Rights activists demand justice for victims of violence

Human rights activists have urged the government to ensure swift investigations and trials into violence against minority and marginalised communities, attacks on shrines and dargahs, and other rights violations documented by the UN Fact-Finding Mission and civil society groups.

They made the demand at an exchange meeting at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital on Thursday, calling for judicial inquiries, effective remedies, compensation and long-term rehabilitation for victims and their families.

Sri Joy Chandra, son of Ruplal Chandra, who was killed in a mob lynching in Rangpur, said his family was still struggling for justice and support.

“Thirteen months have passed since my father was murdered, but we have yet to see justice. The interim government promised rehabilitation, but those commitments have not been fulfilled,” he said. He added that he could not attend school regularly after taking responsibility for supporting his family.

Meghna Das, wife of slain Mymensingh resident Dipu Chandra Das, said she had yet to receive justice more than a year after her husband’s killing. She said government promises to provide her with a job and a house had also not been fulfilled.

Panna Biswas, a victim of the Abhaynagar attack in Jashore, appealed for reconstruction and livelihood support, saying, “We want our homes repaired. We want arrangements made so we can earn a living.”

Imran Hossain of the Center for Islamic Heritage said 103 shrines had been attacked, Urs celebrations had stopped at 50 shrines and 18 had been abandoned, with three people killed in the incidents. He alleged that land grabbing and economic interests were major drivers behind many attacks.

Former National Human Rights Commission member Nur Khan Liton said most cases remained under investigation or had not entered legal proceedings, and called for systematic documentation of violence.