Dhaka, February 6, 2016: Hindu community in Bangladesh was under attack again as the shopkeeper from the minority community had refused to sell cigarettes on credit.
Enraged members from the majority launched an attack on the refusal which resulted in 15 people from the minority community, including women and children, getting severely injured.
Three houses, belonging to the Hindu victims, were also damaged due to the attacks while the injured were admitted to a health complex for medical assistance.
The injured persons, all belonging to the Hindu community, are Sumon Sarkar (22), Harekrishna Das (32), Ms. Mohamaya (45),Ms. Murti Das (50), Kalidas (60), Sanjit Das (35),Ms. Chamkpa Sarkar (25), Anil Das (35) Ms.Radha Rani Sarkar.
As reported by Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW), on the date of the attack, on 27.12.2015, Mohammad Zihad son of Sayem Meah of the same locality went to purchase cigarettes from the Hindu shopkeeper Shree Kali Das on credit, but the latter refused to sell cigarettes without full payment.
This angered Mohammad Zihad and he returned with 50 to 60 hooligans who were equipped with deadly weapons who started beating the local Hindus and even damaged their houses.
U.P. Chairman of Farhadbad Abdul Aziz admitted that the attack indeed took place but he was unable to tell about the extent of damage caused to the minority community.
On behalf of Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW), Advocate Rabindra Ghosh contacted Angshu Kumar Dev-Officer in Charge (O.C.) of the local police station on the phone who said that “We are investigating the incident.”
The O.C. said one Sanjib Kumar Roy I.O. of the case is investigating the case.
Ghosh also contacted with Sanjib Kumar Roy over his mobile number and he said that “No accused persons have yet been arrested as those perpetrators are absconding.” The Investigating Officer also informed that one Sunil Candra Sarkar lodged First Information Report (FIR) in the Bancharampur P.S. case No.05, dated 30.12.2-15 under section 143/448/448/323/326/307/354/379/380/427 penal code against 10 attackers : 1) Nazrul Islam (35) son of Fazlu Meah, 2) Babu (25) son of Fazlu Meah, 3) Hriday (23) son of Fazlu Meah, 4) Sakil (18) son of Hiron Meah, 5) Chand Meah (28), son of Khagir Meah, 6) Badsha Meah (25) son of Nayan Meah, 7) Zonaid (22), son ofAbdul Mannan, 8) Rajib Meah (18) son of Raisul Ahmed, 9) Zihad (18) son of Khair Meah and 10) Shahid Meah (19) Kamal Hossain and 4 to 5 unknown persons.
he Investigating Officer also informed that one Sunil Candra Sarkar lodged First Information Report (FIR) in the Bancharampur P.S. case No.05, dated 30.12.2-15 under section 143/448/448/323/326/307/354/379/380/427 penal code against 10 attackers : 1) Nazrul Islam (35) son of Fazlu Meah, 2) Babu (25) son of Fazlu Meah, 3) Hriday (23) son of Fazlu Meah, 4) Sakil (18) son of Hiron Meah, 5) Chand Meah (28), son of Khagir Meah, 6) Badsha Meah (25) son of Nayan Meah, 7) Zonaid (22), son ofAbdul Mannan, 8) Rajib Meah (18) son of Raisul Ahmed, 9) Zihad (18) son of Khair Meah and 10) Shahid Meah (19) Kamal Hossain and 4 to 5 unknown persons.
Till now the police have not arrested any perpetrators responsible for this attack which has angered BDMW which wants immediate arrest of the perpetrators responsible for this crime and has demanded relief aid for the Hindu victims who are undergoing treatments.
Earlier too, we had reported that 15 Rishi Hindu families were attacked in Bangladesh by the perpetrators after they had resisted their advances to sexually assault the community.
Even the activist Rabindra Ghosh has complained that he is being threatened by powerful people to not raise voice for the minority Hindu victims.