The Rights and Risk Analysis Groups (RRAG) has filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh, urging an investigation into the recent attacks on minority communities as reported by Bangladesh newspaper Prothom Alo.
According to Prothom Alo, at least 1,090 houses, businesses, and places of worship were damaged between August 5 and August 20, following the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.
The Prothom Alo reported that at least 1,090 attacks occurred, targeting 1,068 houses and businesses, as well as 22 places of worship belonging to minority communities. Tragically, two individuals from minority groups were also killed.
The attacks occurred across Bangladesh, with Khulna being the most heavily impacted region. Two Hindu minorities were killed, and many others, including Christians, Ahmadiyyas, and ethnic minorities, were targeted.
The Prothom Alo reported that several Christian institutions and individuals were also targeted. These included the Church of Bangladesh in Naogaon, the Evangelica Holiness Church in Dinajpur, the Christian Cooperative Credit Union’s collection booth in Madanpur, Narayanganj, and three Christian homes in Gournadi, Barishal, Khulna city, Halwaghat, Mymensingh, and Parbatipur. Additionally, a statue of Mother Mary was damaged at the Nijpara Mission in Thakurgaon, and threats and attempts were made to attack several missionary schools and colleges.
It also reported the murders of two Hindu minorities. Mrinal Kanti Chatterjee, a retired school teacher, was brutally beaten and killed on the night of August 5 in Bagerhat Sadar. His wife and daughter were also injured in the attack. Additionally, Swapan Kumar Biswas was tortured and killed on 8 August while returning home from Paikgachha, Khulna.
“These grave human rights violations against the minorities calls for registration of a complaint under Section 12(a) of the National Human Rights Commission Act of 2009 of Bangladesh and issuance of further directions as per Section 14 of the National Human Rights Commission Act of 2009,” stated Suhas Chakma, Director of the RRAG.
“The NHRC of Bangladesh must investigate these grave violations of human rights with the aim to establish accountability, provide reparation to the victims and ensure that such attacks are not repeated,” he added.
The RRAG called on the NHRC of Bangladesh to take immediate action. This included registering the complaint, issuing directives for the registration of First Information Reports in each case, ensuring fair trials with witness protection, assessing the damages suffered by minority communities, and recommending appropriate compensation, including Taka 10 lakh to the families of the murdered individuals, Mrinal Kanti Chatterjee and Swapan Kumar Biswas.
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The RRAG suggested that the NHRC of Bangladesh seek technical cooperation from the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions or other regional NHRIs to aid in their investigation and response to the attacks.
