the Minister. They admitted the
persecutions but told us that these were accidents and not communal frenzy.
We also interviewed with the local police Sub-Inspector who is also an
Investigating Officer who told us that out of 16 accused 7 have been
arrested and the investigation is going on at the instruction of his
superior authority.

The full description of the victims, local Member of Parliament, Minister
and the Police officer has been video taped yesterday night and the local
Member of Parliament assured us that the victims would be compensated.
However, when we asked the victims, one after another, they told us that
till today no relief, no compensation has been made to them.  We found from
conversation with the victims that they are still passing their days with
insecurity even in the hospital. Since one victim Shadu died due to torture,
the victims are now in panic in spite of consolation by the local M.P.

As per as our ability goes, we distributed food, medicine, water, etc. to
the victims at Mirsarai, Chittagong and assured them further help in the
future.

Hindu, Buddhist and Christian Unity Council of Chittagong announced half-day
strike (Hartal) on 15th of November, 2001 as protest against communal
frenzy; the tension is going on between two groups.

Report from Bangladesh on November 2, 2001

Today the image of Laksmi Devi in Jamalpur district has been broken by some
terrorists who also snatched away the belongings of the minorities in
Jamalpur. Four girls of two families have been raped. The law-enforcing
agency is not impartial and did not work properly in view of our weak Hindu
organizations.

After the air strike in Afganistan the feeling of many Muslim friends have
become inimical and unfriendly. The attitude towards Hindus is not congenial
and neighborly because of a total failure to safeguard their interest, life,
property, and prestige. In some areas where we visited, we saw distressed
Hindus who are compelled to leave their country or converted to Islam.

Report from Bangladesh on October 29, 2001

To-day, a report has come from "Bangla Bazar Patrika" dated October 29, 2001
at Dhaka that one Seraj Munshi of Gazipur district with his terrorist group
attacked one Hindu family of Nawjur Upazila consisting of eight members. The
eight Hindus have been mercilessly assaulted by the Islamic terrorists. Out
of eight members four are female and one is infant. Seriously injured
persons are Jharna Rani Das aged about 23 years, Rina Rani Das 15 years,
daugher of Jatin Chandra Das. They have been admitted into Gazipur Sadar
Hospital for treatment. The infant aged about 8 months named Purnima and her
mother Sarwasati Das aged about 44 were given primary treatment and they
left the hospital.


Report from Bangladesh on October 28, 2001

Barishal :
=======
House of Sukhendu Baidya in Ramer Kathi Village in Ujirpur upazilla In
Barishal was damaged by terrorists on 01/10/01. Sukhendu Baidya is the Jt.
Secretary of Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad (HBCOP), Central
committee member of Bangladesh Puja Organising Committee (Puja Udjapan
Parishad) and former Jt. Secretary of Bangladesh Chatra League. Sukantha
Baidya, Sukhendu's younger brother was also beaten up by the miscreants.
Besides this, the terrorists damaged and looted shops owned by Nepal Mondal,
Sukumar Sikdar, Babunath Sikdar in Sikdar Bari. The terrorists molested
wives of Kalu mondol, Swapan Baroi, Kanu Kirtonia, Gouranage Bepari and
Mahendra Mondal. They also assaulted local teacher Paresh Halder, Jibon
Krishna Sikdar and Joydeb Halder. They also damaged house of Dipu Member,
Secretary of the local HBCOP unit.

Barishal :
=======
Terrorists launched brutal attack and looted 20/25 houses in Bilwagram and
Jangalpatti villages in Gounadi upazila in Barishal district. Many people
were injured in their attacks including Bimal Kar, Nanigopal Goswami, Keshab
Roy, Madhusudhan Chakraborty, Post Master, dulal Goswami, businessman,
Gopidas, Binoy Kar, Manju Rani Mita Goswami.

Munshiganj :
=========
Gopal Pal Gen. Secretary of Abdullahpur Union of Tongibari thana of
Munshiganj district was forcibly evicted from his house. Bijoy Sarkar,
Vice-Principal of Ichapur Degree College in Sirajdikhan thana in the
district and Gen. Secy. of the local unit of HBCOP was brutally beaten up by
miscreants.

Kushtia :
=========
Terrorists killed Ratan Kr. Chakraborty, S/o. Late Haripada Chakraborty of
Baradi and injured two of his brothers Madan and Rupak critically on
20/09/01. They have also threatened them and asked them to leave the
country.

Sirajganj :
=========
Rabindranath Ghosh, one of the leader of the Bangladesh Puja Organizing
Committee of Sirajganj unit was assaulted by terrorists on 02/10/01. Tarash
upazila Puja Organising Committee's Gen. Secy. Tapan Goswami's family was
attacked by terrorists and a false case was registered against him by BNP.
Tapan Goswami has left his home and taken shelter elsewhere.

Sirajganj :
=========
Khokan Mondal was murdered by BNP activists on 08/10/2001 for casting his
vote for Awami League. Besides this, minorities are facing attacks and
extortion in Mohanpur in Ullapara, Jhaoil in Kamarkhand thana, Tarash thana
sadar, Gopirpara in Sirajganj District Sadar, Raiganj Bazar and Baikunthapur
villagees in Raiganj thana.

Jhinaidah :
=========
Terrorists attacked and looted the rice mill of Tapan Kr. Kundu in Louhajanj
village in Jhinaidah sadar upazila on 02/10/01. On 2.10.01 and 3.10.01
terrorists attacked Bimalendu Biswas's house and carried away cattle. Biswas
was the former Chairman of Hatgopalpur. On 09/10/01 Krishnagopal Dutta was
assaulted. Terrorists including Mannu and Bakul looted shops located in
Gopalpur bazar owned by Keshtopada Saha, Adhir Kr. Biswas and Monoranjan
Biswas and took away fifteen drums of Coconut and soybean oil.

Comilla :
=========
Madan Mohan Bhowmik was killed and another person injured in an explosion
executed by terrorists in two houses in Badura upazila in Comilla district.

Cox's Bazar :
=========
Rumka Palang and Uttar Dhurangkhali villages in Haldia Palang union in Uthia
at Uthia-Teknaf, Cox's Bazar, 7/8 houses of religious minorities were
attacked and set on fire.

Jessore :
======
Houses of minorities were attacked and looted in Keshapur upazila in Jessore
district on 5.10.01. Manab Chandra and Kalidas were among the 50 minorities
who were injured in the attack. The attack and looting was led by Moulana
Shakhawat.

Gazipur :
=======
On 5/10/01 attack was carried on minority villages of Batania Chala, Sripur,
Golawa, Raghunathpur in Boali Union in Kaliakair upazila, Sutrapur in
Sutrapur Union, Baliadi and Bhangaraj in Sreephaltoli union. The scared
minorities have fled from their homes and have taken shelter elsewhere. Six
persons injured in the attack were admitted to the Gazipur Sadar Hospital.
At least 30 houses of minorities were damaged and looted in Golwa village in
Boali union in attack by a 40/50 strong group led by one Majibur Rahman.

Netrokona :
=======
On election day on 01/10/01, terrorists beat up and injured a seventy year
old man Kanailal Sarkar. He is under treatment in a hospital. In a similar
attack in Chotobazar in Sadar upazila Narayan Ch. Talukdar's eldest son was
seriously wounded. Two houses in samajgram in Mohanganj thana were set on
fire on 02/10/01. On 4/10/01 Babu Ganesh Sarkar's (Panel Chairman of
Municipality) house in Nagra was ransacked and his house was looted. Besides
this, 7/8 shops were also damaged. On the same day the house of Naren Dutta,
former Vice-Principal of Netrokona Govt. College in Nurpur village in
Challisa union was attacked.

Gopalganj :
=======
Almost fifteen thousand minorities from different districts in the face of
oppression and assault came and took shelter in Ramshil in Kotalipara in
Gopalganj. Besides Ramshil, each and every house in the 12 Unions in
Kotalipara has given shelter to at least one oppressed family.

Satkhira :
=======
Death threat was given to Ashim Kr. Mridha, Chairman of Munshiganj union in
Shamnagar upazila in Satkhira district after the elections. Their shrimp
farm was looted. They arranged a press conference and sought security of
their lives.

Santosh Gayan of Katakhali village in Nounagar union was beaten up and his
house damaged and looted. People of Palpara in Noornagar and one Dulal in
Kundali village in this union were beaten up. Women were physically
assaulted. Swarajit Member's house was looted and his wife was physically
tortured.

Nilkhanata Son, Head Master of Ashasuni Secondary School in Ashasuni Sadar
union was given death threat. similar threats were issued to Kanak Ch.
Sarkar of Kandakati Union. Bimal Member of Kandakati village was beaten up
and 8/10 shops in the village were damaged. Minorities residing in the
villages of Dargapur, Badhuhata and Sobhanali unions are threatened and
asked to leave the country.

Satkhira :
=======
Jadav Karmakar and his wife of Telkupi Kararpara in Surulia Union in
Talkhana of Satkhira district were injured when they were hacked with
weapons. Shop of Narayan Chakraborty of Kumira Union was looted. Prakash
Sadhu of Bhurulia Union was beaten up.

Satkhira :
=======
Around 20 minorities were injured in attacks on 2.10.01 in Ashasuni and
Badhuhaa in Satkhira district. In Badartola kamalkaji village in Sodnali
union in Ashasuni loud speakers are being used to openly threaten and ask
the minorities to leave the country.

Faridpur :
=======
Minorities are being oppressed and tortured in Jaipasha village in Motordia
union, Chatul union and Chandpur union of Boalmari thana of Faridpur
district. Jadunath Saha, Nikhil Kar and Narayan Sadhu of Rajapur, Khagen
Master and Sunil Pal of Parameshdi village have been tortured.

Bagerhat :
=======
Langarkhana has been established in Chaterhat bazar for the thousands of
minorities who have been evicted from their places in Bagerhat.

Bagerhat :
=======
Bani Kanta Mistri of Kachikashta village in Morelganj upazila in Bagerhat
district was murdered after the elections.

Pabna :
=====
More than hundred Houses and shops of minorities including that of Kanti
Saha, Akhil Basu and Sujan in Nischintipur in Sujanagar in Pabna were
damaged and looted on 6.10.01.

Faridpur :
=======
Atul Ch. Saha, renowned businessman in Bhanga upazila in Faridpur was
murdered and his shop looted on 5.10.01.

Lalmonirhat :
=========
Oppression and torture on minorities were carried on in Tushbhandar union in
Lalmonirhat on 3/10/01. Terrorists attacked the rice mill of Bishambar
Master of Khanpara and looted paddy, rice and other things worth Taka
50,000/-.

Natore :
=======
Sadhan Ch. Sarkar, UP Member of Nimakdama village in Singra upazila in
Natore was wounded when attacked by sharp weapons on 6/10/01. He is under
treatment in Singra hospital. Bhabani Charan Sarkar of Biladhar bazaar was
beaten up on 4/10/01.

Besides this minorities in Arbad village in Lalpur upazila are being
tortured and women in the village molested.

Madaripur :
=======
Dr. Ranjit Saha and his family members were abducted on 11/10/01 and his
wife and daughter were tortured.

Patuakhali :
========
Around twenty persons including Nirmal Debnath, Dr. Keshab, Kalyan Roy in
Patuakhali district were beaten up on 5/10/01 and threatened and asked to
leave the country. Almost all Hindus have left the five villages of
Singrakathi, Mankhan, Bahirchar, Kalshuri, Rajapur, Kachipara.

Narayanganj :
==========
Two young girls were molested and brutal attack was carried on 125 Hindu
families in Panchbati in Fatulla thana in Narayanganj distrtict on 4/10/01.
Besides this, shops were damaged and looted.

Rangpur :
=======
25 minority people were injured in an attack on 01/10/01 in Pirgacha,
Haragacha, Kaunia, Taraganj, Badarganj in Rangpur.

Phirojpur :
=======
Around 33 minority people were injured in attacks by terrorists in Umedpur,
Durgapur, Tona, Dakatia and Holarhat in Phirojpur on 01/10/01.

Sylhet :
=====
Fifteen minority families were locked up and kept back from casting their
votes in Madhyapara in Shibbari in Sylhet town on 01/10/01.

Bhola :
=====
4/5 women were raped and hundreds of houses looted in Lord Hardinge village
in Lalmohan thana in Bhola on 02/10/01. People of the minority community
fled and took shelter in Charfashion thana out of fear. Besides this, Swapan
Das was hacked to death on 4/10/01 in Umarabad in Charfashion in Bhola.

Jhalakathi :
=======
People of the minority community of Taltola, Sidhakaji, Toukaji Madrassa
area, Charkhana in Gabkhan Dhanshiri Union in Jhalkathi were oppressed and
tortured on 02/10/01.

Rajshahi :
======
An idol in a puja mandap was damaged in Haridebpur village in Tanore Thana
of Rajshahi district.

Dhaka City :
========
Terrorists set fire to one Durga temple in Meradia in Dhaka city on
14/10/01.

Patuakhali :
========
Terrorists ransacked and damaged idols in the Durga temple and Kali temple
in Daspara in Bauphal in Patuakhali district on 05/10/01.

Natore district :
===========
Temple in Dakmondop Bazar in Singra upazila of Natore district was ransacked
on 28/09/01.

Munshiganj :
=========
Terrorists damaged idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Radha-Krishana in Gopal
Chandra Das's house in Khidirpara village in Louhajang upazila in
Munshiganj. No measures were taken in this regard despite bringing the
incident to the notice of the administration.

Chandpur :
=======
Idols of Kali was damaged and temple in Prankrishna Shil's house was set to
fire in Gobindapur Union No.9 in Faridganj upazila of Chandpur district.

Comilla :
=======
Terrorists ransacked and damaged a tyemple in Kulgaon village in Debidwar
thana of Comilla district during the post election period.


                                 INHUMAN TORTURE/RAPE
                                 =====================
Bagerhat :
=======
Wife and daughter of Pulin Malakar and wife of Bhabani Roy and wife of
Prafulla Mondal of Borgaola village in Mollarhat thana of Bagerhat district
and wife of Motilal Roy of Mejgaola village in Mollarhat thana were
raped.

Sirajganj :
=======
Three young girls of Purba Delua village in Ullapara upazila in Sirajganj
were raped during the post-election period.

Magura :
=======
One college going girl and tow school going girls of Nahata Village in
Sripur upazila of Magura district were abducted on 09/10/2001 night by
miscreants and after inhuman torture throughout the night were left on the
nearby ground. Ten people including Sunil Pal, Sunil Biswas and Niva Rani
Pal of Palpara were injured in attacks by terrorists. They were admitted to
Magura Sadar Hospital. These criminal activities were led by Sayed and Kinan
of Dierpara village, Jahangir Sheikh of Sabdalpur village and Jahangir of
Nahata village.

Barishal :
=======
On 05/10/2001 terrorists raped Putun Som, daughter of Bijoy Son of Bilwagram
in Gournadi thana in Barishal district. On 07/10/2001, terrorists molested
Santana Rani, wife of Shankar Datta and left her on the road.

Satkhira :
======
Terrorists forcefully abducted a young girl in Gonalinta in tala upazila of
Satkhira district and raped her for two days. When she was freed she was
bleeding.


                  ATTACK AND DAMAGE TO RELIGIOUS PLACES
                         =====================================
Khulna :
=====
Idols in Kapilmuni temple in Malopara and idols in nearby Taal and other
areas were damaged in paikgacha upazila in Khulna district.

Idol of Goddess Durga in Garaikhali upazila in Paikgacha Union was damaged
and broken.

Lalmonirhat District :
==============
The boundary of the very old Durga mandir in Sibbari mouja in Panchagram
union of Sadar upazila was pulled down by Ah. Samad and Goni Mia's group on
02/10/2001.

Barishal District :
============
Terrorists ransacked the Krishnabhakta Sevashram in Ramer Kathi in Ujirpur
Thana in Barishal district and damaged idols kept in the temple.

Barishal :
======
A religious institution (math) and a memorial situated south of Bangladesh
Bank, Barishal in Barishal Sadar was ransacked and later taken possession of
by terrorists.

Manikganj :
========
Temples were damaged in Gheor in Manikganj district in the post-election
period.

Comilla :
======
Idol of Durga was damaged and broken by terrorists on 05/10/01 in Talagram
in Badua thana of comilla district.

Satkhira :
======
Idols of Durga were damaged in Pulerhat in Nagarghata Union in Ashasuni
thana of Satkhira district and in Bhadrakhali in Kaliganj thana of the
district on 08/10/01.