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Many of us were thus introduced to the brutal tales of organized rape and pillage of hundreds of Hindu women in the remote Bangladesh village of Annada Prashad on October 2-3, 200. Almost two hundred women were raped and hundreds of families were rendered homeless. Elsewhere in Bangladesh, stories of violence against the minority community have begun to emerge.

We, the members of 'Drishtipat', an Internet based non-political human rights watch organization for Bangladesh, are deeply disturbed by the unprecedented human rights abuses unleashed upon sections of our hapless minority community immediately preceding the general election of 2001 and in it's bloody aftermath. We are extremely saddened and enraged at the extent and ferocity of these crimes against humanity perpetrated by some misguided criminals and so-called political thugs in Bangladesh.

• Raise money for the rehabilitation of victims at Annada Prashad
• Raise awareness of current minority-related human rights abuses at Annada Prashad and elsewhere in Bangladesh
• Apply pressure, directly and indirectly, on the Bangladesh Government to take action
  

To accomplish these goals, we are reaching out to conscientious friends and members of the expatriate Bangladeshi community who cannot and must not remain silent observers. To help the victims financially in need we have set a modest goal of raising $25,000 by January 31, 2002 for the rehabilitation of Annada Prashad victims. We will provide the aid to the victims through the auspices of the Mahila Parishad and other associated reliable entities in Bangladesh. We expect to not just simply hand over money, but help the victims rebuild their lives through targeted efforts such as home reconstruction and small business setup grants.

SpaandanB, a US based non-profit organization, will help this campaign by receiving your tax-deductible charitable contributions. SpaandanB will provide you with a receipt after the New Year. Please make your checks payable to SpaandanB, fill out "Cheye Dekho Campaign" in the memo line and mail to:

We urge you to come forward in this season of giving, and donate generously to help the distressed victims in the minority community in Bangladesh. They desperately need our assistance to get back on their feet again and reclaim their shattered faith in humanity. We thank you in advance for your support and solidarity.