Communal violence kills 44 in 6 months: BHBCOP

 
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad (BHBCOP) reported 257 incidents of communal violence across the country in the first six months of this year, leaving 261 people affected, including 44 killed. 

Speaking at a press conference held at the Tafazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall of the National Press Club in the capital on Monday, the leaders expressed concern over the situation and called for a “zero tolerance” policy against communal violence and placed an eight-point demand before the government to ensure the safety and rights of religious and ethnic minorities.

The organization said the information was collected from various newspapers, media outlets and its own sources across the country.

Acting General Secretary of the Unity Council Manindra Kumar Nath presented a written statement at the press conference.

According to the statement, 44 people were killed in 40 incidents during the six-month period. Five incidents of torture, rape or gang rape of women were also reported.

The council recorded 62 incidents of attacks, vandalism and looting at religious places of worship. It also reported 15 incidents of land grabbing involving places of worship.

There were 47 incidents of attacks, vandalism, looting and arson targeting houses and businesses. The council also reported 10 incidents of kidnapping, extortion and torture.

The Unity Council called on the government to take urgent measures to ensure the safety and security of religious and ethnic minorities and small ethnic groups. It also placed an eight-point demand before the government.

As part of the urgent measures, the council demanded that provocative and religious hate speech and the spreading of rumours be considered “harmful acts” under the Special Powers Act and that those involved be punished.

It also demanded immediate cancellation of the candidacy of people involved in such activities. The council called for minorities and small ethnic groups to be considered “higher risk groups” and urged the government to declare a “zero tolerance” policy against communal violence.

The council's eight-point demands include formulation of a “Minority Protection Act” and establishment of a National Minorities Commission and a Ministry of Minorities.

It also demanded removal of bureaucratic complexities related to the Transferred Property Act and quick return of land to its rightful owners in accordance with court verdicts.

Other demands include reserving 60 seats in parliament for minorities through their direct votes, enactment of an Anti-Discrimination Act and proper implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord.

The council also demanded government holidays of three days for Durga Puja, one day for Probarana Purnima and one day for Easter Sunday.