From Prof. Ajoy Roy, Dhaka

Subject: "BD Election and its Fall out: Atrocities On Minorities "

Dear Mukto-Monas,

Here is the Part II(A) of my series of articles under the title 'BD election and its fall out'. The title of this article, which is in fact a compilation of Violence against minorities published in local dailies. Because of page restriction of my system I can not send a bigger article. The part IIA covers the period up to 23. 12. 01. In my earlier article Part I describe the atrocities occuring in the month of September i.e. pre-election period. Kindly see below..

But tragedy is that the city dwellers take very little notice of the harrowing tales of the poor and helpless minorities. At the present condition obtaining in the country under great lady Khaleda can a secular Bangladesh be built. I wonder.

Ajoy Roy

Article

BD Election and its Fall out Part II A: Post election Atrocities against BD minorities

- Prof. Ajoy Roy

Violence Committed against Religious and Ethnic Minorities by the armed cadres of 4-party alliance led by Bangladesh National Party (BNP) has no limit either in dimension or in variegation. As the article reveals in its pages the violence has been directed against the women, children, olds, youths indiscriminately without any respect to ages or sex belonging to the members of the minority communities. The natures of violence are as follows:

Killing

Inhuman Physical torture including causing severe injuries to bodies by Hackle, Heavy iron rods, Cycle Chain, Sharp knives, Axe, Hatchet, drilling machines and of course fire arms.

Raping, molestation, dishonoring, insulting of the women folk irrespective their ages, and marital status.

Looting of properties

Extortion of money

Torching of houses and business establishments

Constant threatening to the minority communities to leave the country or embrace Islam.

Forcible occupation of houses, business establishments

Imposition of tax on each minority family (called Minority tax) in lieu of their safety

& Many types.

This article is in fact is a compilation of reports published in some important local dailies such as:

1. The Daily Sangbad (Bangla)
2. The daily 'Janakantha (Bangla)
3. The Daily 'Banglabazar (Bangla)
4. The 'Daily Star' (English)

I have refrained from making any personal remark. Let the readers judge themselves to what extent its (violence) ferocity and dimension has reached. This compilation is up to 23. 12. 01. Because of the page constrain I limited to that date. In my Part IIB the rest of the compilation posted.

 

Post Election Violence Continued – but only on Larger Scale:

 

The post election violence took a serious turn: BNP-Jamat miscreants, activists let loose terror against minority community and pro- Awami elements. All local dailies are publishing these reports. given below a brief account taken from a few papers:

Date line 5.10. 01

Bangla daily "JanaKantha "

Caption 1

 

 

 

 

Inside, it reports in all 64 districts BNP_Jamat activists turned on mainly on Minority Community and Awami League workers. In the Capital, Khilgaon , Mirpur, Sabujbag, Lalbag are the affected areas. All educational institutions including Dhaka University, Bus and Lunch terminals have been taken control by the pro BNP armed elements.

Caption 2

 

" Four Awami league Workers has been killed by BNP-Jamat Terrorists; Residence of Tofael Ahmed, an ex Minister, and Golundaz, an ex M.P have been ransacked"

Inside it gives details:

(I). Gafforgaon: Residence of Altaf Hosain Golandaz attacked and set fire. More

than three thousand armed cadres belonging to BNP-Jamat took

part in this operation.

Bhola: Hundreds of houses of Minorities were set fire and looted. Even the

house of Toffee Ahmed was not spared

Satkhira: Residence of Matiur Rahman, Commander -freedom fighter has

been ransacked, set fire and looted.

Narsinghdee: 600 hundred strong armed miscreants of 4-party alliance set fire 20

houses belonging to minority communities and Awami supporters.

In this operation at least 11 persons including 7 women were

Wounded. 

Devidwar(Comilla): Families of minority community were driven out of their

Residences and then set fire.

Patgram (Lalmonirhat): Pro Awami leaguers were beaten; Hindus attacked-

their houses set fire.

Feni: Terrorist activities directed against minorities continued unabated.

Minorities are the Principal targets

Morelganj (Bagerhat): More than 2000 inhabitants of 31 villages inhabited by minority. Communities were forcibly driven out of the villages. They took shelter at Mongla. The operation was carried out by a 50-member terrorists led by one Ripon, an accused of many antisocial activities, released just before the Election by the Caretaker Government.

Similar reign of terror against minorities and Awamis continuing in all over the country… At least 4 Awami-workers killed in Natore, Bagerhat, Sahzadpur, and Feni. In Narayanganj, Barisal, and Commilla hundreds of houses of Minorities are ransacked, looted. Took shelter elsewhere for fear of life.

Caption 3

" In Satkhira Jamatis let loose the terror of hell in Minority villages that surpassed their atrocities even of ’71.

Inside story give details terrorists activities of Jamatis on the freedom fighter Matiur Rahman.

Caption 4

" Terror and atrocities continued on Minorities and Awami leaders and Workers "

The report says that BNP-Jamat led miscreants and activists made their target on to Minorities including their womenfolk, Awami league leaders and workers. Destruction, looting, burning, violation of women-chastity are the activities being carried on in the minority villages. Houses, shops were looted and burnt. Hundred were wounded- many fled away from their villages.

Bogura

In Bogura alone at least 15 wounded including women.. In nearby villages like Sariahkandi, Dhakraoy, Panchgram, Gabtali, and Kalibala the minorities are threatened. Houses and establishments were ransacked and looted, in some cases set fire. At least 50 families belonging to those villages are on the flee.

Tangail

In the district Villages Gopalpur, Bhuyapur, Mjrzapur, Dhanbari are worst affected areas wherein Hindus are exposed to inhuman torture. For the last 3-days atrocities on the Hindu communities are continuing unabated. No redress from any corner. The male members on the flee leaving their womenfolk unprotected at the mercy of the terrorists. And the anti-socials did not miss the opportunity. Even the student leaguers and Awami leaders are on the run. In the village Baiskail in Gopalpur, from the last 2 October the destruction has been continuing. At least 60-Hindu houses have been raised to the ground- at least 20 were wounded. " Our only fault that we are Hindus," - says one affected person. They alleged "we vote for Boat symbols- this is our fault for which we have been driven out of our villages, homes ", complains another victim.

Rajshahi 

The story of Jessore, Rajshahi are same and similar. In Rajshahi district, hundreds of Hindu families have fled away from their homes. Their houses looted, burnt.. The story is same all over the country from north to south, from west to east.

Caption 5

" Supporters of Awami league and Minorities are the targets of atrocities in Rajshahi"

The adibashis of village Goplalpur Namaz, Godagari upzila were severely beaten by pro-BNP elements for not casting votes in favour "Dhaner Shis".

Date line 4.10. 01

The Daily " Sangbad "

Head line 1

 

" Post Election Conflicts, Attack: Main target - Minority Community; Wounded 371 "

In side story gives details: Main targets of these attacks are the minorities throughout the Country. Their houses looted, burnt. But the local administration and law enforcing agencies are silent observers- says the report.

Munshiganj, Bogura, and Barisal 

Portraits of Bangabandhu Shaik are violated destroyed, set fire. In Munshiganj two young girls of minority community have been assaulted and their chastity violated.

Rajshahi

In Rajshahi villages of Adibasis have been attached. Villages of Hindu minorities are under attack. Awami league workers every were are facing attacks from pro BNP-Jamat terrorists. As for example, the BNP supporters assaulted mother, an elderly lady, of a local Awami league leader Prof. Mojammal Haque in Harirampur. 15 houses were set fire and shops were looted and destroyed. In Durgapur upazila BNP supporters attacked several villages; at least 15 persons were wounded.

Nator 

In Nator BNP supporters made severe assaults on known Awami league supporters and Hindu minorities in general in the villages of Abdulpur, Darpara, Chandhrupail of Upazila Lalpur, and Awami League supporters and workers. Their houses were looted, destroyed, inmates were beaten; several shops were looted.

Khulna

In Khulna After the election result was announced, the BNP activists let loose their terrorist activities upon the minorities in general and Awami leaders and workers in particular. The Houses, shops were destroyed. The most affected areas are Chitalmari, Fakirhat, Kachua, Rampal, and Bagerhat sadar. Many have fled away from their houses; many are interned in their houses.

It will take pages to report all these terrorist activities let loose by the 4-party alliance activists. Same stories every where: Jessore, Gazipur, Narsinghdee, Mumshiganj, Bogura, Iswardee, Patuakhali, Barisal. Every where Minority communities are target of their assault.

Headline 2

BNP cadres let loose the terror of hell in Mirpur

The BNP armed cadres led by one Tito and his aid Afsar attacked houses of BADC staff quarters, Mirpur 1, opposite to Bangla College. At least 12 quarters have been affected in their assault. The beat the inmates of the flats including women and children. Youths were their special targets. Properties were looted and destroyed These terror continued more than half an hour unabated. Luckily law-enforcing agencies arrived. At least 5 persons were hospitalized who received severe injuries in this operation.

Date line 5.10. 01

The Daily " Sangbad "

Head Line 1

 

Attacks on Minorities are on the Increase

Post Election Atrocities- Killed 5, Wounded over hundreds

During last two days atrocities has increased in different places of the country. Targets are mainly members of minority communities and supporters of AL.

Bagerhat: Two persons were killed and 10 wounded yesterday (4. 10. 01). Quite a large number of Hindus and AL- supporters of significant number of villages fled away from their home as the pro-BMP miscreants attacked them. Police were as usual inactive.

Narayanganj: A Hindu locality was under attack in Fatullah, followed by looting. Here the miscreants forced one an 80-year old Hindu lady naked and molested a number of young girls.

Nator and Naogaon: One person was killed in Nator and 10 were wounded in Naogaon.

Magura: A Hindu schoolteacher was lifted from his home and then severely wounded by a hammer. He was left unattended on a roadside, was then taken to hospital by some passersby.

Chittagong, Kustia, and Sunamganj and other places: 

* 50 Hindu families were under attack and their properties looted in Chittagong.

• In Kustia one and in Sunamganj another person was killed.
• It is learnt that atrocities being committed in different parts of Bangladesh, such as Narsinghdee, Tangail, Barisal, Patuakhali, Mirzapur, etc. on the minorities and AL supporters

[Sangbad's own Reporter]

Greater Khulna:

In Bagerhat district two persons were killed and 10 were wounded on Thursday, 4. 10. In Morelganj Upazila, hundreds of persons have taken shelter in adjacent Mongla upazila. Even in the city of Khulna and Rupsa upazila houses were broken, forcibly occupied. Throughout the greater district of Khulna the reign of terror has been established. The principal target of attacks is the Hindu minority community.

Only offence that Hemayet Howladar (32) of village Khunirganda under Morelganj upazila committed that he voted in favour of Boat Symbol. For this he was killed by heavy weapon by armed cadres of the so-called "Ripon Bahini". Yesterday (4. 10. 01) the hoodlums attacked his house. He made to escape to a house of a neighbor. The terrorists drew him from that house and killed him on the spot.

Yesterday assaults on minorities and Al Supporters took place in different places of greater Bagerhat district: Bemrata, Ramchandrapur, Daibangahati, and Badal ... . In Banal 10-15 buses was broken- all belonging to members of Hindu minority community? The miscreants carry on extortion of money from different families.

Side by side beating, ransacking, looting etc. took place at Morelganj, Rumple, and different places of Mongolia upazila. At least 10 persons including one Jadunath were wounded.

The minorities living in the villages of Faltita, Aasuli, and Shialkanda under Fakirhat upazila, are being tortured in different ways. Many opined that dimension and intensity of torture has surpassed that of '71

[Sangbad's own Reporter from Khulna]

 

Report sent by M. Zakaria, local reporter of Mongla

 

Following the general election on 1^st October hundreds of peoples, mostly belonging to Hindu minority community of villages Baraitala, Deuatala, Pasakhali, Dumuria, Kakratala, under Zeudhara union of Morelganj upazila following repeated attacks on them by the opponents were forced to take shelter at Chaterhat village under Sundarban union and at Khaserdanga village under Mithekhali union, both of Mongla upazila. The local people have started shelter camps (LangarKhana) and giving foods and other necessaries. The evacuees complained that 4-party alliance miscreants carried on atrocious activities on them because according them these peoples cast their votes in favour of AL.

BNP president of Bagerhat, Mr. M. A. H. Selim had toured the affected areas and appealed to all concerned not to do any violence against the minorities.

Talukdar Abdul Khaleque, elected MP of Rampal-Mongla complained that although 4-party alliance supporters are committing continuos violence against the minorities in general and AL supporters in particular irrespective of religious affiliation, the police is very much inactive.

Yesterday (4.10.01) eleven business establishments were under attack near the customs house of Khulna City. Six Fish-loaded trucks were destroyed. At Rupsa, office of the Minibus-Bus Owners' Society and office of the Labour union were forcibly occupied. The AL workers of Bamandanga village under Ghatbhog union of Rupsa were under attack by the 4 party supporters. The portraits of Bangabandhu were destroyed at many places. The DIG Khulna range however claimed that police is taking severe action against terrorism.

Report sent by Nator Reporter:

BNP hoodlums shot at one Afsar Ali (18), an AL worker to death. The event took place on 4. 10. 01 at about 8 a.m. Abbas Ali, father of the deceased complained that one Jainal , son of local BNP general secretary shoot him at his chest and belly with the licensed gun of his father. He died at the Nator Modern Hospital. On the same day BNP miscreants wounded Basu, Sujan, Liton, Kamal of Madrasa Corner, Sattar of Baruhat, Sukumar of Chinir Kal, and Abul Fazal of ChakSarkutia village. All are now treated in Nator Hospital. Lokmann Hakim of JP-Ershad was also severely beaten. The BNP miscreants manhandled Shahidul Islam, secretary of local AL of Arbab union of Lalpur Ps and looted his home flowed by destruction.

Report sent by Narsinghdee Reporter: 

A group of BNP supported hoodlums attacked the houses of Hindu community and AL supporters in the villages under the unions of Palas, Monohardi, Belab, and Raipura. In the process at least 3o houses, business establishments, and shops were looted and damaged. At least 25 persons including few women were injured.

8 homes belonging to minority communities were damaged and looted by the BNP goodness at the village Nischintapur and Harinarayanpur of Mnahardi under Narsingdee-4 . The members of the community fled away from their homes during attack. In the same locality at Bateswar village 10 houses including that of local AL supporter doctor Awal were destroyed and looted. 15 persons including children and women were wounded.

At Raipura near the railway gate and the bazaar area 4 shops of minority communities were looted and destroyed. In another event 10 persons including freedom fighter the BNP miscreants injured Subhash Babu and others of the locality Rahimabad of Amirganj. A sweetmeat shop belonging to Mahadev Saha at Panchdona turn of Palash was looted and damaged. At Pakuria and Bhanga 7-8 shops belonging to AL supporters were destroyed and 5 persons were injured. The Police have admitted it but took no action.

Report sent by Barisal Correspondent: 

The members of the minority communities and AL workers living in terror stricken conditions at present at different upazilas of Barisal including the town. Every where the atmosphere is very tense.

A shop named 'Mike Service' at Torkey Bandar in Gaurnadi upazila was looted and damaged by the alleged 4-party hooligans. A deity of Bakai Thakurbari was broken, 5 houses were attacked, looted and then damaged. The hooligans have hacked an old man Niranjan Bhattacharyya (100), Retired Principal of Bakai Sanskrit College to severe injury. A deity of goddess Kali at the house of Sudhir Howladaer of the village Bakai was assaulted and his house damaged. In Kwajapur village Das-house has been looted and damaged. In the village of Bagiser Par under Barthi union houses of Advocate Nityananda Tarafdar, and his uncle Sunil Chandra Tarafdar, Sunil Chandra Tarafdar, Narayan Chandra Das, and Shankar Nandy were attacked with blasting of bombs, followed by looting and destruction. The miscreants looted and damaged the house of Doctor Paresh Chandra Datta of village Illa. At Gaila Bazar under Agailjhara upazila residence and a shop of a goldsmith were looted. At Uttar Sihipasa village six houses were damaged and looted.

In Barisal town it is learnt that BNP cadres has started mini courts at 4 different places of the town. These courts are collecting the names of AL activists who had participated in processions and other political activities in favour of AL. whenever they are found these courts will try them and would award punishment.

Report sent by Patuakhali Correspondent:

Following the election the supporters of AL and minorities in general are under attack by the 4-party alliance supporters. In an assault(s) carried on at the night of Wednesday (3.10.01) and Thursday (4. 10. 01) a dozen of houses were attacked as result of which 10-12 persons received injuries. In some places place of were worships were assaulted and deities were damaged.

Report collected from different localities reveals that on Wednesday evening around 7 p.m. a group of BNP hooligans beat up 4 AL-YL activists including one Nasim near Itbaria no. 2 bridge. Nasim was taken to hospital with severe injuries, and then transferred to Barisal Medical college Hospital. At about 11 p.m. two AL workers (YL) Shamim and Bashiruddin were hacked to severe injury near College Road area and District board area respectively. Bashir has been admitted to Sadar Hospital.

On Thursday noon an armed group of 25 allegedly supporters of BNP attacked students supporters of AL in Sher e Bangla Hall (1 & 2) of Patuakhali Science and Technology University. Swapan and Nijam of Chatra Dal led the raid. On the same day at 11 a.m. BNP supporters hacked to injury on Mr. Wahab Khan, a local AL leader and ex-member of Ratandi-Taltali union of Galachipa upazila. A Yuba league worker, Sohrab of Madhab Khali village under Mirzaganj upazila was severely beaten by the supporters of BNP. The residence of Subal Chandra Debnath, upazila president of AL ransacked and looted at around 1 p.m. During the raid 5 persons including 4 women suffered injuries. In another event on the same day one Hindu youth named Radheshyam Shil was injured with knife. .

At Baherchar Bandar under Baufal upazila Mr. Anil Chandra Mukherjee was assaulted and the union rest house was ransacked and destroyed valuable court documents related to different cases. At about 10 a.m. Nirmal Debnath and his son were severely beaten. As at that time Kesab daktar, Kalyanbrata Roy, and Prof. Sajal were not found the miscreants threatened that they must leave the country within 6-days. Five villages namely Sinherkathi, Malkhan, Baherchar, Kalisuri, Rajapur, Uttar Kachirpara, are now devoid of Hindu population because of the reign of terror let loose by the gangsters of BNP leader Abdur Rahman Sardar of Kalisuri union . Deities of goddess Durga were damaged at different places at 7 p.m. on Thursday, namely Daspara Durga temple of Baufal, Palpara, and Subidkahli temple.

Report sent by Rajshahi Correspondent: 

Terrorist activities and violence are still continuing unabated in the villages of Durgapur upazila in the district. During last three days at least 150 houses were ransacked, and 35 persons were wounded. On Thursday (4. 10. 01) two farmers, allegedly AL supporters of Alipur village were severely beaten causing injuries. They were admitted to Durgapur Health complex. At the time of aatack they were working at the fields.

It is alleged these terrorist activities started since the day of general election, 1^st October. The affected villages where this sort of hooliganism is being carried on are: Anulia, Sukhandighi, and Jhalulka where destruction of houses, and looting took place on Thursday. Residence of Dashrath Chandra Master of Jhaluka was looted and ransacked. The AL supporters of Anulia and Sukhandighi took refuge to nearby villages Hasnipur and Chak Hayatpur under Bagmara upazila.

Report sent by Mirzapur Correspondent:

Reports pouring in that members of the minority community are being maltreated and harassed since the day of election in and around Mirzapur. 4 victims of these assaults by allegedly 4-party alliance supports are being treated at the Kumudini Hospital. On Thursday (4. 10. 01)-night residence of minorities at Chakleswar village were under attack. The attackers haunted door to door of the minority families. The miscreants demanded toll to the tune of lakhs from the members. This complained has been made by a group of minority villages numbering 20-25.

Report sent by Netrokona Correspondent:

Violence following the general election are spreading in Netrokona district including the town. On Thursday (4. 10. 01) 4-5 shops and residences including one of Mr. Jnanesh Sarkar, ward commissioner of the municipality were attacked and looted. On Wednesday (3. 10. 01) the villages of Shimultali, Mozaffarpur, Pagda, Chirang, Batta etc. under Kendua upazila atrocities on large scale took place. The affected areas are now in a state of panic.

Report sent by Magura Correspondent: 

12 persons were injured in the BedeMalanchi village under Magura Sadar upazila on Thursday (4. 10. 01) following post election violence. A school teacher, Bimal Chandra Roy of Sangda Laksmipur village was taken to Dhaka following violence in the village in a critical condition.

He was picked from his home at night on Wednesday (3. 10. 01) by a group of hooligans, allegedly supporters of 4-party alliance. He was dragged to a nearby field and was severely stuck on his head with a hammer. Then he was left there. It is learnt that he is an active supporter of AL. The police have arrested 22 persons in this connection, but no case has been filed so far.

On the following day clashes took place between the rivalry groups of BNP and AL which 12 persons received injuries on both sides. Of them Manu MIan, Panu, Jainul, and Najrul were admitted in the hospital in a critical condition.

Report sent by Sylhet Correspondent: 

A young man, named Asik Mian of village Fatema Nagar under Diai upazila of Sunamganj district was killed on Thursday, 4^th October, possibly following an election rivalry by his opponents. His body was discovered by a rickshaw puller named Chand Mian and brought to the Upazila Health complex.

Report sent by Kusthia Correspondent: 

It is learnt that one Mahir (45), a night guard was killed allegedly by one Hamidul (26), son of Mahidul in cooperation with his armed associates. The event took place on 4^th October. A case has been filed at Daulatpur police station. It is learnt that he was an AL worker.

Report sent by Narayanganj Correspondent:

Fatulla: On Thursday (4^th Oct.) morning a group of BNP workers attacked a village Panchabati, inhabited by Hindu population. During this operation the miscreants made naked an 80-year-old lady, a four -month child was thrown away, molested two young girls.

The people of the locality informed that a group of 10-12 gangsters led by sons of Younus and Shamsuddin Sardar attacked the village at about 9 a.m. on Thursday. They first attacked the locality ShishMahal inhabited by 100 Hindu families. The miscreants severely beat up a housewife Lakshmi Rani and her son, Sanjib.Those who numbering 4-5 persons tried to rescue her from the hands of those miscreants were also wounded. Then they were looking for Hindu leader of the locality Dilip Mandal, a teacher of Harihar Para High School. Dilip is a tenant of Sukumar Saha of the locality. The miscreants, not finding Dilip, beat up his father 'Artist Joydeb Mandal. (55). They struck his already broken left hand with a hammer. Joydeb's mother Sumati Mandal (80) was lying in the bed- her sari was stripped off and thrown way making her complete naked. To rescue their father Joydeb's Elder daughter Dipti (23) and his younger sister came forward, but they were severely beaten. During this shuffle the miscreants thew her 4-month daughter Aparna to the yard. The goondas assaulted physically the college going younger daughter of Jaydeb by tearing off her sari. When the Muslim neighbors came to their rescue the BNP miscreants left the place. The OC of Fatulla Ps visited the home of the affected family, but no formal case was filed. The local BNP leader, ex chairman of the union, Nasiruddin Taifuddin later on visited the residence of Dialup and solaced the family that justice would be done. But GD has not been recorded at local police station.

Sonargaon: On Thursday (4.10.01) a group of armed miscreants attacked the residences of an Awami League supporter and a school teacher Kohinur Begum of Krisnapura village under Sonargaon Ps, Yubo league leader Gazi Mujubur Rahman of Bhadrapur village, and Shahid member followed by looting and ransacking. A case has been filed at the local Ps, and one Hashem was arrested. A group of miscreants attacked the residences of Saufullah Badal, Shyamal, and Jasim of village Kasipur under Fatulla Ps. At Jalkur of Sidhirganj BNP workers attacked the houses of AL workers namely Alim (20), Billal (19) and severely beat them.

Head Line 2

Deelip is now on the road for fear of his life: Property forcibly Occupied.

Report sent by Gaurnadi Correspondent:

The terrorists have forcibly taken possession of the properties including his residence of orphan Delia Majumdar (37). They are also threatening his life if tries to take legal help. The miscreants have set up various forms of traps to get hold of him and kill him. Deelip is now roaming about from one place to another in a very helpless condition. He has taken the shelter of the law, even then his life is in danger and till now he sees no possibilty of getting back his house and the property.

Deelip, son of late Lakshimi Kanta Majumder of village Kalabaria under Gaurnadi upazila inherited his late father's property as his father's only son. Total landed property including the house amounts to 3 acre 10 decimals. He used to live with his grand ma Matangini Majumder in his paternal house. Deelip started a business at Khulna for his livelihood and started to live there. Taking this opportunity a group of miscreants led by a village tout Shah Alam Khalifa grabbed the property from Matamgini Devi through a fake document. in March 2000. On the basis of that fake document said Shah Alam and his associates forcibly took possession of the property of Deelip in an illegal way on 23^rd July 2001. The fake document shows that Matangini is the real owner of the property.

Head Line 3 

Election Monitoring By 'BRATEE' : A preliminary Report

Bratee, an election monitoring organization has conducted their election observation 65 parliamentary seat of 19 districts through its local 18 thousand monitoring workers. The observation centres include all seats in the districts of Sylhet, and Barisal Division, and Cox's Bazar, Bandarban, Chandpur, Brahmanbaria, Nrayanganj, Munshiganj, Rajbari, Kurigram, and Dacca City. Bratty monitored pre election events as well as post election events.

According to their report in some centres there were some irregularities, in some localities minorities were barred from voting, But over all picture is peaceful and a large number of voters cast their votes without any hindrance. Significant point is to observe that a large number of women voters turned up at the centres, many of whom came to vote after 30-35 years.

But Bratee's team of observers noted that in pre election days as well as on the election days the minority voters were threatened by the miscreants not to go to the poling centres. As for example in Jhalakathi 1 seat which largely inhabited by Hindu voters, hooligans visited the houses of Hindu voters and terrorized them that if they go to poling centre they would simply killed. At RajRajapur police station of that seat, the all most all Hindus voters were called to assemble at a place where the BNP candidate Shahjahan Omar threatened them not to go to poling station. At Lalmohan Ps of Bhola-3 where out of 78 thousand voters 40 thousand are of minority community. The BNP workers on 29^th September threatened these voters not go to the poling stations. At Uttar Kaunia locality of Barisal town on 29^th September BNP supporters threatened the minority voters not to turn up at poling stations. As a result of these threat and show of muscle power by the alliance workers the minority voters did not dare to go to their respective poling stations.

At Baufal in the district of Patuakhali, the workers of Jamat and BNP of 4-party alliance asked them to leave the locality leaving their homes on the night of September 29. Following this threat most of the Hindu population left the locality for fear of violence. Hindu voters of Basher, SayedKathi, Iluhar, Bisarkandi unions of Banaripara, were barred to cast their votes. Long before the Election Day the voters belonging to minority community were forced out of their locality. The leaders of the community were severely beaten also.

The local administration, it is alleged harassed the workers of the Bratee and at many places their identity cards snatched away. It is interesting to note that at Alikadam upazila parisad centre the election was held on 29^th and 30^th September a day before.

Bratee will publish the full report later, which is being finalized now under the supervision of its Chairperson Taherunnesa Abdullah.

Date line 8.10. 01

 

 

English daily "The Daily Star "

Head line 1

1.

 

 

 

Gist of the inside story reads as follows:

• Terrorist attacks on the Awami League activists and the religious minorities across the country , alleged by supporters of the BNP and the Jamat e- Islami, continue unabated.
• At least 30 people were killed, and more than 1,000 others injured in the recent spate of terrorism following the election victory of the BNP led four party alliances.
• Over the last week terrorists of the alliance with BNP in the forefront attacked houses and business establishments belonging to the Hindu community and looted their valuables. There are also reports of forcible occupation of educational dormitories by armed cadres of BNP_Jamat alliance.
• Their houses torched, ransacked and in cases grabbed, many Hindu families have reportedly fled the areas, where they belong to, to relatively safer places. Many other Hindu families are under constant threat. The hoodlums also attacked temples and violated their place of worship in many areas.
• Politics of grabbing is wide spread- from the capital out to remotest part of the country- and the Hindu dominated areas have been the worst hit.
• Barisal, Bhola, Pirojpur, Satkhira, Jessore, Khulna, Jhenidah, Bagerhat, Feni, Tangail, Noakhali, Nator, Bogura, Sirajganj, Munshiganj, Narayanganj, Narshingdi, Brahmanbaria, Gazipur, and Chittagong are among the districts where the post election violence is taking its toll.

I refrain from giving details district by district because of page constraints.

Head line 2 

 

 

 

 

• 6 were killed in Chittagong, 3 in Feni, while the rest in Bagerhat.
• Bullet struck bodies of BCL leaders Tajul Islam(26), and Faruk (24) were recovered from the place Thurangal, 9 Km from the Upzilla head quarters.
• At Mireswarai, 9 BCL activists received bullet injuries; one of them Hasmat Ali, VP of the local college succumbed to death later on in local hospital. .
• Two Awami league activist Ramiz Ali and Mohammad Yasin succumbed to death at Chittagong Medical College Hospital after they were injured in a post election violence at Dohalari in Chandnaish. Another BCL worker Abdul Alim was critically injured by the BNP activists who later on died at Chittagong Medical College hospital.
• In Feni 3 AL workers were killed. One Masud, a BCL worker has been abducted by a group of armed BNP cadre from his grandfather's residence at Char Kakra. He was then severely beaten to death. In similar events Abu Said of Dharmapur under PS Dagonbhuiyan, Hasan Mohammad of Chagalnaiya, were first abducted and then beaten to death.
• In Khulna two local AL leaders were killed in Rampal and Swarankhola upzillas of Bagerhat ; in other incidents- Shamsu Mian, an AL leader of Dhansagar, Enayet Sarkar of Kumarkhali union of Morrelganj of Bagerhat bot he were beaten to death by Jamat activists.

Head line 3

 

 

 

Date line 11.10. 01

The Bangla Daily "JanaKantha"

Caption 1 

 

 

 

Thousands of affected persons of minorities, men and women narrated their horror story of torture and humiliation to the DC at Ramshil union Parisat office. Here are some examples:

• On 1 October BNP terrorists demanded taka one lakh from the women member of Rasher Union parisat of Agailjhara Upazila. She was threatened that if the demand is not met her house will be burnt ashes. Out of fear she fled away. In the same village Ms Suchitra Baroi, and Bichitra Sarkar were severely beaten; their houses were damaged and wealth looted.
• In another village of Dhandoba one Bakul Talukdar and his two sons Akhil andAbani were severely beaten, their houses destroyed, valuable looted.
• Thousands of homeless minorities are in temporary camps set up by the local administration at Ramsheel bazaar at Kotalipara. They don't know when and how thy will return to their homes. Is it safe they asked ? Nobody knows the answer.

Caption 2

 

 

Led by Awami league local leaders protests meeting were held at different parts of Khulna expressing indignation against the terror let loose by the 4-Party alliance goondas over the minorities and Awami league workers. Similar assemblies were held at Bhairab Bazar under the auspices of Awami League. The assembly not only condemned the heinous assaults on the minorities, but also assured them that they were on their side. If any further attacks are carried out they will be on their side.

Caption 3

 

 

 

Narail:

In post election events hundreds suffered injury by the BNP_Jamat cadres. Most of them are minorities. The most affected areas three upazilas : Sadar, Lohagara, and Kalia. Houses of the affected families have been ransacked, wealth looted. These cadres have evicted many families of the minority communities from their homes.

• on October 2, the BNP cadres demanded a good amount of money as subscription for victory celebration from a local businessman of Kalibazar, and from another Hindu businessman. in another incident on October 3, Haran Chandra Das, another businessman was severely injured with chapati. In villages Laksmipur, Kalinagar and Chalna, on the Hindu inhabitants a series of assault were carried on. They were kept under confinement inside their houses. The cadres and supporters of BNP set up a reign of terror in the villages.
• In another village Kulsur, Gopesh Saha and his son, and one Jalal Ahmed with fetal weapons. were severely wounded .
• Chandra Majhi of Choto Kaliaa, and Yasin Shaikh of Pahardanga union parisat, a Muktijodhha Commnader were severely beaten, their hoses looted. Women members were abused with fealty languages. This happened on October 3
• On October 6, a group of miscreants fell on primary teacher Sunil Kumar Biswas. of Laoudia of Lohagara. He was severely beaten causing fatal injuries.

As usual the police played a safe role and kept themselves to safe distance. .

 

** Date line 13. 10. 01

Torture and terrorist activities committed on the minorities all over the country continue, reports all major dailies. Here are brief reports from 3- dailies.

The Daily "Sangbad"

Caption1

 

 

 

Khulna: The affected minorities from Gaurnadi, Agailjhara, Uzirpur, ... now in temporary shelter camp set up at Ramsheel bazaar at Kotalipara Upazila are not ready to return to their respective houses out of fear. Al though local administration including DC and SP are assuring them of their safe return, no-recurrence of violence. Not only they fear recurrence of violence. The terrorists of those areas in collusion with the local BNP leaders filed cases against those very persons whom thy assaulted- the number is 400 - 500 affected minorities. They shudder that after return the police as usual will start harassing them.

One Jnanendra Majumdar informed that none except himself of his members could cast votes because of the violence. After he cast his vote violence started in his village and could not return home in village Jayshir at Agailjhara upazilla in the district of Barisal.

In another incident, a Photo-shop and a studio of one Samiran Chakravorty of village Batajore at Gaurnadi upazilla has been ransacked following the election. The miscreants also demanded a sum of 1 lakh taka, otherwise he would not be allowed to stay in his house. He therefore forced to flee away out of fear.

Ms Usha Ojha of village Kodaldoya of Agailjhara upazila, complained that she was not only assaulted severely, cases have been filed against her two sons. Ms Shefali Sarkar was mercilessly beaten on the day of election. A group of armed cadres of 4-party alliance rounded her demanding one lakh taka as subscription. She had to flee away from her home. She is a member of Upazila Parisat.

Caption 2.

 

 

 

• In Feni a Yuban League worker was kidnapped then killed by a group of terrorists on Thursday night. Another Juba league worker at Sonagazi was killed in front of the PS. Another workes of Juba league has been kidnapped- his fate is still unknown.
• In Bagerhat a Juba league was severely wounded- a vein in one of his leg was cut. The victim is Mr. Akmal Hosain, a member of Morelganj upazila.
• In Netrokona, post election terrorist activities are on the increase. On Thursday night the icons of goddess Durga in three different places of the town have been destroyed, shops belonging to Hindu community were looted. In another place of the town inhabited by Bede community 15-20 families were attacked by a group of terrorists. The women members were misbehaved and violated. Their houses looted.
• In Patuakhali, particularly Car areas the terrorist activities are continuing unabated following the general election. The Awami workers and minorities are the victims. NO one is there to come forward in their aids. Police as usual are silent observer. In Rangabali areas near the barrage at least 30 houses were burnt to ashes in broad daylight. Women were violated, men had taken shelter else where, women were moved to safer places. The miscreants assaulted two Awami league workers Ahsan Kabir, AL President of Rangabali PS, and Moslem Mian, Member of UP, then looted many shops at BaherChar, Khalgora, Pulhat, and Netabazar.
• In Rajbari, 3 shops of minorities were looted by a group of armed miscreants. Their wealth looted. The business establishment of Swapan Saha, Parimal Saha, and Sukumar Saha were broken into and 3-lakh taka in cash and other wealth were looted. in Rajbari town.

Caption 3

 

 

 

 

• An Awami league worker belonging to minority community was killed . This killing has created panic among the minorities and the indigenous population in Rajshahi. Six Awami workers are also under threat. 19 families of Adibasis have been ordered to leave their houses otherwise to face consequences. A group of miscreants assaulted on Mr. Tajul Islam , General Secretary of district Awami league and his car was broken. This happened on Friday last.
• On Thursday one Naresh Chandra Das of Village Ratul at Saranjai Union of Tanor upazila was abducted and then he was found killed.

Caption 4.

 

 

 

 

 

Bhola: Terrorist activities continued unabated in Bhola : destruction of residences, setting of fires, looting of business establishments, breaking of photos of Bangabandhu Shaikh Mujib in offices are the events.

* Main targets are however members of minority communities. In Bhola Sadar alone hundreds of houses of minorities were looted and destroyed. More than 5 hundred families in the entire district have affected, their properties looted, many were evicted or driven out of the villages. Police & local administration are ineffective and inactive too. This has created more panic among the common men.

* On 6^th October, House of Pankaj Kumar Chakravorty of Alinagar union near to Bhola town was destroyed and set to fire. Residences of Abul Kasem, retired soldier was burnt to ashes, belongings of one Dulal Mhajan were set fire- his residence was damaged. All these happened on 7^th October in the locality of Bapta union.

* In Uttar Dhigaldi union about 5 Km away from Bhola town more than 50 houses were looted on the day after the general election. Excepting two families all belong to minorities. About 100 miscreants led by 4-party alliance local leaders took part in these terror-stricken operations. Victims fled away to nearby jungles or gardens. Women folk were tortured and some cases violated. The most affected persons are 80 year old grand lady Madhurani- she was severely beaten, 60- year old Sukumar Das, Paresh Hawlader.

* Even common people belonging to Muslim families were beaten or harassed for giving shelter to the affected minority families. One such person is Fariduddin and his wife. Their houses have been looted . The miscreants tried to take away the minority women whom they have sheltered. He was threatened that his house would be set to fire he does not comply with their demand.

* On 4^th October, at Jaynagar Union under Ps Daulatkhan the family of retired soldier Golum Mostafa was beaten and their wealth looted including records of their landed property. They were asked to vacate their residence immediately or to face consequences.

* A group of 20-armed miscreants attacked the house of rickshaw puller Amir Hosain with an intention to occupy the house. His wife Hanufa was mercilessly beaten and the house were destroyed.

tock office, Sishu Academy, PTI, and different banks.

Caption 5

 

 

Terrorists have set a reign of terror in Kalikair locality, a well-known business centre not very far from Dhaka city. Business communities are the main targets: they include Ibrahim Khali, president of local Cloth Merchant Association, Arif Hoasin Khan, President Local Press Club, Kalimuddin, Proprietor Madina Electronics, Nani Gopal, proprietor of a Chanachur factory. The pro BNP supporters locked more than twenty shops belonging to those persons and others.

Next target is the members of the minority communities. Minority families of the villages Chapair, Palpara, Araiganj, Raghunathpur, Boali, Sutrapur, Goarbathan, Baraitoli, Medi, Gosatra, and Kalikair bazar are on the flee. They took shelter in and around Tangail

Date line 17. 10. 01

The daily " Sangbad " Reports:

1. Head line 1

 

" Awami League Leader Killed in Bagerhat; an youth's throat cut, 100 wounded in Fatullah in a conflict

 

• Janab S. M. A. Farhad, a prominent Awami league leader and a businessman of Bagerhat, Khulna was brutally killed with gun shot on 16^th October. A group of armed miscreants fired him from a close distance near his house when returning from his Fisheries establishment. Following the election his company was ransacked and looted.
• In Fatullah, near Narayan a youth was killed with a knife. Another youth named Masum, a Yubo League worker has been kidnapped from his father in laws residence in Kutubpur union on 15. 10. 01. A group of Yubodal, a youth organization of BNP, workers consisting of Arun, Tushar Ahmed Mithu, Riad, Shahid Hosain, Din Islam conducted the whole operation. He was subsequently beaten severely near the river Barraging. His whereabouts is still not known.
• Near Pagla, Fatullah Ps, on 15. 10. 01 a group of BNP supporters led by one Masud attacked the residence of one Maizuddin Mia and wounded him and his inmates Sufia, Jhuma, Sahara Begum, Zainal Abedin, and Murad. Another group of BNP supporters kidnapped a businessman Matter Rahman, a residence of Chtashal, Pagla. He was interned in a nearby house of one Abdur Rahman and demanded of Tk one lakh. The police subsequently recovered him.

 

Headline 2

" Jamalpur: Images of goddess Durga broken in Jamalpur, Rangpur and Nator; Temple Assaulted."

• In Sarmara Bajar of Baksiganj upazilla, at Daspara the image of goddess Durga was broken to pieces; nearby temples of goddess Kali and its image were also broken to pieces.. This happened on Monday night (15. 10. 01) and carried out by a group of miscreants in presence of the minority communities, but they dare not to interfere.
• In Jamalpur town a group of miscreants attacked on an untouchable colony and wounded one Monohardas.
• In Gopalganj near Kaunia upazila town, Rangpur a group of armed miscreants attacked on a temple casing damage to the temple and the image, wealth looted. The temple was constructed in 1934. Need less to say this has created panic among the minorities of the locality.
• A group of miscreants assaulted a temple of goddess Durga causing destruction of the newly built deity of Durga.

 

Headline 3

 

Cry of evicted Persons from Gaurnadi Agoiljhara

' We have been living here for the last 5 years under terrorist Hasnat , now under Terrorist Swapan'

Following is the report of Sangbad correspondent Rashed Mehdi.

* Large areas consisting of Uttar Candsi, Uttar Sripasa, Kapaldi, under Gaurnadi Police Station (Barisal) and areas known as Bahadurpur, Kodaldaha etc. under Rajhari union of Agoiljhara are almost barren. When we visited those localities we met only a few. Most of the people took shelter at Ramsheel, about 15 km from Kotalipara Ps of the district Gopalganj. The people belonging to minority communities and Awami league supporters now residing in or around Kotalipara.

Accompanied by two members of Nari Pragoti Sangha ( Women Progressive Union) we visited the village Chandsi, where we found many houses distracted. On the cannel side saw ruined materials of roofs of many houses. In Kodaldaha shops belonging to minority communities were destroyed indiscriminately.

We met Krisna Kanta Dey of this village whose residence was attacked on the 1 October night while they were watching TV, causing damage to the house. The furniture and other things were scattered and looted. Mr Dey is a popular person in the locality being good dramatist. He used to lead his people 95% whom are Hindus.. He is also Vice President of Gaurnadi Yubo League. On the fateful night he took shelter in a nearby pan-leave garden with his younger brother Kartik. On the following morning they fled to Ramshil by boat. Since then he is living in Kotalipara where we talked to him. He does know fate of his other family members or their whereabouts. He informed that their house was attacked second on 5^th October. This time all the properties were looted, houses burnt down, pan-leaves gardens were destroyed, fishes from their ponds looted. His elder brother's wife was the only resident at that time. She then took shelter to a neighbor - one Mr. Babul Talukdar. She was then escorted to under Borkha to a place of unknown destination. They do still not know her whereabouts. Krisnakanta is now a wretched man having no money or wealth to continue his livelihood. The looters have initiated more over a false case against him.

We also talked to leaders of the Chatra League and Yubo league workers who fled away from those localities, and now living in Kotalipara. Their houses looted, destroyed and in some cases burnt. Many of them were inhumanly tortured - they are Babul Sharif, Shahjalal Bakhtiar, Jewel Sardar, Kamal Fakir, Harun Khalifa, Khokon Mallick, and Mahenur etc. Even Moulana Delwar Hosain, Imam of Poisarhat Mosque was not spared BNP torture. His house was attacked on 3^rd October and caused severe damage. He crossed the river swimming and took shelter in Kotalipara. He does not whereabouts of the rest of the family members including his wife and daughter.

The minorities from those areas have taken shelter in Ramshil. Almost every house of Ramshil is a shelter of one or two minority families. The locality of Ramshil is inhabited by almost 100% Hindu population , and that is why the tortured and evicted minorities from other localities have chosen Ramshil as safe shelter for the time being. .Among the hundred of evicted members belonging to minority families the inhumanly tortured person s include among others are:

Kamala Rani Roy, member Agoiljhara Rajhari Union Parisad

Shefali Rani Sarkar

Babulal Munshi

Harihar Roy

Mahendranath Roy

Deburaj Roy

Shanti Ranjan Roy

Bijoy Krisna Roy

Basudev Roy

Sachindra Roy

Biraj Mohan Roy

& many others.

The list is longer, no doubt. Because thousands of families evicted from Uttar Chandsi, Jhapali, and Rajhari have taken shelter here. They are living here under very difficult conditions. Main problem is want of food. If food is prepared in one family ten families shared it. Same story is repeated almost everyday. Hardly they can take food twice a day. The families who have given shelter to these wretched families are also sharing their sorrows with grace. They have no complain- will fully they are also starving with them. There is no medical treatment available for the seriously wounded victims. Help either from the Government or non -Government sources have arrived. On top of it the Police are inducing them to return to their homes, and want the to forget everything that happened. The people are complaining against local SP Abdul Jalil- he has threatened that if they don not return they will be prosecuted for their active involvement in the terrorist activities in those localities from where they have been evicted., and subsequently be sent to prison. Where these people will go from Ramshil ?

The terrorists and armed cadres BNP are openly moving around freely in those affected areas namely Agoiljhara, Gaurnadi, Paisarhat, and Baburhat etc. . These miscreants have stated mobile courts. They are interrogating whoever seems to be, in their eye doubtful person. An old man complained that for the last 5 years we have been exposed to terrorism of Hasnat, now we are exposed to terrorism of Swapan. Many former miscreants now have changed their faces by joining the ruling party. So fate of the common man remains unaltered. No one dares to come out of their houses for the fear of these terrorists . They stopped the normal life of the villagers. When this will end , no one knows. When we are returning from Gaurnadi on e petty businessman requested us to ask one Badiuzzaman , President of Chatradal of Gaurnadi police station and one Sharif Swapan, VP, Chatradal of Gaurnadi College when they will stop this violence and terrorists activities so that peace returns to theses localities. "

Headline 4

 

" Two Killed: Wounded three hundred

11 Thousand men evicted from the villages in Kaligang "

It is estimated that since October 1, eleven thousand people of 125 villages of 16 unions including Kaliganj proper are now out of their homes. These people mostly are leaders, workers, and supporters of AL and members of the minority communities. At least two persons have been killed in the armed assaults on those villages. More than 3 hundreds suffered injuries; five hundred shops and houses were destroyed and looted; more than hundred business establishment are forcibly closed down. The estimated loss of properties could be anywhere above 500 thousand. The looted properties apart from household wealth and money include catching of fishes from the ponds, stealing domestic animals, poultry. Young girls and even middle-aged ladies are the targets of violation of the miscreants. But the administration so far is mum. Two killed persons, who were beaten to death with a hammer, are: Azim and Mojahar. Among the wounded who received severe injuries include among others: Tapan Ghosh of Satgachhia village, Krisnagopal Roy of Rai Village, Liton of Radipara, Abu Musa of Monoharpur, Mosharraf, Rashed, Bachhu, Azizul Haque, Babar Ali of Parkhiddar, Obaidur and Mosharraf of Badurgachha, Joynal of Khoppara, Hafizur of Debrajpur, Akkas and Pradyut of Bethuli, Bibek, Ismail, Sabitri, Anil, Radhab and Haradhan of Tillar, Rafi member of Sundarpur, Bulu of Ektarpur, Pratap of College-para, Sarojit, Dilip and Gaurchandra of Kamalhat, Agni Saha of Baroipara, Bhabotosh of Ichhakhali, and Ajam and Rauf of Arapara and many others ..... The notable miscreants those who are believed to be involved in these anti human and social activities are:

1. Shahinur Rahman and Jalil, vill: Parkidhha

2. Siraj, vill: Bithai

2. Shahid vill: Chaprail
3. Nur Ali , vill: Magura
4. Chamir and Arua, vill: Anupampur
5. Aliar, vill: Shalua
6. Najrul and Daud, vill: Mangalpaita
7. Mashiar and Toha, vill: Sonalidanga
8. Kala and Ali, vill: Badedihir
9. Tarikul and Sajid, vill: Maizdiar
10. Monglu and Shariful, vill: Pirojpur
11. Siraj, Shahidul and Oliar, vill: Thikadanga
12. Mintu, vill: Subarnasara
13. Mono, Bajjar, Jamir and Shanti, vill: Badurgachha
14. Harun, Khokan, Shafi, Jadav etc. , vill: Phoolbari

etc. etc. ...

Headline 5

 

Minorities Tortured at Purba-phoolhar Village in Jhalakthi

Terrorists threatening to withdraw Cases against them

 

The Deori family of Purba-Phoolhar village of Rajarpur in the district of Jhalkathi has been tortured by a group of armed BNP cadres on 7 October. The family members were assaulted, properties looted because the miscreants alleged that they have caste their votes in favour of the symbol 'Boat'. The local police filed a case at the instruction of the district SP with Rakhal Deori of the family as plaintiff. As many as 16 persons involved in the incident including local BNP leader one A. Rahim Khan are enlisted as accused. They are now threading the family as well as the police to withdraw the case or to face further consequences. Out fear the family has now taken shelter at Jhalokathi town.

These miscreants led by said Rahim Khan also assaulted and beat the Azizul Haque, Vice President of local Police Station at Lebubunia Bajar as he protested the anti-social activities of his part men. On the same day the miscreants threatened local Choukidar Kumud Baral and Ksitish Mandal if the case is not withdrawn they will be evicted from the village. All these events have created panic and sense of insecurity among the minorities of the locality.

Headline 6

A Young Girl, raped and assaulted by the miscreants in post election violence is brought to Dhaka.

Legal Help Planned

* The young girl of Hoglapasha village under Patharghata upazilla has been brought to Dhaka for giving legal aids in her case of raping and assault.

• The young girl of Hoglapasha village under Patharghata upazilla has been brought to Dhaka for giving legal aids to her in the case of raping and assault. It is reported that she, originally hailed from neighbouring village Kakchira was manhandled and raped on October 6 in the house of her brother in laws’ residence of the above village where she came a few days back by group of armed miscreants allegedly supporters newly elected MP of the locality. It is further alleged that the culprits involved in the incident, encouraged by the inaction of police are constantly threatening other family members. In Patharghata upazila there are 164 cases of rape and violation of chastity of women, the statement of which are being recorded by the police.

Pankaj Bhattacharya and Ziauddin Tareque on behalf of the Sammilita Samajik Andolan (United Social Movement) visited the affected areas of the minority villages in the locality and heard inhuman stories of torture on the minority communities including rape, looting of valuables and properties, burning of houses and shops. They brought the young girl to Dhaka for giving her appropriate legal aids.

Headline 7

• The young girl of Hoglapasha village under Patharghata upazilla has been brought to Dhaka for giving legal aids to her in the case of raping and assault. It is reported that she, originally hailed from neighbouring village Kakchira was manhandled and raped on October 6 in the house of her brother in laws’ residence of the above village where she came a few days back by group of armed miscreants allegedly supporters newly elected MP of the locality. It is further alleged that the culprits involved in the incident, encouraged by the inaction of police are constantly threatening other family members. In Patharghata upazila there are 164 cases of rape and violation of chastity of women, the statement of which are being recorded by the police.

Pankaj Bhattacharya and Ziauddin Tareque on behalf of the Sammilita Samajik Andolan (United Social Movement ) visited the affected areas of the minority villages in the locality and heard inhuman stories of torture on the minority communities including rape, looting of valuables and properties, burning of houses and shops. They brought the young girl to Dhaka for giving her appropriate legal aids.

Headline 7

No Pug Celebration in most Hindu Temples at Laksmipur Upazilla.

• There will be no Puja Celebration in most of the Hindu temples in Laksmipur upazilla, of Feni district. It is one of the worst affected areas of pre and post-election atrocities carried on the religious minorities by the armed cadres of 4-party alliance. The newly elected MP of the locality and other local leaders of the BNP however urged upon the Hindus to observe celebrate their Puja Ceremony with due solemnity and fervor. They further assured all sorts of cooperation and protection from further violence. But the Hindu communities of the locality are still in the state of fear and apprehension . It is therefore very much doubtful if they would perform the Puja at all.

Headline 8

Minorities and Tribal peoples are still in a state of great Panic

Terrorism Continuing Unabated in Dhanabari-Madhupur Of Uttar Tangail

The terrorist activities in these localities in the post election period are on the increase, as a result of which the Hindu minorities and local tribal peoples Garos and Kochas are living in a state of panic. A local BNP leader with a group of armed cadres is carrying on atrocities on those peoples mentioned above. They attacked and destroyed the tribal establishments like JalaChhatra Corps, and Christian Mission.

It is alleged that atrocities started from 2 October in different localities of Dhanabari police station. The BNP miscreants let loose their terrorist and anti-social activities on the minorities and Awami League workers spread over villages: Ramkrishna Bari, Senbari, Hazrabari, Chala, Kdamtoli, Noddabajar, Natun Bajar, Amirpur, Jadunathpur, Uthariabari, Paika, Bowla, Singhata, Kabirajbari, Dhopakhali, Dhanbari town itself , Charpara, Pankata etc. In their operation at least 35 were wounded, several shops, houses were looted. They are also extracting money from the wealthy persons and businessmen. These miscreants are also creating trouble for teachers of the local schools on the plea that they cast votes for Boat symbol. After the election, two tribal teachers one Malita Sanmo, Nagen Nokre and a few other tribal people of village Maminpur of hilly areas of Dhanbari PS and another of village Maminpur of hilly areas of Dhanbari PS were attacked by a group of armed miscreants. They caused much destruction to their houses.

On 12^th October a cultural function was organized in Shantiniketan Hall of traditional JalaChhatra Corps Christian Mission by Jubo Samity of Garos with Dr. Abdur Razzak, newly elected MP of Tangail-1 on AwamiLeague ticket. A group of armed miscreants alleged to be supporters of BNP attacked the function and misbehaved with the father of the mission. This created a panic among the Garos of the locality.

 

Date line 20. 10. 01 

The daily " BanglaBazar Patrika "

Headline 1

** " Minorities are leaving their homes in Savar"

• Post election terrorist activities that include assault on opposition supporters, destruction of shops and business establishments, , looting of properties and wealth, and physical torture are continuing in Savar unabatedly even after weeks of the Election. At least 25 families of Hindu minorities have been exposed to such atrocities. Among them 7 or 8 families have already left their homes to an unknown destination. Next to Minorities the Awami workers, members of the Yubo League, Chatra League are the targets of assault. Their residence are being assaulted as a result they are on the flee from one place to another. In many cases the miscreants are with active cooperation of Police are lodging false cases of looting etc. against the victims themselves. Here are some instances:

* The day following the Election a group armed cadres of BNP led alliance under the leadership of local Ybodal leader Khorshed began their terrorist activities with an assault to house of local Awami league leader Shaikh Shahbuddin of Majidpur under Savar municipality . He and his family members were severely beaten causing injuries, properties of worth few lakhs have been looted.

* On the same day at Rajashan village an armed group of miscreants led by local Chatrdal leader Avi attacked a furniture shop " Sukhi Furniture " of Shaikh Nuruzzaman, looted and finally torched the shop. They also attacked Awami League workers and supports of the locality with knives and other lethal weapons; in the process many were injured severely.

* Other affected area of the locality includes Banapukur, Sabujbag, and Chhayabithee. The same group i.e. Khorshed and his followers conducted the operation in post election days. During this operation they have looted many houses including one of Anowar Gazi. Even the women Awami League workers were not spared from physical torture.

* During the last 15 days the Khorshed armed gang has established a reign of terror in the locality of Boktarpur, Arapara, Sreenagar etc., and inhabitants of the area are living in state of panic. In the process they attacked the house of a local Awami Leaguer and a Journalist Mr. Wasiuddin with home made bombs and explosives. They also open fire.

* Khaleque, Montu and others, aids of said Khorshed conducted a systematic terrorist operation directed against 25 families of Hindu minorities. They not only threatened them to leave the locality, but also extracted money from them. They further demanded a sum of 4 lakh from them. Since they failed to do so they are being harassed in several ways including physical assault. Many families including one of Biren Das have left their homes. While the miscreants are openly moving around with arms, the BNP leadership is claiming that they are not BNP workers. But then why police are ineffective in rounding them ? - nobody dares to ask this question.

 

Headline 2

Conspiracy to Create Communal division : 11 Parties

In a press conference held on 19^th October at Workers' Party office, leaders of the left oriented the 11-party alliance expressed their concern over the continued violence and atrocities committed against the religious minority communities, the weaker class of our society even after three weeks of general election. The inhuman tortures carried out by the armed cadres of 4-party alliance in post election days have crossed all civilized norms and their atrocities have become a serious threat to life and property of the innocent citizens particularly minorities. It is now clear that this communal force let loose by the 4-party alliance is conspiring divide the nation into communal line. The prominent leaders those present in the press conference were:

Rashed Khan Menon, Manzurul Ahsab Khan, Saifuddin Ahmad Manik, Nirmal Sen, Abdullah Sarkar, Saiful Haque, Fazle Hosain Badsa, Dilip Barua etc.

The leaders alleged that it is not only looting of property, forcible occupation of Houses-lands-prawn-enclosures or ponds, the cases of raping and violation of girls is taking place throughout the country. The houses of the weaker section of minority communities are set to fire, their women are physically tortured and violated. As a result the young girls belonging to minority community have taken shelter in the towns and cities. However the top leaders of AL for whom these atrocities are being committed on tem are now at a safe distance either taking shelter at the towns or have left abroad.

The coming Durga Puja has become an added problem - it is adding salt to injury. In Agoilchhara local BNP workers, encouraged by the Home minister and the Central leadership of the BNP, threatening the victims of each and every village to celebrate the Puja or donate 50 thousand taka to them as subscription. The newly elected MP of Sharankhola has threatened the minorities of his locality either to perform Puja or get ready of being evicted from the country. Subash Debnath, , Paritosh Debnath, and Parimal Debnath of Fakirahat. each has been asked to donate 50 thousand taka to the miscreants or perform the Durga Puja. In Agoilchhara, mother in law and wife of Parimal Mistry have been raped, but so what the goddess Devi must be worshiped.

Date line 21. 10. 01 

The daily " Sangbad"

Headline 1 (Box News)

I wish no one Become a Victim like me: Says Purnima

Staff Reporter

No one must suffer torture as has been done on me. I call upon all section of our people, the Prime Minister, and countrymen to stop this. This is my only request to them. These are the words Purnima Shil uttered in front of the journalists assembled in a press conference ... Purnima Shil is one of many victims of sexual-physical torture committed by the 4-party alliance armed cadres and miscreants in pre and post election days. These inhuman crime and nefarious acts are the expression of BNP_Jamat Style of Victory celebration of their Balot Revolution.

Purnima, the wretched teenager girl broke into tears while she was describing the inhuman torture committed against her womanhood by a group of gangsters. Her story touched every one present in the press conference. A heart breaking atmosphere was created when her mother Basana Rani Shil was narrating the events of that fateful night: Journalists pen stop, the photo journalists forgot to click their camera, some rubbed their moistened eyes.

The Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee hold the press conference to bring Purnima her parents face to face with the journalists yesterday. The acting president Shariar Kabir in presence of other leaders of the Committee Shyamali Nasreen, Rabiul Hosain, Aroma Datta, read out the main report of their impression regarding atrocities committed in different areas of Sirajganj district. They brought Purnima and her family to Dhaka to draw the attention of the government for their security.

We learned from the report as well as from the narration of Purnima and her Parents that a group consisting of 30/40 armed hoodlums attacked the house of Anil Kumar Shil of Purba Delua village under Ullapara upazila of Sirajganj district. The miscreants severely beat Anil Kumar and his middle daughter Gitarani. They then snatched teenager youngest daughter Purnima from her mother by beating her severely to senseless as she was trying to protect her daughter. The gangsters took Purnima another place and she was subjected to rape enmasse. After two hours her naked body was recovered . The miscreants confined the family in their house for over twenty four hours in order to hush up the crime. The local police refused to take up the case as raping.

The Local secretary of Ghatak Dala Nirmul Committee Aminul Islam Choudhury took her to district Civil Surgeon for medical check-up. The report reveals the signs of raping, and a case was initiated at the magistrate court on 14^th October. The magistrate recorded her statement and ordered the police to arrest 15 hoodlums without success.

This resulted in the eviction of the family from the village. The local BNP leaders are pressurizing to withdraw the case and asking the family to come to terms with the rapists, who are according to Purnima are known BNP workers.

The report further states that in Sirajganj atrocity are still continuing in the form of extortion of money from the well to do minority families as the prices of voting in favour of boat, forcing them to perform puja otherwise they will be evicted from the country. The poor minorities do not know where to go, and whom to approach for redress. The report only insignificant portions of what has happened are published in the press. The report gave some instances of atrocities:

On 18^th October the miscreants looted Tk 50 thousand and 7-8 tolas of gold ornaments and utensils from the house of one Chitta Ranjan Ghosh. The Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee leaders urge upon all concerned to come forward to help the victims in every possible way.

Headline 2

 

Report submitted by 'VOTE' after completion of on spot Survey

We have not seen such inhuman atrocities after '71

The organization called itself VOTE (Vote Observation for Transparency and Empowerment) conducted an on spot survey of some affected areas of repression on minorities and political opponents. The report presented in a press conference states that the atrocities committed on the minorities and political opponents during and after election have not been seen after '71. According to the report no less than hundred women have been raped.

The VOTE has collected information from different localities by sending teams consisting of their own workers and members of mass media. Attack on minorities and political opponents-mainly workers, physical torture, forcible occupation of residence and business establishments, looting, torching of houses and shops, eviction from the locality and raping of women have take place so extensively in magnitude and dimension that no one has seen such repression after '71. The report prepared on the basis of information collected by VOTE teams gives its findings.

* Led by local BNP organizing secretary of Uttar Chandsi village under Gaurnadi upazila of Barisal district 100 hoodlums fell on the villagers. The miscreants set fire on the house of one Krisnakanto destroyed his pan-leaves garden stretched over one and half bighas of land. Krisna Kanto is now hiding at Kotalipara. Ms Shefali Rani an elderly lady, a member of Union Parisat of Rajhari union and inhabitant of Bahadurpur village under Agoiljhhara upazila was attacked on 2 October- she was severely assaulted causing multiple injuries. She has been warned not to leave her house. No less than 15 physically violated women have now taken shelter in her house.

* On 2^nd October the armed miscreants attacked the village Annadaprasad of Lord Hardinge union under Ps Lalmohan of Bhola district and continued their atrocities on the minority families whole night. At least 50 women were raped on the night. At Vendarbari of the same police station the miscreants raped a minor girl of 8-9 years old along with her mother. These inhuman acts took place openly on side of a pond .

* More than 1500 Hindu voters were barred to cast their votes in a village Bamanpara of #3 Akcha union under Sadar Ps of Thakurgaon district. The activists of the wining alliance are now threatening them to leave the country for good. Two girls named Malarani and Paribala were raped enmasse. Aviram, Rabindranath and Geetarani were exposed to inhuman torture causing severe injuries.

* Members of minority community were attacked in different localities of Pabna and Sirajganj districts - a large scale repression took place including raping of women- the report adds. Condemning the actions of home minister Ms Rokeya Kabir, the convenor of VOTE, has called the remarks of home minister as irresponsible and undesirable. She has also expressed her indignation for having no reference on minority -repression in the 'address to the nation' of the Prime Minister.

She also called upon for the government for compensation, rehabilitation of the victims and exemplary punishment to those responsible.

Headline 3

Attempts to suppress three acts of raping by the rapists

On 13^th October a group of hoodlums led by a well known local miscreant Bazlur fell on the family living in a house known as Mistry Bari of Rajarchar village of Charmonai union, and then raped a school girl of class seven, her mother and her father's sister(Phupu). Next day the police arrested the gang leader Bazlur, one of the rapists. The accused is the son in law of brother of Abdul Salam Rari, A leader of Barisal BNP and chairman of Charmonai union. The chairman called a meeting, attended by Ebaidul Haque, general secretary of district BNP at Rajarchar on 17^th October and forced some Hindu locals to say that the acts of raping were false.

Headline 4

Attack on different places by BNP cadres; deities destroyed.

Teachers, allegedly supporters of Awami League not allowed to come to college

From Sangbad staff reports

Attacks on minorities and Awami league workers continuing unabatedly.

• In Bhola: BNP miscreants beat 2 Awami leaguers on Saturday, 20th October at Banglabajar of Bhola. They are Abdur Razzak, vice president of north Joynagar union and Azizul Haque, organizing secretary. A group of BNP supporters severely beat Tachir Ahmed of Alinagar, a leader of Bhola Sadar AL and an ex-Chatra League of the district. . His mobile, wristwatch, and the briefcase were snatched away while he was returning from Dhaka to Alinagar. This was not the end, after his return to home he was severely beaten by the BNP cadres.
• In KuliarChar: The deity of goddess Durga at the Kali temple of Kuliarchar bajar has been destroyed in the dark of the night Saturday.
• In Nator: a number of minority families and many Awami leaguers of a number of villages namely Daudiya, Charakdaha, Talbaria, Khakradaha, Dharabaria, Sidhuli, Sonabaju, Chalnali, PanchShikha ,... of Gurudaspur Upazila, Ramkrisnapur of Lalpura, and Hasimpur have fled away. They numbering more than 1000 took shelter at Zonail under Ps Baraigram and or staying with relatives. The BNP miscreants are demanding a sum of 15 lakh from the families for their safe return. Many a teachers of local colleges and schools are not allowed to come as they are identified as pro Awami leaguers. A group of miscreants severely beat one Amzad, a driver of Rickshaw Van of Dharabaria village when they failed to rape his 11 year minor daughter. He was hospitalized, but even there the miscreants made an attempt on his life. Amzad family has now took shelter in his father in laws' house at Dwarikushee. House of one Majnu of Masinda Majhpara and a grocer's shop of one Abdur Rjjak of Biswa Road Corner were set to fire.
• In Pabna: The deity of goddess Durga was broken to pieces. The Police has arrested local Shahidul Hasan Milon, organizing secretary of district Chatra league, and Nur a Alam, the Sports Secretary instead of real culprits. This has created resentment among the local people. The local Hindu leaders including Subal Karmakar, President of the Mandir Committee, and Gopal Roy, Secretary have categorically denied the allegations that those arrested were involved in the incident. The District Awami League leaders have also protested against the repression and harassment directed against the Awami supporters and workers by the BNP cadres as well as the police.

Headline 5

Story of distressed people at Ramsheel

Why the home minister didn't turn up - what is the story behind it ?

Ramsheel a remote place on the bank of a small river 'Poisa' under the Ps Kotalipara. In here have taken shelter a large number distressed people belonging to minority communities. They are refugees in their own homeland. They were relived when they heard that home minister Alta Hosain Choudhury were to come to see them. They assembled on the local college maidan on 15^th October to greet the home minister amongst them. They were hopin the hounrable minister will listen to their present plight. They expected he would arrange to take them to their homes. No nothing did happen like that. They waited and waited and waited in vain. A helicopter flew over them but did not land. They wanted at least some one from government, at least the local MP Jahiruddin Swapan could come to us, take us to our homes with the assurance that you can now live peacefully, no one will disturb you.

Ramsheel is a small union isolated from rest of the Ps by a river system giving a look of an island. The inhabitants, mostly cultivators or fishermen forming 95% Hindu population leads a very simple life. They didn't know their union will become so famous- almost every members of political parties, civil societies, government officials, police personal will visit their place. They come by speed boats, shallow-engine driven country boats. These innocent and simple people sheltered the distressed people coming from different areas of south Bengal out of sympathy and love. But they are now under threat- the administration have sternly warned them to drive away the victims otherwise the hosts will be charged with atrocities and case will be filed against the shelter-providers. But so far they have refused to comply with those orders.

• Alomati (80) an elderly lady have given shelter a family. She is very afraid. Don't know what she will do as her stock of rice will be exhausted after a month or so.
• The people from Kotalipara and Ramsheel started pouring in at the Bazar on 15^th October from the morning. It was first learnt that the Home Minister will come to Kotalipara Sadar where he will meet the evicted persons and listen to their distress and story of repression. But it didn't happen so. Then it was rumored that the minister would come directly to Ramsheel. The district Dc, SP and top local administrators assemble there to receive the minister. The assembled mass waited for hours but only a helicopter was found moving around the sky of Ramsheel bazaar and then vanished in the horizon. Why didn't he turn up. Obviously he was afraid to face the oppressed people, tortured by his party's hoodlums. On the day before yesterday, the top local BNP leaders came to Ramsheel to induce the evicted persons to go back to their homes first with sweet words assuring them of redress and compensation followed by stern warnings and threatening. The leaders also tried to find one or two puppets by bribing them to speak that nothing serious have taken place. All these are exaggeration of press and Awaked propaganda. But their attempts fail. But distressed people were determined to speak the truth come what may. The local leaders therefore instructed the BNP high command not come to Kotalipara or Ramsheel.

A police camp has been set up at Ramsheel bajar apparently to give protection of the refugees. But they are oppressing the victims by asking them to leave the place immediately by threatening of severe consequence. According to the police the so-called evicted persons in no way tortured or assaulted, they are simply miscreants of those areas now taking shelter in this locality. When the OC of Kotalipara was asked, he also said that only the miscreants are staying in Ramsheel now; but he has no list of miscreants. If this is the situation where will they go for redress and justice?

But the police has now started cases against these men evicted from Ps Gaurdani, Agoiljhara, Uzirpur etc now in Ramsheel. All these cases are related to post election events, some are of post election. Most of the accused is of minority communities. A case of property -damage, looting and assault was fled on 13 October against Sarbeswar Sarkar of Kedardhoa with Ps Agailjhara. However the event related to the case happened on 15 days before on 29^th September . This is a glaring example how the minorities are being harassed. The gentleman who was assaulted, now is the accused. Yet in another conspiracy case one Chandra Howlader of Bkal union has been forcibly asked to file a case against 30 members of the minority community. The conspirators are conspiring to file case by a minority member against minority member(s). This is a new technique as has been adopted by BNP policy makers. The copies of the cases are being sent to district SP and OC of Kotalipara. The men at Ramsheel now are very much afraid they will be evicted by the police from the place in pursuance of these so called cases.

• Soon there will be shortage of food in Ramsheel. Already the prices of daily commodities showing upward trend. One Usharani nformed us that the families of Ramsheel have now sharing the burden by turn. A family takes care for two nights, then they move to another family. Even then the shortage of food is evident in the each family of shelter providers. Usha informed that on the average each such family is spending 15-20 kg of rice per day. If the situation continued this way they can hardly maintain the refugees a month. Those are visiting the place are only expressing sympathies, not providing material help. Shaikh Abdullah, General Secretary Gopalganj visited the place on Thursday, 18^th October.
• Ramsheel has now become a place of inhabitants of locals and refugees intermingled- they are now scattered over the villages Jaharkandi, Bhuterbari, Kapilabari, Bhangarhat, Bharerbari, Peererbari, Shasikar, Chalbal, Mushuria, Donatkandi, Nabagram, Bandabari, and Narkelbari etc. Some Muslims have also taken shelter here. It is however difficult to distinguish who is local and who is an outsider or a refugee. For the fear of police and administration no body discloses his true identity. If they found any sympathizer and descent men only then they open their mouth.

Headline 6

Sonargaon : A Locality of terrorism

Tk 12 thousand fixed as monthly subscription per shop at Baradibajar; Jamila, a victim of terrorism has fled away.

The Awami workers and minorities are being harassed and assaulted at different localities of Narayangang. They were fleeing from one place to another leaving their homes and business establishments, even their jobs. They are afraid to lodge complain to police or even to journalists. Even poor and common men are not spared if the goondas think that they are either minorities or pro Awami league elements. As for example:

• A poor boatman Rabiul, also a owner of a small shop in front of his ghat has been robbed of all his belongings and his shop has been forcibly closed down by a BNP goonda Titu. He also forcibly took over the hut at the bank of the river. The control of the ghat has also been taken over by him from its original owner an AL worker Abdur Rob.
• Jamila of village Chengakandi is a union parisad member of Barudi. Her husband is a medical practitioner who has a medical pharmacy at Shantibajar. Jamila with tears in her eyes let us know that the local Ali Asgar, a local BNP leader and chairman of the union came to the pharmacy demanding a sum of Tk 70 thousand. As he refused, the chairman forcibly snatched away a sum of 3 thousand from the doctor. On Wednesday, 17^th October once again a group of miscreants led by Janab Asgar carried on atrocious activities on the shop and looted worth medicine and other things worth 5-7 laks of taka.
• Judge Mian is an owner of a big rice godown, an UP-member also known as a supporter of AL. The same group of miscreants set fire upon the godown. After that they again went to the house of Jamila couple to attack. But before they could arrive they fled away from their residence single-handed. Since then they have not returned to house.
• The shopkeepers of Barodi bajar informed that most of the shops in the bajar belong to the members of the minority communities. They don't dare to open their shops because of the fear of one BNP hoodlum Kailua Kadir, a right hand man of Asgar Chairman who has fixed a sum of Taka 10 - 12 thousand per shop.
• The shop belonging to Jahir, Kadir. locked Union Awami league president; his house was also under attack.
• The miscreants manhandled Prodeep Babu, a shopkeeper and General secretary of Bajar Committee. However the local Lokanath Asram is in tact informed Ranjit Saha, general Secretary, although the minorities around the temple are living in fear. No one of the locality dare to say if the environment of Ashram is normal.
• A big industrial complex has grown at Meghna Tol Plaza near Meghna ghat, near Sonargaon. It is learnt that quite a number of hotels around the locality have been attacked by a group of miscreants on 13^th October : Shahnur, Swapan, Dulal, Ashraf, and Jalil. The most affected hotel was New Vandari. They destroyed the shops and belongings. The shop belongs to one Kamal, known to be supporter of AL. It is further learnt that the miscreants also destroyed looted establishments of local Swami league leader Nurul Islam, Kamal and Ybo league leader Nazrul Islam. The have taken away Tk 82 thousand from Nazrul Islam and a goods carrying boat. The local Awami league office was also damaged and its furniture broke or looted.
• On 4^th October BNP miscreants at 11 am attacked the house of Gopal Mistry. The male members fled away leaving the womenfolk. Then they searched every rooms of the house causing damage of furniture, Frizz, etc ; they looted gold ornaments, TV, VCR, camera and other valuables.
• The houses of local Chatra league leader one Nirmal was under attack on 3^rd October; fortunately the neighbors made the miscreants flee.

 

Headline 7

Repression on AL Leaders-Workers, Adibasis, and Minorities throughout the district of Rajshahi Continuing

Continued inhuman torture, repression, and humiliation on the weaker section of our society like Adibasis, religious minorities, women irrespective of ethnic, religious or social differences, now politically weak AL leader-workers are on the increase day by day. It is alleged that the victims failed to get any help or even sympathy from either the police or from the local administration. This has resulted a state of uneasiness, insecurity, fear among the common people of the district. During post election period the dimension of repression by the organized hoodlums has increased manifold. Out fear and panic thousands of men women have evacuated their houses and fleeing from one place to another. They are now refugees in their own country. The miscreants are extracting money and demanding heavy amount as regular subscription. If they would do, and some had done already given assurance of peaceful living. Some are forced to join BNP. The Awami league sources said that these atrocious and antisocial activities are being carried out by the BNP dominated $-party alliance supporters. In many cases the dimension of atrocities has reminded us those of 1971. The most affected areas where the limit of torture crossed all time records are Durgapur, Putia, Tanore, Godabari, and Bagmara upazilas. It appears to us that police has no responsibility to maintain law and order in those areas. Their continued silence and apparently passive support to miscreants has helped the situation to worsen.

• In the latest event the BNP supporters carried on an assault on 19 shops, 3 houses, and an office in different areas of Nandanpur, Telipara, and Chak Daulatpur. During the operation carried on 15^th October they looted the shops, smashed those houses, and burnt the office.
• It is learnt from various sources that on the day after election (1 October) dead at night an Adivasi village Gopalpur under Godagari upazila was attacked . From the same day the miscreants attacked on the Awami workers and supporters in different villages of Putia and Durgapur upazilas are continuing .
• The minorities living in Jhauka village of Durgapur, and of Sukhanidhi, Harirampur, Anolia, Bramhapur were attacked. heir domestic animals like cows, goats etc, fishes from the ponds. They are being constantly threatened to subscribe handsome money in lieu of their safety. In some areas Gardens of Pan-leaves have been destroyed or looted. Houses of Shamsul Haque, Moniruddin, Alimuddin, and Nur and many others were smashed to pieces after being robbed of their properties. Hundreds of villagers of this village are still on the flee
• Inhman torture and humiliation are still continuing on the AL supporters of the villages Hariapara, Gaurihar, Jhaluka, Shaibari, Kthalbari etc Extortion of money as subscription are daily affairs in the locality. If anyone is failed he will be killed, threaten the miscreants.
• On 13^th October a mobile telephone of Matiur Rahman, Principa of Daudkandi College was snatched away and subsequently was manhandled. A sum of few lakhs of taka was also demanded. On the same day Matiur Rahman of Naoupara High school was humiliated and insulted. Since the election day the most villagers of have flew away.
• On 12^th October the miscreants destroyed the Kali temple of the Hindus of Baisnabpara at Satbaria under Putia upazila. The villagers belonging to Hindu community are now on the flee. The witnesses of freedom fighter killing in 98 were also exposed to inhuman tortur.
• The inhabitants of Biraldaha village are almost every are beaten and harassed
• On 12^th October the miscreants carried on an armed attack on Tajul Islam, the defeated candidate and General Secretary of district AL. This happened at Jhalmalia under Putia upazila. Although he was saved, his driver was injured and Hs car was damaged and looted.
• On 12^th October an AL worker Naresh Chandra Das of Rahul village under Tanor upazila. He was only 45. on the same AL office at Godalgar was burnt.
• On 13^th October at least seven houses Hindus in the village Bujrukkola under Bagmara upazila were attacked followed by looting and destruction. In the upazila Sadar the telephone of AL leader Layebuddin was disconnected.
• On the same day the residence of President Mohanpur upazila. Janab Fayejuddin Kabiraj was under attack.
• On 11^th October at night the armed miscreant made severe assault on Janab Abdus Sattar , AL general secretary of #28 ward of the city and executive member of the City AL with an intention of killing just in front of the city Mother Ps. He was fatally injured and moved to the hospital.
• The Adibasis are constantly being threatened to be evicted from their houses in the village Mohanpur Bangdhara under Godabari upazila. At least 19 families are involved.
• On 7^th October a deity of goddess Durga was broken to pieces in Haridebpur of Tanor upazila.
• The known students leagures or their supporters are being beaten, harassed constantly in different educational institutions including Rajshahi BIT, Medical College, University.

As usual the police and the local administration, the BNP and Jamat leadership have denied such allegation of torture or eviction of inhabitants from their houses. They claimed everything is normal and peaceful . Yes indeed.

Headline 7

Torture on AL workers and Minorities at Debidwar: The Administration Silent

Throughout Ps Debidwar under the district of Comilla systematic assault, torture and humiliation on AL workers and religious minorities continuing unabatedly. Looting, attack on residences, extortion of money and wealth, torching of business establishments, destruction of properties, even molestation of women are the regular phenomena of the locality.

• The miscreants identified as BNP supporters, carried on atrocities and attack on AL workers and minorities in different localities of the police satin those includes villages: Mohanpur, Taltola, Bhaiyurkut, Kuruin, Beharmandal, Chhotna, and Gadishai under #16 Mohanpur union of Debidwar. They have also physically assaulted many inhabitants of those villages if the victims failed to fulfil their demands. As usual the local police and administration are silent observer or in some cases open supporters.
• On 11^th October led by two BNP leaders named M. Shahidul Islam (also a local school teacher _ shame!), known to be godfather of the local terrorists and Baitya Kaum Sarkar (a service holder in local Social welfare department), another terrorist of the locality a group of armed cadres of BNP fell on with lethal weapons on AL supporters Abdus Sattar, Mithu, Hakar Kajal, Tajul Islam, UP member Ratan, Businessman Abdul Alim, Shahjah, Shopkeeper M. Selim, and Malek. They are severely beaten; their establishments were damaged and looted; took away few thousands of taka from the victims.
• The armed group has demanded a sum of 2 lakh from Md. Hosain of Kuruin village and Ratan member of Taltola failure of which will hasten their death- warned the leaders. They were now hiding from one place to another for the fear of their lives. The inhabitants of Mohanpur village are living in panic- they don't know how they will perform the worship of goddess Durga this year. They are in total confusion and uneasiness.

Date line 22. 10. 01 

1. The " The Daily Star "

Headline 1

" We want Justice

Rape victim's mother demands"

STFF CORRESPONDENT

A gang of about 30 hoodlums swooped on the house of Anil Kumar Shil of Purbo Delua in Sirajganj , beat the family members and then gang raped his daughter on October 8, before driving them out of their house, the victims alleged at a press conference in the city Saturday .

AnilKumar Shil said that hoodlums attacked their house at the dead of night and first beat the family members mercilessly. The hoodlums then confined everyone but the girl in a room and brutally raped her over two hours.

The ordeal did not end there. Fearing that Shi family might lodge a case against them the gang kept them confined in their house till October 9.

As the news of the atrocities spread in the village, local people took the victims to a nearby hospital. Mysteriously, local police refused to accept a rape case and instead recorded a case of assault.

A local journalist and convenor of Sirajganj district Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee later helped the victim seek a check-up by the Civil Surgeon at the district headquarters. The Report of the Civil Surgeon confirmed that Anil's daughter had been raped.

According to leaders of the Nirmul Committee which organized the press conference, the girl was able to file a case on October 14 with a Magistrate's Court at Sirajganj. The Magistrate recorded her statement and directed police to arrest 15 alleged rapists and produce them before the court. Till Saturday, police nabbed only one of the accused.

The victim's mother told the newsman she seeks justice, not money. Addressing the press conference, Nirmul Committee leaderKabir said that they would publish a 'White Paper' on attacks on the minorities across the country with in three months.

He urged the government to ensure security of Anil Kumar Shil and his family members and said , " Fifty percent incidents attack on the minorities are not published in newspapers."

He also called upon the Awami League and other political parties as well as Non Government Organizations (NGOs) to come forward in aid of the minority families attacked by the hoodlums after October 1 general election.

Headline 2

Treat repression on minority as a national crisis

Civil Society Body urges political forces

 

After visiting the affected areas some leading citizens yesterday said an exodus of minority people from the country might be inevitable if confidence could not be brought back in them.

"Repression on minority people started in different parts of the country after the election is not a local problem, rather it is a national crisis." said a declaration of Sachetan Nagarik Samaj Andolan.

The civil society body at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club yesterday called upon the elected representatives and political forces to be active from the grass roots level so that minority people do not feel insecure.

Prof. Anisuzzaman, Prof. Sayed Anwar Hosain, Ajoy Roy, Khusi Kabir, Prof. Musharraf Hosain, Pankaj Bhattacharya, Prof. Mesbah Kamal, and freedom fighter Ziauddin Tarek Ali were present at the press conference to urge all conscious citizens to raise their voice.

"The statement of ministers that news of repression on the minorities is exaggerated is not true. Either they know that they are lying or they didn't want know the truth or reality is being hidden from them.", said the declaration.

They bitterly criticized the caretaker government of Justice Latifur Rahman for what they said his failure to protect the religious minority despite his administration having been cautioned much before the election that minority people might fall prey.

The Sachetan Nagorik Samaj leadrs complained that Hindu people are being compelled to celebrate the Durga Puja although images of the goddess were damaged in different areas, people were tortured and evicted from homes and women raped.

" We strongly condemn any bid to compel them to go for the puja as we condemn refraining them from so." the citizen's body said apprehending more repression on the Hindus after they celebrate the festival without spontaneity'

Placing reports of the incidents of repression that its leaders found to be true they also made their observations from their investigation:

• On excuse of voting for a certain party , terrorist acts were unleashed to evict the Hindus in a bid to capture their houses and property. The acts included extortion, loot, damaging of houses, arson, armed attacks, killings and indiscriminate repression on women .
• Such incidents began since the caretaker government took over and increases after the election in different areas, like Bhola,. Activists of the party defeated at the election also became targets.
• Terrorists with identity of the wining political party have been continuing the medieval atrocities.
• Affected people do not think that common Muslims are involved in the anarchic acts, rather terrorists patronized by the wining party are involved.
• No political party came forward in this crisis to save the minority. Neighbors in some cases provided shelters, but they had no courage to resist it.
• Administration did not take any preventive measures to check such atrocities on Hindus unleashed for at least one week after the election, country's law system was silent.
• It is the most inhumane statements that some incidents might happen during transition of power. However the new government gave assurances several times without any measures taken by the administration and checking the terrorism in rural areas.
• The evicted people want to go back home. They want support from local MPs and leaders of ruling party . But they did not get it.

2. The daily "JanaKantha"

Headline 1

"People of Kachua are shaken with panic ||

Repression of the terrorists crossed limits of all atrocities"

People of remote areas of Kachua (Chandpur) are now in a state of panic. The areas have become a terror-stricken locality. Destruction of houses and business establishments, looting, torture on common men and women, raping, and extortion are routine activities of the miscreants. Because of terrorism and extraction of money many people are living outside their homes. Good-looking girls and women were on the run for fear of the hoodlums of the locality. The main targets of these anti-social and criminal activities are the minority families and Awami leaguers and their supporters. Many families have taken shelter to relatively safer areas. No one dares to open mouth. The limit of torture has crossed the limit of the medieval period. Kasha is now a captive janapad (region) of the BNP led miscreants. Even the journalists and mere passersby are not spared from their atrocity.

When a representative of Daily JanaKantha visited the locality and arrived at village Bachhaiya, many villagers assembled there to narrate the story of the torture and atrocities committed onto them by the known miscreants of the locality including some dacoits who are now on bails. The journalist learned with panic that on October 19, a group armed gangsters led by Bara Jamal and Chota Jamal attacked the house known as Bainag family. They drew out the most elderly member of the family Jatindra Bain severely beating to a nearby brickfield. Gangsters forcibly made him naked, and then laid him down on the ground putting bricks on his chaste. His necklace made of tulsi beads was torn and then urinated on to it and handed it over to him. Then send him to his house naked. His wife Bakul managed to escape from them by hiding herself else where with other women members. But male members including Santosh (55), Naresh(55), Nibas, Ulman Sarkar(60) were severely tortured. They have asked not to tell any thing to any one including the journalists.

The miscreants made it a routine job to enter every house of the minority communities and known Awami league workers looking young girls and housewives.

In Doati Village the miscreants (i) snatched away taka 8 thousand from one Biswanath Sarkar(25), (ii) sum of 17 thousand taka was extorted from the proprietor (Swapan member) of the Bachaiya Brick Field, (iii) the shop of Umesh Sarkar (28) was looted after being beaten severely.

Meghaidaha village of 4-Purba Subidpur union is another zone of the nefarious anti social elements. The young girls and women are their targets- many girls are physically tortured, manhandled and molested. But for social reasons neither these victims, nor their guardians dare to disclose these matters to any one or complain to police. But destruction of houses, extortion of money and looting has become daily phenomena of this miscreants.. The miscreants looted the house of an UP member, Jatindra Sarkar(50) and kept him confined for eight days after the election. He then bought his freedom after giving them a lump sum amount. They assaulted the women UP member Mrs. Jahanara, a widow and asked her to pay Tk 30 thousand otherwise to face farther torture. She lamented with tears in her eyes that although the are living on the surface it is worst than under grave.

On 18 October a group of armed hoodlums led by three top terrorists Ylius, Gani and Monir of the locality attacked the shop and house of Doctor Haradhan in the morning . They demanded Tk 30 thousand from the doctor. In another similar attack the same group demanded Tk. 50 thousand from Dulal Chandra Sarkar, Head Master of Bhuinara High School. If they failed to meet their demand sev