Where are we heading to? This sentence at the very outset may astound you a good deal. Well, before going to any further, let’s check out some readily available facts.

Ever since Islam stepped into the realm of Bengal, forceful conversion of Hindus has been one of the most preferred ploys of the Muslim zealots to make the whole community kowtow. Throughout the Muslim hegemony and 19th century, it was in full swing and gained new momentum with the onset of the 20th century backed by several doctrines. It has been unabated in both erstwhile East Pakistan and contemporary Bangladesh but the same malicious campaign is being witnessed in the Indian state of Bengal too, thanks to the tacit understanding between the pseudo-secular sections and Islamic fundamentalist forces and certainly the uncanny silence of the culpable democratic society.

What is more striking, even the Hon’ble Calcutta High Court, considered as the highest form of judiciary in the state, is corroborating the same spiteful intents. What else can be said if we look at the strange development of the case of Ms Anita Ray?

Ms Anita Ray (aged 15) and Shahidul got married only after she was misled by him. Anita, at the behest of Shahidul, ran from her paternal residence, got converted into Islam and married the venomous guy. Mr. Suvendu Ray (Anita’s father) got infuriated and with the help of police got hold of the estranged daughter only on 20th October, six days after the couple took flight.

From that period Shahidul was absconding and even though he appealed to the lower court for bail in advance, it was rejected altogether. Strangely enough, Calcutta High Court has sanctioned the same citing that marriage of women under 15 years is lawful under the Muslim Marriage Act, unlike Hindus.

What does this lead to? Does the court wish for to affirm that any such act is glorious? Does it want to convey the message that Muslim society is omnipotent and what it does is just? Before that, Anita, at the time of conversion, was of 15 years old only. How can a minor be converted?

It’s definite that the Ray family didn’t consent or respond favorably to the proposal, not to speak of Anita, a minor girl who can’t decide on any such crucial issue, in accordance with Indian Penal Code.

What can you say then? This is one of the gravest conspiracies known hitherto and must be trounced, forget about remaining indoors and continue to doggone or wish harm upon Shahidul. Without a shred of doubt, he has been backed by the considerable section of Muslims in close proximity, may be there is the involvement of Calcutta section as well.

The line of battlefield has been drawn already and we are taking all types of measures to make the heinous conspiracy bite the dust. Be it legal or…………

Animitra Chakraborty is a journalist and a blogger. Please visit his blog “A Journalist Speaks….“

Even considering the migrating population to India, 20 million Hindus are missing in Bangladesh. This is a saga of Hindu genocide in Bangladesh that hasn't been brought into light before.]

Hindus comprised nearly 30% of the total population in Bangladesh in 1947. After the exodus of minorities following the partition of India in 1947, the hindu population went down to about 22% by 1951. Due to unabated persecution, intimidation, and forcible conversion to Islam, the Hindu-Minority population kept on dwindling and now stands at a meager 10.5% of the total population in Bangladesh (1991 census).

Interesting to note that minority Muslim population in adjoining West Bengal (India) showed a positive growth rate and according to 1991 Census, stood at nearly 24% of the total population from only about 12% in 1947.

India and West Bengal Census Data

Source: Census of India 1991 (http://www.censusindia.net/), Data Source : 1991 Census of India

Table 29: Population of India since 1901 Census

Table 24: Three Main Religions in every state, (India, 1991)

Hindus              687,646,721      82.00 %

Muslims            101,596,057      12.12  %

Christians          19,640,284        2.34 %

846,302,688      (Total)

West Bengal (1991)

Hindus              50,866,624        74.7 % (1961 : 78.8%, decreased 4.1%)

Muslims            16,075,836        23.6 % (1961 : 20%, increased 3.6%)

Christians          383,477 0.6 %    (1961 : 0.5%, increased 0.1%)

West Bengal (1961-1991)

Year     Total     Hindu    Muslim  Chrsn    Others

1961     34.92    78.8      20.0      0.5        0.1

1991     68.07    74.7      23.6      0.5        0.6

Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, hindu population was 28% in 1941; 22% in 1951, 18.5% in 1961; 13.5% in 1974;

12.2% in 1981 and 10.5% in 1991. Hindu population decreased by 8% from 1961 to 1991 (Ref 1, 2).

The vanishing minority population is understood from researching the census documents published the government. Fifty years ago in 1941, 28.3 per cent of the total population was minorities. The population of Hindu was 11.88 millions, while 588 thousand was other religious and ethnic minorities (Buddhist, Christian and animist). Evaluation of government statistics of 50 years, from 1941 to 1991, indicates a large drop in the figure for minorities. A comparative picture shows that the number of the Muslim majority increased 219.5 per cent while the Hindu community increased by 4.5 per cent. (Ref 3).

If normal increase rate prevailed, the number of the Hindu community in this country would have been 32.5 million, but the Hindu population in Bangladesh stood at 12.5 million in 1991 Census (State of Human Rights, 1994). Therefore the missing population is 20 million. (Ref 3).

Ethnic Cleansing In Bangladesh

Ethnic cleansing of minorities in Bangladesh  (then East Pakistan) started in 1947. Over half-a-century has passed with no end is in sight. Minorities in Bangladesh,  including women and children were subjected to extreme brutality and torture following the last National Election in Bangladesh held in October 2001, forcing many families to migrate out of their  ”Homeland of generations” for physical safety. In the recent past, there have been several cases of brutal killings of prominent members of minority communities in the strategic Chittagong and its Hill Tracts, by armed gang of Islamic fanatics. Significantly, these tragic incidents were perpetrated in the wake of Santu Larma – Khaleda Zia high-level talks at Dhaka on April 20, for establishing permanent peace in the said region. That very day in Rangamati (CHT), an armed gang of Bnp-Jei backed ‘United People’s Democratic Front’ (Updf) attacked pro-Larma Chakma tribals resulting in the death of four Chakma Buddhists. Next day (April 21), at Vill. Hingla in Rouzan locality of Chittagong, Gyanjyoti Borooah (55 yrs), a locally popular Buddhist Monk, running an Orphanage / Monastery was brutally killed. Thereafter on April 28/29, another Chakma Buddhist named Gyandarshi Chakma was shot dead at village Babupara in Mahalchhari (Cht). One of his companion sustained bullet wounds. The same night,  Madan Gopal Goswami, a Hindu Priest of  was gunned down in Gachhabil area of Manikchhari (Cht). These cases of utmost brutality generated strong resentment among local Chakmas and Hindus.

Some “recent” incidents (2002)

( 1 )    20th April 2002, at Moulavibazar district of Bangladesh, in Laxmipur village under Kulaur Police station several armed Muslim fundamentalists attacked the houses of Dulal Debnath and Jitendra Debnath, both members of the Hindu minority community. The houses were set ablaze. The group of miscreants led by Iuyas Mian of Balichiri village forcefully captured their lands. A case has been filed against them at the Kulaur police station.

( 2 )    8th May, 2002, N. M. Jahangir Alam-A well known journalist of the newspaper Sambad which is published from Dhaka, was beaten up by Muslim fundamentalists. Because he was accused of publishing several news, reporting the poor conditions of the Hindu minority of Bangladesh. He filed a case at the near by Police Station but the police did not show the any interest in arresting the miscreants

( 3 )    5th May, 2002-in the morning, At the Dolu Bridge area situated in the Shattkaniya sub-district of South Chattagram, a group of Muslim fundamentalists kidnapped Rupam Mullick, a Hindu resident and damaged his arms and legs.

( 4 )    23rd May, 2002, near Sadhurpara situated at the Chandgaon police station of Chattagram, the local Muslim fundamentalists forcefully captured the lands owned by a Hindu widow Charubala Nath (80).

( 5 )    8th May, 2002,-in Narikelbaria village of Bakharpara sub-district situated at Jessore, a local Muslim extreamist, Saiful along with Kabir and other fundamentalists demanded, more than 1 lakhs takas (U.S. $2,000) as Jizya tax (tax imposed by non-Muslims on Muslims) from a business Subodh Saha. But Subodh refused to pay the tax. As a result the fanatics took a glass bottle fill with hot water and vehemently beat Subodh with it. He was badly injured. His two legs were damaged. Another person called Bablu Saha, who came to protect Subodh was also beaten up.

( 6 )    10th May, 2002, at night, a Hindu journalist named Manik Mazumdar’s office was destroyed by a group of right wing Muslim fundamentalists. Manik Mazumdar is the president of reporter’s union of Madhukhali sub-district in Faridpur.

( 7 )    25th April, 2002, 9 o’clock at morning in Thakurgaon district, Chandramohan Sarkar, headmaster of Shapla Adarsha Uchcha Vidyalaya was forcefully resigned from his post because of being a Hindu, by Muslim fundamentalists.

( 8 )    7th May, 2002, at the Shathkhira sub-district, in the Sreerampur village a Hindu housewife was raped by a reactionary Muslim fanatic named Shafiqul Islam. A case has been filed but no adequate action has been taken by the police against the accused.

( 9 )    9th May, 2002, at night, a Hindu religious place-”Aditya Asram” situated in the Khashipur village under the Banshkhali police station of Chattagram was demolished by some Muslim activists. A group of 30 to 40 muslim fundamentalists along with sharp weapons attacked the ”Aditya Asram”. The priest of the temple-Pradipananda Purimoharaj was deeply injured by the fundamentalists. The property of the ”Ashram” has been looted taken away by the attackers.

( 10 )    4th May 2002, at night, near the Biyanibazar of Sulhet district, a Hindu Brahmin girl of the Uttabhag village has been kidnapped by a group of Muslim fundamentalists and raped mercilessly. 5th May, the villagers rescued her but she was totally senseless.

( 11 )    3rd May, 2002, at night, in Kumilya district of Bangladesh Brajendra Bhowmick, a Hindu villager of Haludia situated under Mujaffargunge Union was attacked by armed right wing Muslim fundamentalists. The houses of Subhash Chandra Bhowmick, Nakul Chandra Bhowmick and Bimalendu Bhowmick have been set a blaze. The local police station is still indifferent regarding the incident.

( 12 )    8th May, 2002, at night, in the Nator district of Bangladesh, the villagers of Bashantapur at Shingra sub-district were attacked by armed Muslim extremists. The houses of Niren, Nitai, Atul, Prabhat, Dinesh, Ajit, Krishna, Jitendra, Basudev and Sukumar, all Hindus were looted. The families have decided to leave Bashantapur for India.

( 13 )    Recently, near the Patuakhali sub-district of Bangladesh, at Khachipara and Kalishuri village of Banpual-the Hindu minorities have been forcibly interned at their homes to keep them under observation. Shishutosh Dash, Bhabaranjan Das, Debendranath Sarkar and Hiron Kumar Sarkar were forced to sign and give away all their houses and properties to the Muslim fundamentalists. They only cried in silence and left their land to move away to any other place.

( 14 )    20th April, in evening, at Uttapara sub-distict of Shirajgunga a Hindu clothes merchant, Nitai Sarkar has been attacked by some muslim exrremsits. Clothes from his shop were stolen that valued nearly, 1 lakh (U.S. $ 2,000) takas. Being mercilessly beaten he is now under treatment.

( 15 )    15th April 2002, in the Chagal Naiya sub-distict of Pheni district, Khrishna Das (60) and Ujjal Das (27) Hindu vilagers of Sattar village has been severely tortured by local right wing Muslim fundamentaliss, because they refused to pay the jizya tax according to their demands.

( 16 )    20th May 2002, at Bargauna district of Bangladesh, in Bukabania Zabar of Bamma sub-distrcits some Hindu owned lands surrounding a temple were captured by the Muslim partymen. They belonged to the fundamentalists group of the Bangladesh National Party. They have started to build their party office in that area.

Forceful Conversion of Two  Minor Hindu Girls to Islam-Attack on Family Members:

Monday, August 05,  2002

Two  minor Hindu girls, namely Miss Sushma Rani Malo (15 year old), daughter of Shri  Anil Chandra Malo and Miss Putul Rani Malo (15 year old), daughter of  ShriMonoranjan  Malo of village Kulpaddy, Police Station and District of Madaripur, were  kidnapped from their houses one kilometer from Madaripur police station. The  guardians of the victims described in a very heart-rending manner to Advocate  Rabindra Ghosh, President HRCBM, Dhaka, Bangladesh, that their minor daughters  were students of Class VIII. The minor girls were kidnapped by some Muslims of  the same village, led by the Imman of Madaripur Sadar Hospital Mosque. They were  forced to sign an affidavit that they are 19 years of age and they wanted to  convert to Islam at their own will on 25th of July, 2002. In addition, they were  allured and detained and compelled by some Muslims of the same locality, particularly the supporters of Jamal-E-Islami Party, to swear an affidavit by a  Notary Public at Madaripur. The victims, Putul Rani Malo and Sushma Rani Malo,  came back to their parents on 25th July, 2002, in the evening. On hearing the  news that the two girls had gone back to their parents some Jamal-E-Islamic  supporters numbering about 250/300 surrounded the houses of the victim-girls at  about 11 P.M. at night. The criminals started assaulting Arun Chandra Malo(26),  brother of victim Sushma Rani Malo. Arun Chandra Malo sustained severe injuries  on the lower portion of the eyes, which were still visible after 8 days. He was  under the treatment of local doctor. Ultimately those two victim girls were again kidnapped by the Muslim criminals on 26th July, 2002. The police and law enforcement authorities did neither provide any protection to the girls and  their families nor arrested the criminals. Not only that the miscreants with the  help of some police officials of Madaripur police station tactfully obtained an  undertaking from the guardians of the victim girls that they do not like to  lodge any complain with the police and they did not take any cases against the  criminals. Advocate Rabindra Ghosh finally was successful in filing two F.I.R.’s  with the Madaripur Police Station during his visit.

Advocate Mr. Ghosh pointed to the Deputy Commissioner  that the consent of any minor, according to law, is no consent and the date of  birth of the victims proved that they were minors. So the consent obtained by  the criminals by an affidavit in the Notary Public has got no force in law.  Until and unless the minor becomes 18 years of age she is not capable to give  consent as per the latest ruling of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. It is quite astonishing to note that the “No objection certificate” obtained by some police  officers tactfully from the simple-minded and law-abiding guardians of the  victims are very much unwarranted and without jurisdiction; and for this  deceitful endeavor on the part of any law-enforcing agencies are highly  reprehensible and punishable under law. It is also astonishing to note that  while the victim girls were kidnapped from a house by the miscreants the police was silent and they were allowed to organize processions in the locality in the  name of religion and promote violence and intolerance. Mr. Ghosh requested the  Deputy Commissioner of Madaripur to hand over the minor victims to the legal  guardians but no actions have yet been taken. A serious tension is prevailing in  the area and the minorities fear for their life and security.

3 injured as  Islamic terrorists attack Christian Para (locality) in Barisal : March 23rd, 2002

UNB,  Barisal

Armed terrorists attacked  the Christian-dominated area at Kashipur on the outskirts of the town yesterday,  leaving three people injured, one witness said the hoodlums numbering around 10 swooped on the Christian Para at Icchakati at about 11 am  and ransacked a house belonging to Badal Baidya. During the raid,  they also stabbed three people, including Liton Sadhu, when they tried to resist  them. Liton was admitted to Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital “in  critical condition”

Terrorists attack houses of Christian  community in Pabna : February 28th, 2002

PABNA, Feb 27: At least 20 people were injured as some terrorists allegedly attacked and damaged several  houses of Christian community members in two villages of Chatmohor Upazila in  the district on Tuesday night, reports UNB. Local people said the violence started when one Susanta Modal of village Kadamtol refused to pay money allegedly to some cadres of JCD, the student wing of ruling BNP, for buying  liquor. Refusal to pay money made the cadres angry and they went on the rampage  assaulting Susanta. Ten people were injured and four houses ransacked in the  attack, according to sources.

Gang rape continues at  Naugaou, minority girls appeal for justice: February  13th, 2002

Daily  Janakantha dated 13th February, 2002

Naugaou: After brutal gang  rape of minority girl Purnima at Ullapara, another Purnima has become the victim  of gang rape at Niamatpur under Naugaou. Terrorists armed with lethal country made weapon burst into the house of Mr. Gajendra Nath Sarkar at mid night, the miscreants went on rampage at the house kicking and punching family members  first and then forcefully kidnapped Ms. Babita Rani Sarkar, holding the family  at gunpoint. Next morning, the miscreants dropped off the subdued and tormented  body of Ms. Babita who was seriously wounded but alive. Terrorist warned the  local minorities for stern punishment if the incident is reported to police.  This incident further instigated fear among minorities at Bhahadurpur village.  To escape humiliation and save their females minorities are sending out all the  young girls and women to relatives in towns. Ignoring all the warnings, oppression and torture of miscreants, Ms. Babita, a student of class ten in  local school and her family decided to file case in the local police station.  The brave girl identified one “Shariful” among eight evildoers. Police has  arrested Shariful and Ahidur Rahman while writing this report. Ms. Babita has  now taken refuge to the residence of her maternal uncle at Mandar Bevbra  village. Latter Police Superintendent Mr. Mustafijur Rahman visited the village  assuring the safety of minorities there but locals said minorities never been  safe since the last election. Some also stated that Babita’s distant sister was also gang raped earlier but administration has not done enough to endow justice.

References :

1] Bangladesh A Country Study, Ed. J.Heitzman R.L.Worden, 2nd Ed, Federal Research Division, Library of Congress, Publisher U.S. Army, 1989, pp.250,255

2] Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 th Ed, Micropedia, Vol.1, p.789 Desh.

3] State of Minorities in Bangladesh : From Secular to Islamic Hegemony : Saleem Samad

http://www.mnet.fr/aiindex/ssamad_Bangaldesh.html

Several other human rights related web sites.

Ramna Kali Mandir

The Ramna Kali Mandir was destroyed by the Pakistan Army in March 1971.The destruction of this temple was, ironically, a sign of the advent of tougher times for Hindus of Bangladesh. Hundreds of people who had taken shelter inside the temple were slaughtered as were hundreds of thousands of others throughout the country. Swami Paramananda Giriji, the priest, held on to the deity and prayed till the very end when he was burned alive by Pakistani forces.

The destruction of the temple and the accompanying slaughter is not just another dark blot on history; it is the symbol of cruelty and tyranny almost unparalleled in history. The iconic images of Sheikh Mujib addressing massive crowds in the 7th March 1971 rally prominently show the Ramna Kali Mandir in the background. The picture indeed promised a secular, free Bangladesh. Alas, it was not to be. The minorities of Bangladesh have been victimized throughout post independence history.

The Ramna Kali Mandir must be rebuilt at the same spot where it originally stood. Bangladesh governments in the recent past have promised to rebuild the temple but not at the original site. The temple must be rebuilt at the original site. This cannot be compromised.

The Hindu community must come together with renewed zeal to pursue the construction of the great temple. The demand for construction of the temple at it’s original site can become a national movement. The success of the Ramna Kali Mahamandir movement can well be symbolic of the Hindus of Bangladesh. With the successful construction of the temple, the Hindu community of Bangladesh will no doubt be filled with renewed zeal and unity to find their right, respectful place in Bangladeshi society.

The temple must be, as proposed, accompanied with a memorial; a reminder to our future generations. The temple must be of a scale no less than it’s original form. Let this temple be the pivot of the Hindu movement in Bangladesh.

Update: Feb 01, 2010

Correction from Ratib: Bangabandhu removed the LAST stones of the temple, NOT the Pak Army, but BANGABANDHU removed the last stones, laid grass on the land, confiscated it from the Hindu Board, and gave it to The Dhaka Club

Surviving Members of Laili Costa's Family

Laili Costa, a young Catholic woman, living in the Catholic parish of the Holy Rosary church under the Archdiocese of Dhaka, became destitute when her husband Joacem Costa was shot dead by unidentified thugs in the Sadhon Para area of Dhaka.

Laili Costa said, “My husband left me and my two daughters. What he earned hardly supported our family, and he did not leave any savings. The owner of our previous home had already kicked us out from there, and we had just found a second home. The owner there is going to kick us out within days. I will not be able to have Christmas with my children.”

She went on, “I am striving daily for my small children. My elder daughter was kicked out of school, since I cannot pay the tuition fees, and my younger daughter is suffering from serious malnutrition; she could die at any time.”

With extreme fear and tears in her eyes, Laili Costa said, “On July 14, 2009, around 9:35, I got a call from one of my neighbors that my husband was shot by thugs in the Sadhon Para area. I immediately called my husband’s younger brother, Leo Costa, and rushed to the place. As I reached the place, I did not find my husband. He had been taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.”She continued, “An eye witness said that a group of highly armed people came and shot a gun once, and my husband asked them, ‘Why you are doing this? Don’t kill me, I have a family and a wife and small kids.’ He begged, ‘For the sake of Jesus and my family, don’t kill me. What do you want?’ Then they shot three times.”

She said, “My husband fell down in the road and asked people for help, saying ‘Please take me to the hospital’ and ‘Call my family’, but no one came forward to help. I went to police, but as I cannot give a bribe, the local police officer Mohamed Moinul Islam, who is the investigation officer of the case, is not properly investigating the case.”

Leo Costa said, “I filed a case with local police. I am afraid the thugs who killed my brother may kill me also.”

Local police inspector Moinul Islam told Asia News that the killing was cloaked in mystery and police are still investigating the case.

The parish priest of Holy Rosary church said, “I heard about this sad incident, may his soul rest in peace. We have a parish with more than 20,000 Catholics who also have a lot of problems and needs. We are trying to help this Laili Costa with spiritual guidance, but we do not have the ability to help her and her kids financially.”

Catholic human rights activist Annie halder said that persecution against Catholics is growing, and that previously a family was gunned down in the Kafrul area of Dhaka.

A Catholic priest, Joseph Arsenault, the parochial vicar at St. Bridget’s Church in Abington in the Archdiocese of Boston, said about the case: “First of all, it is a shame that such a crime happened in the first place. To take a life is just wrong. Secondly, the fact that the wife, who I assume is an innocent person in all of this, becomes a victim twice. She loses her husband, and now she loses her home and means of support. As Christians, the community, I hope, is there to support her so she does not end up on the street. As Matthew’s gospel tell us, we are obliged to feed those who are in need and make sure the most vulnerable are taken care of. Justice would also demand that the killer of her husband should face the courts.”

Joseph Arsenault told, “I will be offering the Holy Sacrifice of Mass for her intentions and that of her family on Dec. 1st.”

Hindu Women Raped

The plight of the Hindu community of Bangladesh is disturbing. Regularly, one hears about attacks on Hindus and atrocities on women and children of Hindus. Temples and Hindu establishments also routinely face the brunt of extremists in Bangladesh. The role of the Bangladesh government has always been fishy. BNP or Awami League, it doesn’t really make much of a difference. The Hindu community of Bangladesh are apparently forced to live as second class citizens.

What is the reason for this? The rise of Islamic extremism has obviously led to the present scenario. But who are responsible for the rise of hardline islamics? The answer is—successive Bangladesh governments. They have forgotten the pillars on which the Bangla nation was formed. The ideology of those very extremists who supported Pakistan during the ’71 Liberation war is prospering. The secular, progressive credentials of Bangladesh have been long consigned to the dustbin of history. Politically, the situation is bound to worsen. Let Hindus not have any hope from the government.

Then what is the solution? Apparently, Hindus in Bangladesh face a problem; a problem of survival and life of safety, respect and dignity; and this problem needs a solution. The solution; or at least a step towards the solution; would be—Political empowerment.

The Hindus must aim to become a political force in the country. They must be united in quest of this goal. The community must vote for a consensus candidate and when Hindus are attacked or threatened, the community must hit the streets together. The Hindus must have no hesitation in becoming a “vote bank”. The Hindus must, as a primary goal, seek to make themselves relevant to the extent that they can influence 50-60 seats in the Jatiya Sangsad. Then and only then will their voice be heard loud and clear. And in these attempts, the Hindus must bring with them the other minorities of Bangladesh.

The future of Hindus is in the hands of the Hindus. Let us ensure that we decide our fate, not others.

Although the police initially rejected to assist the Hindu family later they caved in due to media pressure. They arrested four people behind this attack. While asked the police commissioner he declined to comment on this issue.

Our human rights worker in Bangladesh, William Gomes was on the scene taking a series of footage of this developing story. We were able to get a word from the State Minister, police commissioner and the family.

State Minister of Bangladesh on Minority persecution

The Hindu minority in Bangladesh describing the forceful abduction story

Police commissioner Dhaka

Adv.Rabindra GhoshPresident-Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW) was sent news which was published in the daily Sangbad. We have known that, Sangbad is an oldest newspaper in Bangladesh. And they have goodwill as a responsible journalism.

Properties belonging to Minorities at Sherpur District forcefully occupied by Juba League Leader on last Saturday, shops demolished; women injured (The daily Sangbad dated 10 August, 2009)

A group of hoodlums with the leadership of Hafizur Rahman Hafiz andhis elder brother Azizur Rahman Aziz – Cultural Secretary of Juba League (Youth Organisation of Awami League) Nalitabari Upazila underSherpur district on last Saturday morning forcefully occupied seven decimals of lands belonging to a Hindu owner- Surjya Kanta Debnath. In this connection allegations received from the victim’s family that two shops were demolished and their daughter Ms.Lipi Debnath was physically assaulted during operation.

But Juba League Leader denied the allegations of forceful occupation of lands, but he admitted that the lands purchased by his father and uncle were recovered. It is also alleged that since long there was a dispute between Surjya Kanta and Hafizur Rahman & Brothers with regard to seven decimals of lands situated at Garkanda Saha Para within Nalitabari Upazila. Surjya Kanta possessed the lands since long. But before forceful occupation Hafizur and Azizur were putting constant pressure to Hindu occupant to give up the lands.

But Surjya Kanta claimed that the seven decimals of lands were purchased from his maternal aunt- Ms.Khuki Bala and as such he is the real owner of the properties. And the claim of Hafizur is baseless and illegal. Advocate Sudhanshu Kumar Kaloar informed that a group of hoodlums armed with deadly weapon attacked the house of Surjya Kanta and demolished two shops belonging to Surja Kanta and assaulted Ms.Lipi Debnath and occupied the lands forcefully.

It is also learnt that this Juba League leader –Hafizur Rahman is the accused of charge sheeted case of murder of Yousuf and Takan who are also President and Secretary of Nalitabari Chatra League respectively killed by him on 25th October, 1999. This case has been stayed by order of the High Court Division.

Jahangir Alam Akash

On Saturday late night at Charsindhu village of Polash union a group of armed Muslims attacked on a local Hindhu temple and near by four Hindu houses said a victim Onjoli Bormon

Minority Hindu victim victim Onjoli Bormon said a group of armed Muslims lead by Joinal came and attacked on our temple as we run to save the temple and the perpetrators attack on us and in our houses

In attack Mr.Dirandra chondro Bormaon ,Ms.Onjoli Bormon ,Ms.Nioti Bormon,Mr.Hironi Bormon and Sunil Bormon were seriously injured.

Some of them get admitted in local hospital said Minority Hindu victim Onjoli Bormon

Locals said to grave the land of Hindu crematorium (where Hindu people get burned) yard the local Muslims attacked on them

Catholic human rights activist Annie Halder said attacks on different Hindu minorities are raising all over the country this is really alarming. We highly condemn attack on these minority Hindu families.

Local police said we are doing our best to trace the people behind this attack and already we have insure the security of the minorities on that area

On Saturday police only broke into the houses of minorities and vandalize the houses and roughly beaten the woman and children said locals

As a Hindu minority Prodip Ghosh went to the police station to file a complain against police, police denied to take any complain, said Prodip Ghosh

Local UP chairman Abdul Kaium said as I went to the place of incident , I saw the house was vandalized and the door was broken

Local police chief said police went there to search criminals but as they did not co operate the police broke into the house .

Omar Faruk is an Imam and teacher of a “Maktab” (Islamic School) of remote village Padmar Char at the North Channel Union in Faridpur, a central district of Bangladesh.

Imam Omar Faruk misguided the minor and raped her for long time. The poor minor girl can not speak out in fear and shame. As the girl steps into her deep pregnancy the news spread out in the village.

Some local influential people called arbitration on July 18th. The arbitration council decides that the Imam Omar Faruk will marry the pregnant girl, said locals

On July 18th some local influential people called arbitration on this. The arbitration was chaired by Fazlur Rahman Fazal.

The arbitration body ordered a to cane to the Imam and the minor girl 101 times, also ordered the Imam to marry the girl, said locals

Both Imam and girl were canned 25 times said locals

Although the arbitration on cases of rape is illegal, the head of the arbitration committee Fazal said that I informed the matter of arbitration to the OC Kotwali Nur Alam,of Faridpur .

Oc Nur Alam said I donot know anything the arbitration.

This is the third time marriage of Imam Omar, said locals

Bangladesh intelligence arrested him earlier on Thursday near the Babubazaar Bridge in capital and presented before the media on Friday. For last 14 years Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba had been carrying out its activities in Bangladesh, said intelligence officials

Mufti Obaidullah was working to organize terrorist networks with the help of Kashmir based Lashkar-e-Taiba, said Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner AKM Shahidul Hoque. Mufti Obaidullah has been living in Bangladesh with his wife, three sons and two daughters since 1995, to avoid Indian intelligence after the Indian government declared him the most wanted, said Police Commissioner

In last six years he lived in different regions of Bangladesh and taught in different madrasas of Madaripur, Jessore, Satkhira and Srimangal. I had planned to eliminate the Hindus and the enemies of the Muslims by forming a group said Mufti Obaidullah. In last 14 years in Bangladesh, he would train up people to be militants. Said Police Commissioner

Lashkar-e-Taiba is one of the largest and most active militant organizations in South Asia.

On this case the petitioner Adv.Rabindra Ghosh claimed that some unknown people have stole a video camera from ISCKON temple Swamibag . And the petitioner allegedly involved me on the incident; the fact is I am not aware of said camera at all. More than that the petitioner provoked the Sebait and Executor of Swamibag Ashram Shri Jasada Nandan Acharjee to witness against me that “He saw that I took the camera”. Mr. Acharjee has told the fact to Investigative officer SI Shariful. The IO is not pointing the statement in note.

I am shocked at this false case. I am felling really helpless. As you are human rights
defender I need your help, I have protested the false attempt to tie me with the case to the DC wari. The Dc Wari seems very helpful.

I am always committed to fight the Terrorism for my position with the allies of  in different countries and recently, I had sit with Mr. Ahmad Karim Nawabi, the Afghan ambassador to Bangladesh and share my concern about fighting the growing the

Islamic Terrorism and on regular basis I am sharing all the available information in fighting the Islamic terrorism in the south Asia to the international community. I have penned different articles in different international media in focusing the problem and possibilities in Bangladesh.

As PRP is on the way to transform police force to Police Service, I hope that you will take it note that the Investigative should take proper note that I am being harassed by the ill motive of Adv.Rabindra Ghosh. I myself protested on some case where the Advocate showed a normal eloped case to a forced conversion to Islam. The case was also submitted to UN.  Through my mail I had also request PRP to investigate on the aggressive attitude towards the police officials.

I also want to request to make it sure the police should make it sure, why Adv.Rabindra had provoked Shri Jasad Nandan Acharjee to witness against me strongly. The irresponsible attitude of police officer like SI Shariful is hampering my attention in fighting the growing Islamic terrorism.

As journalist and human rights activist I just went to find out the issues of forced conversion .But I am in problem for the irresponsible attitude of the police officer of Bangladesh police. I also request to the international community to write to the government to insure a   free and fare investigation.

Shiekh Hasina: PM of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a flourishing country with a large Muslim population. Recently, Bangladesh has been called different things, due to its growing Islamic extremism. Different governments have played a mixed role in fighting Islamic extremism. Presently, the Awami League government, which won the parliamentary elections with a large majority, has given the highest priority to fighting Islamic extremism.

Local and international media is covering the activities of the government against Islamic extremist groups. The government is trying to prove that Islamic extremism is going to be uprooted soon.

But the reality is very different. The Islamic extremists are growing and gathering more strength as the government initiates operations to uproot extremism. The reality is that the Islamic extremists are better equipped and strategically stronger than ever.

There are 786 high profile people in important positions of power that are closely linked with different Islamic extremist groups. Among these 786, there are 200 high-ranking government officials, including 76 individuals from the different intelligence agencies of the Bangladesh government, 20 powerful parliamentarians, and 7 high profile media personalities in different news media to fight the intellectual battle and propagate news and views in favor of the Islamic extremist groups.

The government failed to trace these 786 people and their national and international links. These 786 are working to create a scenario like what happened in Bangladesh in 1975, with the assassination of the “father of the nation” Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. As Rahman was assassinated, so will Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina if the government fails to fight these 786. Through the masses, the liberation in 1971 came about, and through the assignation of Sheikh Hasina will we be able to triumph over the tragedy of 1975.

William Gomes is an independent human rights activist ,Freelance Journalist and a political analyst. He can be reached at cda.exe@gmail.com

A Buddhist Zadi plundered in Teknaf of Cox’s Bazaar district

On 13 June at night an ancient Zadi situated on top of Nilla Bazaar hill has been broken. Nilla is 12 miles north of Teknaf (Kayoukchoung) in the district of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. It is not yet known whether it was an act of zealotry or was it merely plundered in search of treasure.

Adivasi village burnt-down in Porsha upazila of Naogaon district

On 12th June 2009, the land-grabbers attacked an Adivasi village at Porsha upazila of Naogaon district and burnt-down 74 houses. At least four hundred people assembled with grievous weapons under the leadership of one Nur Hossain Master and his son Nazrul Haque and attacked village Khatirpur Upar-Sonadanga in Chhaor union.

Clash between Jumma and Bengali settlers in Ramgarh

On 14 June 2009 clash between Jumma villagers and Bengali settlers occurred at Jalia Para under Ramgarh upazila in Khagrachari district. It is learnt that Bengali settlers from Jalia Para cluster village have been trying to occupy the land of Jumma villagers at Baroitali area of Baroitali mouza and Hafchari union under Ramgarh upazila. Baroitali area is around 8 kms far from Jalia Para cluster village.

A Jumma youth shot in Rangamati

On 13 June 2009 around 8.00 p.m. a Jumma youth named Kallol Chakma (23), s/o Prabhat Chakma of Banarupa in Rangamati town was shot by unidentified miscreants at Samataghat under Banarupa area.

Osama bin Laden may be laying low in Pakistan. But many of South Asia’s terrorists have a new hideout: Bangladesh.

In recent days, Bangladeshi police have been hot on the trail of disturbing developments: they’ve uncovered a plot that used Bangladesh to transit thousands of weapons to an Indian separatist group, and followed up by arresting key members of that group in Dhaka, the Bangladeshi capital, reports The Times of India.

Around the same time, police arrested a fugitive hit man working for Daud Ibrahim, one of South Asia’s most notorious terrorists. While in custody, the assassin divulged that 150 of Mr. Ibrahim’s operatives are stationed in Bangladesh, according to The Daily Star, a leading English-language newspaper based in Dhaka.

Source: CSMonitor

ISKCON in Bangladesh Under Fear of Attack by Muslim Terrorists

International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), a Hindu organization, fear attacks by Islamic militants after helping rescuedminor Hindu boy from madrasa.

Bangladesh government has failed to protect and promote human rightsof the minorities of Bangladesh over the years. Rape, gang-rape,kidnap and forceful conversion of members of the ethnic and religious minorities has turned Bangladesh into a land of human rights violation, opposed to the demand of UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The rising Islamic militancy threatens the existence of the minorities in Bangladesh. Many Hindus were forced to leave the country because of communal violence.

Recently, a minor Hindu boy, 13-year-old Poresh Chandra Sarkar, was traced out of his long disappearance. The boy from poor family took up job as child labour in a restaurant in the capital. Dhaka. Far from his village, there a Muslim man, named Hamdu Mia, came to know about the boy’s helpless condition, and with the help of some Maolanas (Muslim clerics) of a madrasa, they illegally converted this immature boy to a Islam from Hinduism and confined him in madrasa, away from all contact with his parents.

After lots of frantic searching for the boy, a clue came from a letter with $58 sent by Poresh to his father on 25.04.2008 through Genera Post Office (GPO) in Dhaka. Based on the clue, the boy’s father Krishna Chandra Sarker contacted a Muslim officer at the GPO. The officer informed Krishna Sarker that he knew of his son’s whereabouts and that he might get back his son if his family converted to Islam.

Failing to make contact with his beloved son, Mr. Sarker filed a police report (GD # 1498) with the Paltan Police Station, Dhaka.

The police then called in Hamdu Mia along with the Maulans to the Police Station. The parents, along with the relatives, beg to the police to hand over their son to them until late at night, but they were forced out of the Police Station with getting custody of the boy.

It appears that the police were connected to the extremists. The lawyers, representing the boy’s father, suspect that the innocent boy might have undergone terror-training in a camp somewhere like Bagmara, as the boy shout to his father over a cell-phone that, “I have sacrifice my life to establish the law of Allah in the world, and don’t try to find out me…..” (Allahar Ain Prothistha Korar Jonno ejibon utshorga koriachi Amar Khoj Korio na). He has been trained to keep shut himself under any circumstances.

Later on, the father and the son was brought before a court in Dhaka, chaired by magistrate Ms. Shamima Parvin on 07 April 2009. Unfortunately, ignoring the age of the victim and submission of Mr. Sarker’s lawyer, the magistrate ordered that the boy be sent to the Madrasa, instead of handing him over to his parents. But, faced with objection of the lawyers, she sent the boy to Jail Hajat (Safe Custody).

Later on, when the boy was produced before court again on May 5, he was handed over to his parents: the boy was rescued, thanks to his parents frantic efforts.

Poresh is slowly getting better decaling the extremist indoctrination and JIHAD mentality. But the parents, the boy, and ISKCON (who gave the family temporary shelter) are in fear of persecution by the Islamic extremists.

Many national and international organization has demanded to the government to take proper steps to secure the boy and his family and highly condemn the forceful conversion.

Jasada Nandan Acharjee, Sebait and Executor of Swai Bag Ashram said that “I do believe in the religious freedom of all people but I highly condemn what was happened with the poor Hindu boy Poresh, the Islamic fascist has brain washed the boy with message of hearted and Jihad and that is also violating the Human Rights”.

He said that many often the children of minority communities, targeted by the Islamic fascists, are indoctrinated with the message of Jihad.

Rupauga Goar Das Bramachary of ISKCON said that Poresh was initially saying that he would sacrifice his life for Allah, he was indoctrinated with the idea of JIHAD as the JMB (Jammatul Mujahedin, Bangladesh) people do; now after hearing the religious teaching of Hinduism, he is shedding the extremist teachings received at the madrasa.

He said we do believe in the religious freedom of every soul; when he becomes mature, he can entitled him with any religion, but no one should misguide a minor child with the Islamic JIHAD idea to destroy the boy’s life and endanger life of other people through him.

ISKCON’s food for life has gave shelter to this boy and to his parents. But the organization said: we have fear about the security; we have responsibility for the whole Hindu society related with us; for Poresh, the whole temple and other Hindu believers living nearby can face communal violence.

A small local Human Rights Organization, Sonatan International Foundation, is helping the family to get the legal aid.

The joint-secretary Pinaki said that “we have observed that some of the Islamic fascist are guarding outside of ISCKON temple, we are not sure how they came to know about the presence of the family in this temple, only we know about the presence of the Poresh and his family’s presence in this ISCKON temple”.

Prof. Nikhil Chandra Pal said that “The situation is very fearful. At any time, anything bad can happen to us and to the boy and his parents; we are all targeted by the Islamic extremists”.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), a US Congressional panel, has recently dropped Bangladesh from its Watch List of countries that violate rights of minorities to religious freedom. Bangladesh was in the list from 2005 to 2008.

USCRIF removed Bangladesh from the Watch List in its May 1, 2009 report, urging the new Awami League administration to strengthen protections for all Bangladeshis to enjoy the right to freedom of religion or belief, and undertake efforts to improve conditions for minority religious communities.

The commission hoped that the government of Bangladesh would investigate and prosecute, to the fullest extent of the law, the perpetrators of violent acts against members of the minority religious communities, women, and non-governmental organizations, committed in the past.

The fate of minorities, nonetheless, remains unchanged and their religious freedom is far from adequate.

Secularism in Danger in Bangladesh

The Islamic terrorist activities resulting in death of uncounted innocent and spreading the message of hearted and violence. Bangladesh have had failed to deal with the Islamic terrorism by the years. The root of Islamic terrorism was rooted historically by defining the Islam as a “state religion”. The historical rotten root of political Islam and Islamic extremism was rooted by the long absence of secular parliament democracy.

By knocking down the secular ascent of the constitution of Bangladesh the dirty politicians characterized Bangladesh from secular to Islamic Bangladesh.

Many nations all around the world have already successfully introduced anti terrorism legalization including Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and United States. It’s the need of time for Bangladesh to introduce and well and constructive Anti terrorism legislation

It’s ironically truth that the law alone will not be able to deter Islamic terrorism in Bangladesh. Before introducing anti terror law the government should first should first kick out the “bloody bismillah” and the root of Islamic extremism the state religion “Islam”. The nation and nationals should be indoctrinated with spirit of secularism and step forward to a better and progressive Bangladesh.

The anti terrorism law should be extra ordinary law that fits with the pure democratic standard and distinct from the laws of Bangladesh penal code. In drafting the law the government should keep in mind that in implementing the law no one should be able to use the law as political instrument.

In drafting the law government should keep in mind that the law should not only focus on the present or past activities of any Islamic extremist group but should focus on with a manner to curb the root of Islamic extremities from the society.

We have experienced the Islamic extremist are recruiting new members inside of the prisons of Bangladesh during their imprisonment. The Islamic extremist indoctrinated the ill fated the Muslims inside of the prisons of Bangladesh. In a situation like this Bangladesh government should start a new prison only for the Islamic extremists and insure the proper correction and teaching towards justice and peace.

Bangladeshi Parliament Building

Abraham Lincoln said, “Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people,” while Karl Marx said, “Democracy is the road to socialism.” The people of Bangladesh are wondering where they are headed. The country was born out of a long democratic movement coming out of civil war against the Pakistani junta. It’s been almost four decades since independence.

Bangladesh may become the greatest threat to peace and security in South Asia. While it was the focus of concern for activists back in 1971, and still remains so, the scenario has totally changed. Back in 1971, the situation was that activists and humanitarians in Bangladesh were being threatened, but now those outside of Bangladesh who desire peace may be threatened by Bangladesh. In the absence of democracy, the nation has been hijacked by military dictatorship and Islamic extremism. The country remains under the pressure of these two non-democratic groups.

Bangladesh has fully failed to establish democracy as an institution. In Bangladesh, every person, whether in a position of power or not, is very vocal about the idea of democracy, but the nation has failed to become democratic in a substantial way. Parties voted into power for the purpose of institutionalizing democracy bring their own version of democracy. The country today is plagued by a variety of problems threatening the peace and security of the South Asia region.

The requisites of democracy are absent in the democratic practice of Bangladesh. From liberty to equality, fraternity to sovereignty, an independent judiciary to the rights of the people, all are denied and demonized by the defective democratic system in Bangladesh.

In the absence of democracy, a sort of theocracy is taking its place and is being institutionalized into the sociopolitical system of Bangladesh. Islamic extremists have formed a shadow government in Bangladesh, while failing to gain support for an Islamic theocracy from the masses.

In 2009, there are 78,000 NGOs registered with different government institutions. NGOs play a vital role in the development of Bangladesh. The Islamic extremists successfully raised foreign donations during the term of the BNP-led alliance government in an amount nearly equal to Bangladesh’s 2009 financial budget.

In fostering democracy, poverty is a challenge before the nation, while Islamic extremists are trying to take the opportunity to take control of the areas of economy and development in Bangladesh, with Islamic institutions being able to control politics in Bangladesh.

Robert M. Hutchins said, “The death of democracy is not likely to be an assassination from ambush. It will be a slow extinction from apathy, indifference, and undernourishment.” In a very different way, the Islamic extremists have formed a shadow government here in Bangladesh, so that the death of democracy is certain.

Benjamin Franklin said, “Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!” When the wolves fight for the lamb, democracy, they are fighting to kill it. Democracy is death here in Bangladesh. The Islamic theocracy has triumphed.

William Gomes is an independent human rights activist, a Catholic ecumenical activist, and a political analyst. He is also the Executive Director of the Christian Development Alternative (CDA), a national organization against torture and human rights violations.

In that case the 2nd accused is the brother of general secretary of local Awami league. On 30th April 2009 , a group 7 unknown young men forcefully took him to Ranigonj Market by Motor Cycle .On the way they gave him bag and they took him to police station. Next day the police send the poor Hindu Minority in court filing a case of revering 20 “Fensidel” from this poor farmer.

Fascism Funded by Islamic NGOs

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) play a vital role in a developing country like Bangladesh. The number of NGOs in Bangladesh is in excess of 78,000 by the midst of the year 2009 registered with five different government instruments.  

The news that Islamic NGOs with foreign funds are fueling the Islamic militancy was bubbling all over Bangladesh. The Daily Star said that suspected NGOs include Rabita Al-Alam Al-Islami, Al-Muntada Al- Islami, Society of Social Reforms, Qatar Charitable Society, Islamic Relief Agency, Al-Forkan Foundation, International Relief Organisation, Kuwait Joint Relief Committee, Muslim Aid Bangladesh, Dar Al-Khair, Hayatul Igachha, and Tawheed-e-Noor.  

The daily New Age of Bangladesh wrote, “During the previous BNP-led alliance government, some 473 local and 25 foreign NGOs were enlisted with the NGO Affairs Bureau. One hundred and twenty-nine of them are local and eight foreign NGOs who were enlisted in the financial year 2006-07. Since 1990, the NGO Bureau has approved 2,367 local and foreign NGOs who run on foreign funding.” 

When the Bangladesh National Party-led alliance government was in power, 90,000 core taka (approx. US$1,300) in foreign donations, in the name of 11,000 NGOs, came into Bangladesh. That amount is nearly equal to the government’s financial budget for the year 2009, which is 99,962 core taka (approx. US$1,450).  

The main process of registering an NGO and funding its operations is highly dependent upon the bureaucracy. That was and is the main reason that NGO activities in Bangladesh have become politicized. As a result of this, during the term of the BNP-led alliance government, the institutional outfit of the Islamic fascist interest triumphed. 

The NGO registration process involves some powerful intelligence instruments of the government, such as the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), the National Security Intelligence (NSI), and the Special Branch of the Bangladesh Police. 

There is clear evidence of corruption and political interference in the NGO registration process. The government’s policy is tricky on the issue of NGO registration, especially the NGO affairs bureau, which is under the prime minister’s office in name, but is mainly controlled by intelligence instruments like the DGFI and the NSI. It is notable that there are several Islamic fascist proponents placed in various important government instruments, including intelligence organizations, during the term of the BNP alliance government. 

We have had a past record of 34 foreign funded major Islamic non-governmental organizations (NGO) and 15 are very active ngo’s back in year 2005. In 1999, the intelligence agencies tracked an NGO named Suffering Humanity International, which had vibrant relations with Islamic fascists to establish an Islamic dictatorship in Bangladesh.  

The Islamic fascists have fully succeeded in forming a shadow government in Bangladesh. The Islamic fascist outfit Ngo turned the money in several long time investments such as in Banking, health and hospital and education sector. In the time of need they will control the market and destabilize country. Even the same quarter has engulfed in the print and media sector with an ulterior motive to play ideological propaganda.  

The same quarter is nursing to bring new crisis before the government where the treatment of government is very poor. After the pilkahan revolt the prisons are the next target of the vested quarter to destabilize the country. The vested quarter is using prisons as recruiting office to strengthen their terrorist activities. The young people come out from the prison and join the source outside and take part in destructive works.  

The government should make it very clear to make the whole ngo activities free from the influence of the Intelligence and politics to safe the country from further massive failure. The Islamic ngos has turned into shadow government in Bangladesh and the highest threat before Bangladesh as well as to the security of south Asian region.

William Gomes is an independent human rights activist, a Catholic ecumenical activist, and a political analyst. He is also the Executive Director of the Christian Development Alternative (CDA), a national organization against torture and human rights violations.