A group of 32 prominent citizens has issued a strongly worded statement condemning a series of recent, deliberate killings and attacks in Bangladesh, particularly targeting religious and ethnic minorities. They have demanded that those responsible be brought to justice and face the full rigour of the law.
The statement, released to the media on Saturday, highlights that in the weeks leading up to the 13th National Parliamentary Election, a number of premeditated murders, attacks on minority individuals and families, arson, and property destruction have occurred. Observers note that these acts appear to be aimed at destabilising the country ahead of the election.
“Attempts to disrupt the upcoming election are evident,” the statement reads. “Peaceful relations among citizens of different faiths are an integral part of our national heritage. The perpetrators of these communal attacks represent a very small fraction of society, yet they are spreading extremist ideologies and inciting violence for political gain.”
The citizens also allege that both domestic and foreign instigators are encouraging these acts. “With shock and indignation, we observe that the government has repeatedly failed to investigate these incidents promptly or ensure the perpetrators are brought before the courts,” the statement adds.
The group outlined four primary demands:
| No. | Demand | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrest and prosecute perpetrators | Immediate arrest and legal action against those responsible for minority killings, attacks, and arson |
| 2 | Identify instigators | Investigate and prosecute domestic and foreign agents inciting violence |
| 3 | Protect properties and places of worship | Ensure security of homes, shops, temples, churches, and all minority establishments |
| 4 | Strengthen administrative oversight | Issue special directives and increase regular, strict monitoring to prevent further attacks |
The statement cited specific incidents, including the killings of Dipu Das in Valuka, Rana Pratap Bairagi in Jessore, and Sharath Chakraborty Mani in Narsingdi. Additionally, it reported arson attacks in the homes of minority communities in Rauzan, Chattogram. “We express our deepest condemnation and outrage at these acts,” it added.
The citizens urged authorities to issue immediate directives to safeguard the lives and properties of all minorities, uphold communal harmony, and for political parties to work collectively to prevent such violence.
Signatories include notable figures such as Sultana Kamal, Khushi Kabir, Rasheda K. Chowdhury, J. I. Khan Panna, Iftikharuzzaman, Anu Muhammad, Shaheen Anam, Firdous Azim, Shamsul Huda, Nur Khan, Samina Lutfa, Sumaiya Khair, Subrata Chowdhury, Tabarak Hossain, Swapon Adnan, Tasnim Siraj Mahbub, Robayet Ferdous, Zobaida Nasrin, Monindra Kumar Nath, Pavel Partha, Saleh Ahmed, Parvez Hashem, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Shah I. Mobin Jinnah, Zakir Hossain, Saidur Rahman, Saeed Ahmed, Deepayan Khisa, Jaba Talukdar, Eshita Dastagir, Meinthin Promila, and Hana Shams Ahmed.