News, Articles, and Analyses from Various Sources

REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER

Updated: May 27, 2002 09:38

06-Mar-02 (Independent) Housewive raped in Rajshahi Christian Palli - The rape of a housewife allegedly by a Union Parishad member at the Christian Palli of Miapur village under Haragram union of Paba Upazila of the district has led to anger and protest in the area. According to sources, Union Parishad member of Haragram union Mostafizur Rahman Bablu entered the house of the victim and raped her on the night of February 26 last. Her husband was not in the house during the commission of the criminal act. Some 70 Christian families live in the Palli. None dared to file a complaint against the influential union member.

06-Mar-02 (Independent) Taliban connections in Bangladesh: The signs are ominous - In the midst of escalating violence and lawlessness in the country, the Taliban issue had taken a back seat... In response to questions put to her by journalists, Sheikh Hasina said that Begum Zia’s cabinet had two Taliban ministers. She certainly did not say that the people of Bangladesh are all Taliban or fundamentalist or communal...How can Begum Zia deny a fact that is there for the whole world to see? The Prime Minister deliberately distorted the facts to present a confusing picture because she certainly knows the true identity of her two Jamaat colleagues. Jamaat’s declared goals and its sympathies for the Al Qaeda are not matters for speculation; these are established facts...

28-Feb-02 (Independent) 20 injured as terrorists attack houses of Christian community in 2 Pabna villages - At least 20 people were injured as some terrors allegedly attacked and damaged several houses of Christian community members in two villages of Chatmohor Upazila in the district on Tuesday night, reports UNB.

27-Feb-02 (Ajkerkagoj / HRCBM) Two Housewives of Minority Family Gang Raped in Muladi, Barishal - Investigation reveals that the terrorists, subservient to local BNP leader Altaf Master, attacked Porimondal and Shunimondal's home at night. First,  they beat the brothers after fastening them tightly. They also hit their old  mother when she begged for the lives of her sons. The terrorists robed five  thousand taka in cash and gold ornaments. Finally, they took the two wives with them while leaving the ransacked home. These two wives were then gang raped in a nearby field (Paner Boroj).

25-Feb-02 (HRCBM) Video Suggests Ethnic Cleansing of Minorities in Bangladesh - Over couple of decades minorities of Bangladesh and former East Pakistan were hounded, oppressed and slaughtered. There number declined from 37% to 29% in 20 years of Pakistani rule. After the independence, the population of minorities has further declined from 29% to 14%.

17-Feb-02 (BHRN) The protection of minorities: A critical challenge for everyone - Politically motivated statements and multifarious propaganda are spreading misconception about the oppression and leading the crisis towards a complicated  ending instead of towards a fair solution. Whatever might be the extent of the incidents, it was clear that there was oppression on the minorities and that should be stopped immediately. All concerned should also bear in mind that a single instance of act of terrorism is enough to panic the people of a whole community, at least, psychologically. The Hindu minority has little effective leadership. Its only response to the situation has been to vote with its feet. The divisive and conservative approach of the community leaders, in fact, contributes to the growth of mutual disbelief and hatred.

16-Feb-02 (Janakantha / HRCBM) BNP terrorists gang-rape 32 year old housewife (minority) in front of her son and husband - BNP muslim terrorists raped 32 year old Putul Rani Das( a Hindu woman) while holding a gun on the head of her son and husband. Alo Rani Das (28) (another married Hindu woman), of the same village was raped by the same gang of muslim terrorists. (Read in Bangla)

16-Feb-02 (Independent) Convention on Crime Against Humanity ends: Declaration asks govt to halt 'political and religious cleansing' - The two-day National Convention on Crime Against Humanity concluded yesterday with a Declaration demanding that the government immediately halt the ongoing violence, repression and terror on the people and stop political and religious persecution.

15-Feb-02 (Observer) Hasina plans dialogue with all parties: Human rights widely violated all over country - Awami League Chief and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said that she would initiate a dialogue with all political parties and socio-cultural forces to bring an end to "politics of killing, atrocities and revenge".

13-Feb-02 (Janakantha / HRCBM) Gang rape continues at Naugaou, minority girls appeal for justice - 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.

11-Feb-02 (Independent) National Convention on Crime Against Humanity: Justice Sobhan calls to make nat’l convention a success - The organisers of the National Convention on Crime Against Humanity have called upon the people to make the programme a success for building up resistance against the evil forces which are trying to destroy the communal harmony in Bangladesh.

10-Feb-02 (Ittefaq) The Diray Hindu family of Sunamganj is still anxious - The family was asked to leave the area. Terrorists attacked children, women, and girls of Diray family when they questioned their demand. Local terrorists Lalmia conducted the attack in attempt to occupy the lands and property of the family. Police arrested 3 people in relation to the attack.

07-Feb-02 (Ittefaq) The Safe and Christa-prasad stolen from Bandarban Church - Unknown miscreants lifted the holy safe and christa-prasad from the Fatima Rani Church of the Bandarban District town. In protest against that hundreds of people belonging to the Christian community held silent rally in the town. The Church has been under chain incidences of stealing, dacoity, and various displeasing events during the last two months.

06-Feb-02 (Ajker Kagoj / HRCBM) 6 people wounded: BNP cadres illegally seized land of a minority family at Bagherhat - A group of miscreants identified as the ruling party cadres attacked a minority family at Chitalmari subdistrict under Bagherhat. They seized the land of the minority family and placed a signboard of the party there.

05-Feb-02 (Janakantha / HRCBM) BNP cadres again gang raped a minority girl in Bagherhat - The ruling party cadres along with some elements of Islamic Fundamentalists continue their medieval rampage in Mullhahat. Again they have attacked and gang raped a school going girl of minority community in broad daylight.

05-Feb-02 (Ittefaq) Attempt to occupy temple property, 25 injured in the events of damage of deity in Munshiganj - A group of armed terrorists, leaded by Aftab quazi and Momin molla, occupy and start building houses on the land of a temple at shekharnagar baazar of sirajdikhan upazila in Munshiganj district. 25 people including women were injured when local minorities tried to resist them. At this time terrorists damage deity of goddess Kali of the temple. Monday night police has arrested Aftab quazi and Momin molla.

05-Feb-02 (Ittefaq) Minorities are feeling unsecured at Puthia - Police has arrested Taitul, Moazzem, and Akram in relation to the attack on Kartik Kumar Dey, a rich businessman at Puthia. Hindu families in the area have become captive in their home in fear of further attacks. Last Saturday evening, Kartik Kumar Dey was seriously wounded when terrorists attacked him with ram da and Chinese axe and stabbed him on at least 13 places of his body. BNP supporters conduct this attack. Kartik's family was asked to leave the area in October after the general election.

04-Feb-02 (NFB) 15 minority people injured in attack by terrorists in Munshiganj - At least 35 people belonging to minority community were injured in an attack by armed terrorists at Shekhernagar bazar in Sirajdikhan upazila here today, reports UNB. According police sources, a gang of armed terrorists led by one Afteb Kazi and Momin Mollah of Gopalpur came to Shekhernagar at 11 am and started making houses on a piece of land owned by Kali Mandir (temple).

03-Feb-02 (Ittefaq) Miscreants attacks Vairab temple shebayet at Kishoreganj - Temple shebayet Probal Chakrabarty was beaten by the terrorists with in the municipal office.

03-Feb-02 (Ittefaq)  Rangpur - Two Hindu Businessmen asked to donate huge money. Police is not taking any action. Attempt to hijack one of the businessman's son by two BNP leaders was resisted by the local people.

01-Feb-02 (Independent) Govt blamed for failure to end repression on minorities - Speakers at a rally yesterday called upon the democratic and pro-independence forces to strengthen their unity to wage a resistance movement against the perpetrators of repression and atrocities across the country. Addressing the rally at the central Shahid Minar, they also demanded of the government to immediately publish the report of the probe body on repression and atrocities unleashed on the members of the minority community and the opposition after the October 1 national polls.

01-Feb-02 (Janakantha) United resistance to be created against minority repression - At the national meeting against fundamentalism speakers urge the progressive minded pro-independence power to unite against fundamentalism and religious fanaticism. About the atrocities and attacks on minority that is continuing in the country for the last few months, speakers at the meeting regretted that evil power could not conduct mayhem to such an extent provided they could unite and resist the evils. The meeting was held at the central Shahid Minar, thrusday afternoon called by the Hindu-Boudhha-Christian Oika Parishad.

30-Jan-02 (Meghbarta) Assault on minorities in Bangladesh - an analysis - The post-election violence in Bangladesh (2001) specifically targetted the Hindu minority population though in a broader frame it also encompassed Awami League  supporters and other progressive forces in the rural areas. The  violence has largely been known to be initiated by BNP supporters in various localities...

28-Jan-02 (CBB / Drishtipat) Fund Raising Event in the California Bay area, USA for the victims of Ananda Prashad village, Bhola - Expatriate Bangladeshis in the California Bay area, USA have arranged a fund raising event to help the victims of attacks on minority in Bangladesh. Slide show highlighting the suffering of the affected minorities, protests, poetry recitation, and songs by various artists from the Bangladeshi community have been arranged at the event. This is part of the Drishtipat's "Cheye Dekho Campaign for Annada Prashad" to help rebuild the shattered morale of the minorities in Bangladesh. SpaandanB and Drishtipat have come forward with this fund raising event targeted for the victims of Annada Prashad village of Bhola. Money raised from all over the United States by Drishtipat will be administered by SpaandanB through Ain-O-Shalish Kendro and Mahila Parishad.

28-Jan-02 (CSW.org) Religious Minorities victimised after new party elected in Bangladesh - According to conservative estimates by the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities, ten people have been killed, more than 1,000 women have been raped and several thousand families across the country have lost their land since the new government took over. The pro-Islamic BNP formed a coalition with radical Islamic militant groups including the Jama'at-e-Islami (JI) which religious minorities believe hold Taliban sympathies. Up to 50 Christian families in Chatiangacha village in the western district of Natore, have been targeted for extortion.

27-Jan-02 (Ittefaq / Jugantor) Damage of deity at Mehendiganj, Barisal - Unknown miscreants reportedly damaged an idol of deity Kali from the temple of Monoranjan Kirtania and another idol of goddess Durga from the temple of Umesh Bhakta at South Charhogla village of Mehendiganj, Barishal last Thrusday. The owner informed that the attack was conducted deep in the night. They did not inform the police due to the fear of further attack.

27-Jan-02 (Ittefaq) Minority repression at Maheshkhali, Cox'sbazar - Two weeks before the election of Maheshkhali municipal corporation, minority voters and their families here are facing repression. Speakers at a local press conference claimed that even police is denying to accept the cases against the attacks on minority. There are about 4,000 minority voters out of a total of 13,000. The election is to be held on 12th February. The supporters of ruling party have not only banned the minority voters to cast their vote, but they also have started assaulting physical. At the press conference Gopal Krishna De and Neheru De described the attacks and atrocities that is being conducted on them.

27-Jan-02 (Jugantar) Thakurgaon minority families under attack, 10 injured - Terrorist Abul Mamtaj and his gang has attacked the families of Mukmel Barman, Asok Nandi, and Tukmel Barman at the goalpara village of Rahimanpur union in Thakurgaon sadar upazila. Abul Mamtaj is the son of the notorious local terrorist Kalai Dacoit. Mamtaj and his gang forcefully enter the houses, attack and beat men and women, looted valuables and cattle. They have also molested four women of the families. 10 have been injured of which seriously injured Saitha bala (47) has been admitted in the Thakurgaon Hospital. Terrorists demanded a huge amount of money from the families. This cruel attack was the result of their inability to pay their demand. Saturday morning villagers took refuge at the union council office in fear of the terrorists. Local leaders have visited the area, but the situation there is still dreadful. Read more in Janakantha / HRCBM

27-Jan-02 (Janakantha) Hunger strike in Brussles in protest against human rights violation and repression on minorities in Bangladesh - Wednesday, from 10 am to 2 pm, expatriate Bangalees demonstrated a token hunger strike in front of European Union Headquarters at Brussles in proest against human rights violation, atrocity and attacks on minorities and suppression and persecution of workers of opposition party. Demonstrators handed over a petition and various documentary evidences of human rights violation in Bangladesh to the president of European Union, professor Romano Prodi. A large number of Bangalees participated in the token hungerstrike. Among them were special assistant of leader of the opposition of Bangladesh (Sheikh Hasina) Dr. Hasan Mahmud, President of Belgium Awami league Rezaul Karim Panna, Jiauddin Ahmed, Jahangir Chowdhury Ratan, Shahidul Islam, Siddikur Rahaman, Golam Sarwar, Bajlur Rashid Vulu, Jasimuddin Bhuiyan, and Nasiruddin Piku. In the petition, they demanded the intervention of European Union to protect the human rights in Bangaldesh, and to stop the atrocities against minorities and oppositions.

26-Jan-02 (Ittefaq) Deity of goddess Kali damaged in a village of Bogra - Last Thursday night, a group of terrorists ransacked a temple and damaged the deity of Hindu goddess Kali. A case has been filed in the police station. Eye-witnessed informed that attack and repression on minority in that area is being continued since the aftermath of general election. The present attack on the temple was the result of disagreement of the Hindu community to withdraw the cases filed for the previous attacks.

23-Jan-02 (Ittefaq) Attack on Hindu village in Jhalkathi, 10 injured - Armed terrorists attack a Hindu area of Guaton village of Jhalkathi upazila looting and ransacking five houses. 10 have been injured including 3 women due to their beating and stabbing, among them three are seriously injured. The injured are Pushpa (40), Ahladi (50), Ashim Roy (25), Sukumar (35), Bidhan (20), Kartik (60), Shitesh (70), Buty(25), Dulal (28) and Bimal Roy (32). Attacked minorities informed that BNP terrorists want to unlawfully acquire their property and uproot them from their land. They demanded a huge amount of money. The attacks were conducted as they were unable to give money to the terrorists.

21-Jan-02 (Ittefaq) Banaripara temple ransacked - A puja mandap (temple) at Madarkathi village of Banaripara, Barishal has been reportedly ransacked. Nilkanta Halder, the owner of the mandap, reportedly known to have land related dispute with the two attackers namely Jadab and Omar Ali Dakua, who tried to acquire the land after damaging the Mandap and deity in it. Police says, the fact is fabricated.

19-Jan-02 (Ittefaq) Minority home ransacked in demand of money - The home of Ramprasad, a minority in Keraniganj, was heavily ransacked and looted by the local Faruk-Selim gang of terrorists. Terrorists reportedly demanded a handsome money and also damaged trees and plantations.

19-Jan-02 (Ittefaq) "People are anxious due to terrorism, minority repression and raping" -- Dr. Kamal - Gonoforum President Dr. Kamal Hossain said people has mandated against the past government's terrorism, repression, and tyranny of godfathers. But the way the newly elected government is conducting terrorism, repression of religious minority, and raping, the whole country has become very worried at that. The government failed to stop this terrorism despite of pressures of national and international opinions. President of the forum spoke out at the extended meeting of the central comitte of Gonoforum. Fazlul Haque Khondaker, Ad. Shantipada Ghose and Dr. Mijanur Rahman was also present at the meeting.

18-Jan-02 (Ittefaq) Present atrocities leap beyond 1971 - Human Rights Congress of Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM), a Santa Clara, California based organization of "Nikhil Banga Nagarik Sangha" in a letter to United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees has urged to protect the minorities of Bangladesh. An e-mail on behalf of the organization informed this to the Newspapers of Dhaka. The email pointed out that numerous Hindus have lost their homes due to the atrocities before and after the October general election. Many women have been raped and many people have left their homeland. Present atrocities leap beyond the atrocities that was committed in 1971 during war of Independence, it said. The President of the Organization Dr. Dheeman Deb Chowdhury and General Secty. Chanchal Chattergy sent this mail to the UN Commissioner.

16-Jan-02 (Independent) Rally, hunger strike in NY protesting atrocities on minorities in Bangladesh - A rally and hunger strike was organised on Monday in front of the United Nations Headquarters at New York in the United States Protesting what they said the recent atrocities on the religious minorities, particularly the Hindus by the Islamic fundamentalists and Talibans, who are part of present government of Bangladesh.

14-Jan-02 (Janakantha/Mayer Dak) Shakhari Bazar: Hindus Stay Home to Avoid Massive Arrests - Shakhari Bazar's Hindu residents have said that they are dreadful after the Shani temple was attacked. The Hindus staged protest rally and meetings, when they were attacked again. The police did not pay attention to their protests.

6-Nov-01 (Tehelka.com) What is Bangladesh doing with its hard-won freedom? - The streets of Bangladesh are littered with pictures of Osama bin Laden. Didn't Khaleda's BNP-Jamaat coalition government promise the Western world unconditional support in the fight against terrorism? Why then is there a sudden upsurge in the Al Qaeda's popularity in Bangladesh? It is worrying that while the government does not seem vigilant against religious fanatics working on public opinion, it is stifling free thought and speech in the country.

11-Jan-02 (Daily Ittefaq) Terrorists set fire at Keshabpur Baisha Kali-temple - Middle of night terrorist attack and setting fire totally damaged the main part of  the infamous Keshabpur Kali-temple at Jessore.  The diety of the goddess Kali has also been stolen. The same temple is reported to be ransacked in a similar manner in 1964 and 1992 during the outbreaks of communal violence that time.

07-Jan-02 (Newsday.com) Bengali Groups Sound Off, U.S. leaders cite religious persecution in Bangladesh - About a dozen heads of Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and human rights organizations gathered in Jackson Heights at the end of November to discuss their fears of what they are calling "Pogrom 2001" in Bangladesh. The leaders said since a new government came to power Oct. 1, systematic terrorist attacks have been made on Hindus, Buddhists and Christians in the largely Muslim country.

03-Jan-02 (Sangbad / HRCBM) BNP Cadres’s barbarism: Five minority women tortured and molested in Bagherhat including mother and daughter - In the village of Chitalmari subdistrict under Bagherhat district, notorious cadres of ruling party went on rampage. The scoundrels gang raped five minority women and tormented the victims in a primitive manner (read in Bangla).

01-Jan-02 (HRCBM) Tales that refugees tell - A special report of HRCBM Relief Workers from West Bengal, India where uprooted Bangladesh minorities have taken shelter. Despite the risks of harassment in the name of "sedition" by the Bangladesh Government, they too have documented and video taped the proofs of repression for proper authentication and necessary legal steps in future against the terrorists.

01-Jan-02 (HRCBM) Tales that Refugees tell ... not only the  8 years minor girl Mamata was raped but also the terrorists raped her mother Ritu Bala, and her brother's wife too. Mamata's brother was seriously injured while he wanted to resist them... Read HRCBM's investigation report on uprooted Bangladesh Minorities in India.

31-Dec-01 (Observer) AI chief concerned over HR violations in Bangladesh - Irene Z Khan emphasized maintaining communal harmony and protecting the rights of minorities. She also reiterated AI’s call for punitive measures against those who are responsible for the attacks on minority people before and after the October 1 election.

30-Dec-01 (Independent) Thoughts on human rights and human security - In Bangladesh, Amnesty International has expressed its concerns about recent attacks against Hindus, and has called for a full and independent investigation so that those responsible can be identified and brought to justice.

29-Dec-01 (Observer) Fundamentalists defending Khatib - This has appeared to be a common happenings that the Imams of different mosques across the country are engaged in giving political and communal speeches.

27-Dec-01 (Observer) Irine Khan meets PM: AI mission due soon to see human rights situation - Amnesty International will send a mission to Bangladesh soon to see human rights situation in the country following allegations of violence against women and minority.

25-Dec-01 (Yahoo) Three Bangladeshis shot dead by Indian border guards - Hundreds of minority Hindus, fearing persecution by religious fundamentalists, have fled to West Bengal after Zia took office. Since October, at least 20 Bangladeshis had been killed by the Indian border guards along the 2,000-km border

25-Dec-01 (Observer) AL week-long programme People urged to unite against govt repression - The central leaders of Awami League alleged that the Four-party Alliance had established a reign of terror across the country since October 1 general elections and erected the present situation of Bangladesh which is like that of the Liberation War period.

24-Dec-01 (Mayer Dak) Report: 4 Million Bangladeshi Minorities are Victims of Ethnic Persecution - Since the pre-election stage in mid 2001, at least 4 million or about 20% of the country’s minorities have become victims of torture directly or indirectly. The majority of them are Hindus and the rest are Christians, Buddhist and Tribal Hindus. Among the persecuted, at least one fourth of them are either homeless or still in the fear of being attacked. Hundreds of thousands of minorities are waiting to take shelter in India and other neighboring countries... Till to date about one thousand temples, churches and pagodas have been damaged, thousands of puja pandals have been attacked, and images of gods and goddess' that have been damaged are over a few thousands in number... More than one hundred women including minors have become victims of rape...

24-Dec-01 (Observer) US terms Khatib 'misguided' for remarks - The United States has termed the Khatib of Baitul Mokarram mosque `misguided’ for his remarks against USA and President Bush for anti-Laden military action in Afghanistan.

23-Dec-01 (Bangladesh Info) Bangabhumi movement: Home Minister’s claim denied - The two prime suspects of Bangabhumi movement denied their involvement in a plot to promote separatism in the country.

20-Dec-01 (Observer / NFB) 'US number one terrorist in the world': 'Fatwa' of Baitul Mukarram Khatib - Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Moulana Obaidul Huq gave a 'fatwa' terming America and President Bush as the "number one terrorist" in the world.

12-Dec-01 (Independent) BHBCOP to publish report on repression against minority in a week - The Bangladesh Hindu-Bouddha-Christian Oikya Parishad (BHBCOP) will publish within a week a complete report compiled by it on the repression and atrocities committed against the minority community following the parliamentary elections of October 1.

10-Dec-01 (Independent) Repression wouldn't have continued without BNP's patronisation

10-Dec-01 (Washington Times) Indian parties plead Hindu refugees' cause - More than 17,000 supporters of the defeated Awami League government in Bangladesh have fled to India in the past two months, the great majority of them Hindus who complain of murder, rape and looting at the hands of fundamentalist Muslims backing the newly elected Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

09-Dec-01 (Independent) Tale of Tanuja's travail - Miscreants scorched the body of little Tonuja by throwing a petrol bomb at her when she was playing in the courtyard of their home recently. Since this incident and its aftermath the family of the girl who belongs to the minority community, is suffering from a sense of insecurity even at home.

08-Dec-01(Independent) Letter to Editor: Oppression of religious minorities in Bangladesh - The Association of Bangladeshi Engineers of Ontario (ABEO) representing more than a thousand engineers and architects of Bangladesh origin living in Ontario, Canada, at a recent meeting of its executive committee has expressed deep concern about reports in various newspapers of untold atrocities committed against religious minorities in Bangladesh ...

08-Dec-01 (Janakantha) "Give us money or give us your daughter" Bangladeshi Christians are told - In the Boraigram sub district of Natore district in Bangladesh Christian families with adolescent daughters spend each night under the threat of losing their honor. (Read in Bangla: Last page, Janakantha, 08-Dec-01)

08-Dec-01 (Janakantha) "During the period of coalition govt. more women have been raped than in 1971: Jalil" - (Read in Bangla: Last page, Janakantha, 08-Dec-01)

05-Dec-01 (Amnesty International) Report:  Bangladesh: Hindu minority must be protected - Amnesty International is calling on the government to take decisive action to protect the Hindu community. Specifically it should initiate a full, independent and impartial investigation into the attacks and bring to justice those responsible for them.

01-Dec-01 (Amnesty International) Report: Bangladesh: Attacks on members of the Hindu minority  - As a minority community in Bangladesh sharing a language and religion with the Indian populations of West Bengal, Hindus have been subjected to discriminatory practices or attacks by Muslim groups in Bangladesh. None of the governments in Bangladesh since its independence has taken any decisive steps to protect Hindus in the face of potential threats, including the current attacks.

01-Dec-01 (Bangladesh Web) Home minister now admits (to atrocities against Hindus) - Home Minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury admitted yesterday that there were 'some attacks' on the Hindus by a 'section of terrorists'. The minister had repeatedly said earlier that he visited different parts of the country but could not find any incident of repression on the Hindus. He had termed press reports in this regard as fabricated and part of a conspiracy by Awami League to discredit the new government.

28-Nov-01 (Yahoo News / OneWorld.net) Media Watchdog Hails Struggle for Press Freedom (OneWorld.net) - ... the wake of a global outcry on attacks against the press in the South Asian Muslim nation of Bangladesh. A journalist covering widespread attacks on members of the country's minority Hindu community...

16-Nov-01 (HRCBM / Observer) - The famous Hindu leader and Freedom Fighter gunned down - As the 60-year-old freedom fighter Muhuri expressed his ignorance about Tayebur, the angry gunmen shot him at pointblank range. He died on the spot as the bullets pierced his right ear and came out through the left one blowing up the scull.

08-Nov-01(Asia2000.org) BANGLADESHI HINDUS FLEE HOMELAND FOR INDIA - Harrowing charges of looting, land-grabbing and torture of Hindus in Bangladesh since Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia's new government was sworn in last month have seized headlines in Hindu-majority India.

05-Nov-01 (Yahoo News / Reuters) BJP, SP demand safety for Bangladesh Hindus - Local leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party gave a petition to a Bangladeshi diplomat in Calcutta on Monday protesting against alleged "attacks and atrocities" against minority Hindus in Bangladesh. Photo

02-Nov-01 (Yahoo News / Reuters) Bangladeshi Hindus cross into West Bengal  - Tales of looting, rape, land-grabbing and other forms of torture on Hindus have made headlines in Bangladesh and India following the victory of Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, whose government took office on October 10 Photo

01-Nov-01 (Sangbad) The story of pre and post election violation against minorities (Bengali)

31-Oct-01 (HRCBM / Vorer Kagoj) Stop the barbaric game of torture and atrocities - Only Purnima, Basanti of Satkhira or Lakshmi of Daganbhunga is not the only victim of such atrocities, numerous women of minority community have become victims. BNP, Jamayat-Shibir gang and Islamic fundamentalist groups have started such inhuman activities after the country's general poll.  Support from the government and downright falsehood of the home minister to support the perpetrators are adding momentum to these outrages incidents.  Read this report in English or Bangla.

30-Oct-01 (Sangbad) Minorities in Bangladesh Need to Pay Tax to Stay in their Ancestral  Homes - Minorities in Bangladesh Need to Pay Tax to Stay in their Ancestral  Homes: Declaration from BNP Cadres in Rauzan and Rangunia.

30-Oct-01 (HRCBM) Report: Rape Torture and Murder by Govt. Of Bangladesh - Recent Atrocities Against Minorities in Bangladesh: Weekly Report generated by World Hindu Federation, Bangladesh Chapter and Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM)

28-Oct-01 (NDTV) Minorities in Bangladesh  targetted - In the post election aftermath, violence swept through the remote villages of the country, especially in the Barisal District and incidents of arson, rape, loot and extortion have become common. A team from NDTV visited the remote village of Ramshil, where more than 10,000 people who fled their villages had sought shelter.

17-Oct-01 (Radio Australia) BANGLADESH: Hindus and religious minorities under attack - Hindus, Christians and Buddhists say they've become targets of violence since Sheikh Hasina's Awami League was defeated in general elections earlier this month.

12-Oct-01 (Janakantha / HRCBM) Vicious Brigand’s Hamlet; Nolbunia is now a desolated land: Rape and atrocity everywhere -  Minority houses and adjacent area of Rampal's Prasadnagar is now a desolated land. BNP and Jamat led continuous atrocities have evicted all minorities from the area. The same situation is in the Nolbunia village. Read in English or Bangla.

11-Oct-01 (Janakantha / FISI) Mayhem in Bangladesh - Subjugated and defamed Hindu minorities of seven districts are leaving the Country.

10-Oct-01 (Janakantha / FISI) 15 thousand minority families dislodged in two districts: thousands of houses ablaze, hundreds of women raped - Islamic fundamentalists have initiated a rain of terror forcing minorities to endure living in a nightmare condition in those areas. Janakantha correspondence Mr. Mojammel Haq after visiting the affected areas today (Tuesday) described that the situation is far grave than the atrocities of 1971.

08-Oct-01 (Ajker Kagaj / HRCBM) BNP sponsored skirmishes against minorities - This report is published in Bengali. Please click here to download the report.

07-Oct-01 (Observer) BNP threatens minorities to leave country - Panchanan Biswas, MP-elect of Khulna-1 constituency has accused BNP of resorting to violence in Batiaghata and Dakope Upazilas of Khulna. Panchanan citing many of the victims of Dakope-Batiaghata area said, BNP leaders ransacked, set fire and looted houses and business of those people. "They threatened minorities to leave country" he added.

October 2001(BHRA) The protection of minorities: A critical challenge for everyone - Article on "Bangladesh Human Rights Network"

October 2001(Drik.net) Durga Puja: Reality 2001 - Hindus have faced politically motivated violence and persecution many times over the years. We celebrate the festivities, in remembrance of those who have suffered ...

2001 (APGR-list) Violence against Minority People in Bangladesh

2001 (IMDiversity.com / AP) Bangladesh Rights Group Reports Violence Against Minority Hindus

2001 (South Asia Terrorism Portal) Report: Bangladesh Assesment - 2001