Advocate Rabindra Ghosh Issues An Urgent Appeal Against The Threat of Ethnic Cleansing in Bangladesh By: Zemira Eli Natan and Advocate Rabindra Ghosh

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality

*****URGENT REQUEST*****



Advocate Rabindra Ghosh  of Bangladesh Minority watch has posted numerous cases illustrating the lack of intervention conduction by the police in Bangladesh.  These cases involve serious harassment of Hindu and other minority communities .  Advocate Rabindra
Ghosh and his staff have had attempts taken on their lives as they investigate these matters thoroughly and expose the perpetrators of various crimes including rape and abduction of women, destruction and looting of  villages, and destruction of Holy shrines.  The medias are silent and there is no law enforcement available to enforce the laws that protect these communities from harm.  Below is Advocate Rabindra Ghosh direct statement concerning this very viable threat:

"Bangladesh Minority Watch is very much concerned with the continued threat by the police department during our fact finding in different parts of Bangladesh.  We had met and spoken with the Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. H.T. Imam- Political Adviser to Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Apart from this we also informed Dr.Mizanur Rahman- Chairman-National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh. But no remedial measures taken by them for protection of Human Rights defenders for Minority Rights.

We need urgent action against police officers responsible for threat and intimidation during fact finding in different parts of Bangladesh."

-----Advocate Rabindra Ghosh-----

 

 

Our discussion did not conclude here.  I was able to share my experience in Kokrajhur Assam and explained how there is no police or government intervention to address the influx of Muslims entering into India and grabbing land from Hindus whenever and wherever it suits them.  Advocate Rabindra Ghosh gives the following explanation as to events currently occurring and others that are ongoing problems:


"Every day we are facing problem with police authority, perpetrators those are kidnapping Hindu girls, forcefully occupying our lands, frequent abduction of Hindu girls with rape incidents are common in Bangladesh. Police is very much negligent on this matter.

I need to do something for the protection of rights of minorities of Bangladesh as those minorities of Bangladesh is going to be ethnically cleansed.

Intervention is necessary for the protection of rights of minorities of Bangladesh. You know that since 2001 to 2015 we are being harassed by the law enforcing agencies, lawyers, law makers, MP and other perpetrators in different times, Despite all we did not leave our country Bangladesh, as we love Bangladesh well."


As you can see  these issues have been occurring in Bangladesh for fourteen years and nothing has changed.   Issues such as these are also occurring in India.  Bangladeshi Muslims are entering the country  to escape justice and avoid further trouble in Bangladesh while, at the same time, causing havoc in India.  The response of Law Enforcement is deplorable! The medias refuse to broadcast the news for fear of escalating political issues and government censorship which is now occurring in the region on a wide scale.


At this time and for all occurring incidents  our Advocates and their staff, international delegations and Minority leaders are asking for TANGIBLE assistance for these victims.  There are thousands of families devastated by these crimes against humanity.  The correct action to take is first to bring these incidents to the public and bring awareness to the International Community, second to bring these issues to the attention to the medias and continue to contact them  to encourage proper and honest media coverage of these incidents, third  to contact international human rights organizations and follow up with causes to bring tangible assistance to the victims and their families.  Writing correspondence to government officials as a group  with numerous signatures can help pressure the government and the law enforcement agencies who refuse to enforce laws that protect minorities against these crimes against humanity.  These crimes violate numerous articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations.  I have posted my report of my visit to two of five refugee camps whose victims claim are being attacked on! one side by Baptist Christian Missionaries who are armed and Muslims from Bangladesh on the other side.    These people cannot be ethnically cleansed!  The International Community cannot stand for it!  Action is the key and IUFE demands action on the part of all who take the time to read this.  Action can include sharing, contacting, and exposing.  Everyone can do their part to help.  Please take decisive action for the sake of humanity.

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality

Advocate Rabindra Ghosh
President
Bangladesh Minority Watch
 

New Cases Advocate Rabindra Ghosh Bangladesh Minority Watch Bangladesh Minorities at Risk

Minority Hindu Families Attacked on 1^st of December, 14 Monday evening, Hindu Deities demolished and desecrated by perpetrators at village – Donarkandi within Gournadi Upazila of Barisal District. More than 15 Hindu victims physically assaulted.

 (The daily “Janakantha dated 2^nd of December, 2014)

On 1^st of December, 2014 at about 7 p.m. while a Meeting for “Baisnav Shava” was going on more than 40 to 45 perpetrators belonging to Muslims armed with deadly weapon attacked Hindu families at Khanzapur Union of Gournadi Upazila of Barisal District, desecrated their “Durga Temple”  and demolished two houses belonging to Hindus, assaulted  14 Hindus causing severe injuries.

The incident of attack originated due to construction works for School was going on before 4 days ago, but the Hindus complain that due to construction materials were bellow standard and construction works done by Laskar Meah –are not sustainable & not in conformity with the good quality.  Hindus demanded good quality construction materials and as a result Md Shah Alam arranged 40-50 workers, instigated them to attack Hindus Area of Donarkandi village. As a result A Durga Temple and two houses of the Minority Hindus have been destroyed.

Bangladesh Minority Watch immediately communicated with Officer in Charge of Gournadi Police station over phone who admitted the incident and a case No.1 dated 01.12.2014 under section 143/447/448/323/380/295/427/506 of penal code has been started against 15 persons. The officer in charge also informed us that four perpetrators had been arrested namely 1) Saiful, 2) Tipu sultan, 3) Harun and 4) Kamrul . More arrests are reported to be made after wards.

Bangladesh Minority Watch is also worried about continuous attacks on minority communities and demand deterrent punishment of the perpetrators responsible for physical attack, desecration of Hindu Goddess and assaulting women and children.

BDMW investigating.

Through:

Rabindra Ghosh

President-Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW)

12, K.M. Das Lane, Tikatully, Wari PS, Dhaka, Bangladesh

An Appeal To Bangladesh Minority Watch By: Advocate Rabindra Ghosh

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality

IUFE Advocates prove their professional skills in the field!  Thank you Advocate Rabindra Ghosh for your continued efforts to stop these crimes and your protection of these innocent victims of rape and forced conversion to Islam.  Your efforts help to make a better and safer world. IUFE wishes you continued success in receiving justice for these victims.  IUFE is requesting the help of the International Community and Civil Society Members to help protect our Advocates working in the field and the victims for whom they represent.  Our Advocates are officers of the court and should not be subjected to any threats of death or bodily harm simply because they are advocating for these victims.  This matter will be shared with International Human Rights Organizations and the International community whose duty it is to secure the safety and security of all human beings.  

Zemira Eli Natan

Executive Director

International Unity For Freedom and Equality

False Affadavit Pg. 1
Photo Courtesy of Advocate Rabindra Ghosh

False Affadavit Pg. 2

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Rabindra  Ghosh

Copy of Victims Birth Certificate

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Rabindra Ghosh

Case File Pg. 1

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Rabindra Ghosh

Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW) received an appeal relating to abduction, rape and forceful conversion of to Islam by four perpetrators:  Please see the link below -

http://newsnextbd.com/hindu-girl-abducted-raped-and-converted-to-islam-in-lalmonirhat/

Name of the Victim: Ms. Pinky Roy (11 years 9 months)

Age of the victim     : 11 years nine months.

Name of the father: Pulin Chandra Das

Permanent Address: Village - Velebari - Mejitari, P.s. Aditmari, District - Lalmonirhat, Bangladesh.

Religion of the victim: Hindu (Sanatan)

Names of the accused: 1) Mohammad Bullet (22)

                                    2) Mohammad Aminul Isllam (35)

                                    3) Mohammad Bablu (20)

                                    4) Mohammad Azizul Islam (45) : All of village : Pachim Velabari, P.S. Aditmari,Lalmonirhat.

Date of event:        29th April, 2014 at about 10.00 hours.

Case filed on 02.05.2014 ( Aditmari P.S. case No.4 dated 02.05.2014 under section 7/30 of Women and Children Repression Act,2002.

 

Facts of the Case:

The destitute Hindu victim Ms.Pinky Roy was abducted on 29th of April,14 by four Muslim perpetrators. Those perpetrators locked her in a nearby village and raped. The members of Hindu family demanded help from the nearby police; but the police remained silent till filing of the First information report on 02.05.2014.

Mohammad Bulet married the girl following the abduction day and converted to Islam most illegally, but the victim claimed to be completely unaware about the matter by a Notary Public. The affidavit sworn in by the victim is beyond her knowledge and the marriage document between victim girl and Mohammad Bullet changing the Hindu name into Muslim girl is a myth and concocted story.

Due to death of mother of the victim girl the father married other women and due to irresponsible attitude on the part of father of the victim, the case filed by father without mentioning the incident of rape and forceful conversion may lead the case frustrated.

Action taken: -

Aditmari P.S. Case No.4 dated 02.05.2014 under section 7/30 of Women and Children Repression Act was filed at Aditmari police station by the illiterate father of the victim.

I, on behalf of BDMW communicated with Md.Aslam Iqbal-Officer in Charge of Aditmari police station over his cell number 01713373947, he said a case has been registered and no perpetrators have yet been arrested by them.

I also had drawn the attention of Officer in Charge of Aditmari P.S. that why the penal section offence relating to rape and forceful conversion has not been incorporated in the first information report (FIR), Mr.Md.Aslam Iqbal replied that as the victim and her father did not say anything relating to rape and forceful conversion during filing of the case.

I also talked with Journalist.Dilip Roy (reporter of Daily Star) over his cell number 01719753607 who spoke with me and gave me to understand after thorough discussion with minor victim girl who described her ordeal and said " I have been raped and forcefully converted to Islam) Copy of the Affidavit made by victim forcefully obtained by perpetrator has been handed over to our correspondent - Dilip Roy. So, the story made by father during filing F.I.R. at the P.S. is far from truth. In this regard the police suppressed the material facts to conceal the rape and forceful conversion.

In this connection I also talked with Superintend of Police, Lalmonirhat over cell phone who also trying to conceal the material facts to help getting impunity to the perpetrators. 

Recommendations: -

1. Bangladesh Minority Watch is very much concerned about concealment of fact of rape and forceful conversion of Hindu girl in the First information Report.

2. The perpetrators should be arrested immediately.
 

3. The abductors should be punished as per law of the land.

4. The State should protect the religious/indigenous minorities from ethnic cleansing.

5. The police officers responsible for suppressing the facts should be punished for their negligence of duties.

6. Necessary legal assistance including the psychological treatment for recovery from traumatized position of the victim should be given by the state. 

Documents and papers:  After thorough investigation by BDMW the documents relating to this case will be attached. The matter has been reported in various news papers of Bangladesh.

BDMW decided to visit the place of occurrence within this week.

With best regards,

Adv.Rabindra Ghosh

Founder President-Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW)

12, K.M. Das Lane, Tikatully Wari P.S.,Dhaka, Bangladesh.

E.Mail: bangladeshminoritywatch@gmail.com,

Phone: 088-01711172468

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality

Cases Advocate Rabindra Ghosh-The Sexual Assault of Ms. Shilpi Rani Biswas By Advocate Rabindra Ghosh Bangladesh Minority Watch

Ms. Shilpi Rani Biswas – Minority Hindu School Girl (15) sexually  assaulted by Muslim perpetrators on 06.07.2014 at Ullapara Upazila of Serajgonj district in Bangladesh ( The daily Jugantor dated 8^th July,14)

 http://www.jugantor.com/bangla-face/2014/07/08/120068

Bangladesh Minority Watch received  information  that a minority school girl aged about 14 years had been sexually assaulted on 6^th July,14 and we also came to know that the victim feeling shy to explain her ordeal as she has been traumatized.

Name of the Victim: Ms. Shilpi Rani Biswas

Age of the girl           : 14 years

Name of the mother: Ms. Adhuri Rani Biswas (35)

Name of the father    : Chitta Ranjan Biswas (45) @ Fatick.

Date of occurrence    : 06.07.14 at about 04.30 p.m.

Religion of the victim :  Hindu (Sanatan)

Place of occurrence   : Near Krishakgonj – Konabari Sarak, Ullapara Upazila of Serajgonj district.

Permanent Address of the Victim:  Konabari –Salap Union within Ullapara Upazila of serajgonj district.

Names of perpetrators: 1) Ashraful  (22) son of Mozzammel Hossain,

                                            2) Sabus (25) son of Abdul Pramanik  within sreebari Union of Ullapara,

Case number : Ullapara P.S. Case No. 7 dated 07.07.2014 under section 9(4)(kha)/30 of Women and Children Repression Act, 2002 has been lodged.

Facts of the Case:

Ms. Shilpi Rani Biswas is a student of Class X of Salap High School, on 06.07.2014 at about 4.30 p.m. while the victim was coming from her school towards her home on the way she was intercepted by those two Muslim perpetrators and dragged her within a country-made factory (chalkal) opened her wearing clothes without her consent started to take initiative to sexually abuse, but the victim cried loudly and as a result some nearby witnesses came and saw the screaming and in the meantime the perpetrators fled away. The victim was taken to her home and she described the scenario of the perpetrators to her parents.

Ms. Adhuri Rani Biswas – mother of the victim lodged F.I.R. at Ullapara police station on 07.07.2014 (Being Ullapara P.S. Case No. 7 dated 07.07.2014 under section 9(4)(kha)/30 of Women and Children Repression Act, 2002)

Action taken:

I, on behalf of BDMW communicated with Mr.S.M. Emran Hossain- Superintendent of Police-Serajgonj and Mr. Nuruzzaman- Second officer of Ullapara Police station over their mobile number 01713374030 and 01713384040 they confirmed us that specific case has been started against those perpetrators, but they could not arrest those perpetrators due to absconding.

I also communicated with the father and mother of the victim who also given me to understand that they are in panic as those perpetrators are threatening to withdraw the case; but the police officers of respective police station did not agree with the statements of the victim’s father and mother.  The victim is now under medical enquiry at the Hospital. I could not talk with the victim as she does not carry any mobile phone.

Bangladesh Minority watch has decided to investigate the matter at the spot at Ullapara,Serajgonj very soon.

Recommendations: -

Bangladesh Minority Watch is very much concerned about the sexual assault on minority School girl and we demand

1)      immediate arrest of the perpetrators responsible for sexual assault;

2)      investigate the matter by a judicial Officer not less than a District and Sessions Judge;

3)      Punish the perpetrators as per law;

4)      The traumatized victim should be given proper medical treatment and the compensation should be paid to the victim’s family.

5)      Perfunctory investigation by the police should be carefully monitored.

6)      The state should protect minorities as per International protocol to get proper justice.

Through:

Adv. Rabindra Ghosh

Founder President-Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW)

12, K.M. Das Lane, Tikatully, Wari P.S.,Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Advocate Rabindra Ghosh New Update Current Cases Bangladesh Minority Watch By : Advocate Rabindra Ghosh

Advocate Rabindra Ghosh
Bangladesh Minority Watch
Leading Protest for Justice for Crimes Against Hindus in Bangladesh

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Rabindra Ghosh

Country: Bangladesh
Type of Violation: Gang rape and obstruction to get education
Acts: Right to Integrity, right to education.
Investigation conducted by: Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW)
1. Identity of the victim(s):
Name: 1) Ms.Devi Dey
Age at time of event: 17 years.
Under 18: Yes
Citizenship: Bangladesh
Religion: Hindu
Ethnicity: Religious minority
Caste:
Home address: Village: Banigram, P.S. Banskhali, District: Chittagong, B.Desh
Consent given: Yes
2. Date and place of event:
Date: 10.06.2014 at about 11 a.m.
Location: Western Side of Banskhali Degree College (forest) in the garden of Md.Zahangir
Date of Investigation: 28.06.2014
3. Alleged perpetrator(s):
1)Md. A.R. Khan (20) son of Late Dulal Meah village-Adarsha Gram (Jangal Gunagari)2) Mohammad Liton (21) son of Saber of village Hatiya para,Kalipur, 3) Mohammad Anisur Rahaman @Manik (20) son of late Saber Ahmed of village Hajeegaon, 4) Mohammad Belal son of not known, 5) Not identifiled (but will be recognized when he will be produded, All of Banskhali Upazila of Chittaong District:

Investigation :

I, Adv.Rabindra Ghosh along with Biplob Kumar Mohanta of BDMW visited the spot in the morning on 28.06.2014, met with the victim, victim’s father and mother, took statements of victims at her present location at Banigram, we also interrogated witnesses available at the time of our investigation 1) Gopal Bhattacharjee (55) son of late Nihar Ranjan Bhattachrjee, 2) Ashoke Chowdhury (52) son of Ranjan Chowdhury, 3) Shib Charan Dey (65) son of Dhirendra Lal Dey, 4) Ms. Runu Dey (50) 5) Shudhangsu Dey (55) 6) Ms. Minu Dey (48)
• Police arrested one perpetrator name: Iyar Khan.
• Police did not take any cognizance after the occurrence, although police came to know from reliable sources that a Hindu girl was gang rapped.
• Md. Quamrul Hassan office in charge of Banshkhali, Police Station, misbehaved with the human rights defender during the investigation. He wanted to suppress

material facts which are relevant for the determination of the case. Due to non cooperation of police authority, the victim may not get any proper justice.

1. 5. Case Summary: Ms. Devi Dey (17) is an adolescent Hindu girl studying Banshkhali Degree College 2nd year. Some of the perpetrators namely- Md. I.R Khan, Md. Liton(21), Md. Anisur Rahman@Manik, Md Belal used to disturb her since long soon after her admission in the college. On 10/06/2014 at about 11am while she was in the class room, she was called by her class mate Md Anisur Rahman @ Manik with ill intention called and brought her in the nearest forest which is one and half kilometre away from the college. She became astonished finding more three perpetrators were waiting for sexual harassment. As soon as she refused to allow sexual abuse other accused Md I.R Khan, Md Liton, Md Belal forced her to allow in sexual intercourse. Two perpetrators fell her down in the ground and started to rape one after another and other two accused took the scenery of the rape through their mobile phone. The victim tried to rescue herself from the clutches of the forceful intercourse and screaming but she was prevented from doing this as her mouth was tied up by her wearing clothes. She was also forbidden not to disclose the scenario to other people including police, otherwise she will be killed. There after the victim was taken to her home and she took medical treatment P.S.T.C Clinic at Panchlaish, Chittagong. The victim did not disclose this matter due to shyness and for security but the destitute legal guardian realised that this scenario happened by the Muslim perpetrators. Soon after she came to senses Mr. Ramprasad Dey- elder brother of the victim lodged First Information Report (FIR) to nearest Banshkhali Police Station describing the facts(Banshkhali PS Case number 22, 22/06/2014 Under section 9(3)/30 of Women and Children repression act 2003, read with section57(2) of Information and communication Technology Act, 2006). Thereafter police tried to recover the memory card of the Mobile phone from the Principal of the College and found that the scenario of the gang rape has been detected. Police also arrested one of the accused A.R Khan on 23/06/2014 and co-accused was absconding. In the mean while the principal of Banshkhali Degree College had directed the victim not to attend classes and rebuked her for the offense committed by the perpetrators. The victim also described “ I am helpless, I could not rescue myself from the clutches of the terrorized situation and for this reason the instigator Khandakar Md. Samiuddin- Local Chairman of Banigram Union of Bankhali is responsible for this misery”. She also said “Police completely failed to arrest those four perpetrators because of full intervention of Khandakar Md. Samiuddin” So, the overall condition and atmosphere within the village where the victim living is not at all congenial and rather inimical.

Advocate Rabindra Ghosh and the Hindu Communities of Bangladesh Demand Justice from Crimes Against Hindus

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Rabindra Ghosh

Adv. Rabindra Ghosh

Founder President-Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW)

12, K.M. Das Lane, Tikatully, Wari P.S.,Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Crimes Against Religion By Advocate Rabindra Ghosh Bangladesh Minority Watch

Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality



----Update from Advocate Rabindra Ghosh----

Two Hindu Deities (Muthi) of Kali Temple demolished on 5^th of June, 2014 at Mymensingh Kotwali by Muslim perpetrators: No perpetrators arrested till writing of this report.

Source :( The Daily Bhorer Kagoj dated 7^th of June, 2014)

Act: Crime against religion.

Victim: Nironjan Sutradhar – Hindu Priest

Date and time of occurrence: 5^th of June, 2014 at about 2 p.m.

Place of occurrence:  Churkhai of chakanju Area of Mymensingh Sadar, Mymensingh District. Bangladesh.

Case Number: Mymensingh Model P.S. case No.24 dated 07.06.2014 under section 143/147/427/323/295/427/506 of Penal code.

Name of the perpetrators:-

1)     Abdul Jalil son of Ismail,

2)     Razzak son of Abdur Rahim,

3)     Faruk son of Abul Rahaman

4)     Ms.Sandhu Khatun wife of Abdul Jalil,

5)     Ms.Yesmin wife of A.Rahim.

6)     Ms.Rahena Begum wife of Hashim  Mollah.

7)     Ms.Hoshne Ara wife of not known.

The above noted perpetrators without any lawful authority and unauthorisely entered into the Kali Temple of Nironjan Sutradhar on 05.06.2014 at about 2 p.m. and started to assault on Hindu Deities resulting desecration of those Murthis. This incident happened only on simple ground of quarreling between two Hindu and Muslim children Asad and Sadhan. This infuriated the situation and the guardian and associates of the Muslim boy with religiously motivated attacked the temple and desecrated Hindu deities with common object to destroy Murthies.

Bangladesh Minority Watch immediately communicated with Fazlul Karim –Officer in Charge of Mymensingh Sadar P.S. over his cell number -01713373430 who confirmed the unfortunate incident and he gave us to understand that a case has been registered on 07^th June, 2014 as proper section of law, but he said no accused has yet been arrested because those accused are absconding.

Local Hindu Boudda Christian Oikkya Parishad Secretary – Sawpan Sarkar and Organizing Secretary Shankar Saha in a press statement condemned this incident.

Bangladesh Minority Watch demand immediate arrest of perpetrators responsible for desecration of Hindu deities and the deities so far demolished should be restored to its original place for their regular worship as per Hindu custom. The securities of the minorities should be provided.

With best regards,

Adv. Rabindra Ghosh

Founder President-Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW)

12,K.M. Das Lane, Tikatully, Wari P.S.,Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Zemira Eli Natan

Executive Director

International Unity for Freedom and Equality

Update from Advocate Rabindra Ghosh More Attacks on Hindu Villages

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
Internatinal Unity for Freedom and Equality

On 4th of June,2014 at about 8 a.m to 9 a.m. a groups of Muslim perpetrators armed with sharp weapons, Iron Rod, Lathi, and country made gun attacked Minority Hindus located at Fatehabad village within Municipal area of Comilla district.

Bangladesh minority watch (BDMW) immediately communicated with S.P. Comilla and Officer in charge of Debidwar police station who confirmed that two perpetrators have been arrested in this connection.

It is also alleged that 25 - 30 Muslim Perpetrators attacked on Hindu Minorities physically for protesting illegal activities on Hindu girl from harassment or eve teasing. They also became angry because they were prohibited from doing illegal activities beside the Hindu temple "Lokanath Brammachari Temple". On the date of event they attacked on the Hindu houses and the guests of the said temple. While those victims were sleeping at  their houses at night, even on the next day at 8.30 A.M they have beaten Shajal Dutta(50) while he was going to shop at the nearest market.

BDMW have decided to investigate the incident at the spot soon. It is also unfortunate that recently at Homna Upazila, Comilla District 35 houses of Hindu Community were attacked and looted on the ground of blasphemy. Recently BDMW and BCHRDsubmitted a writ petition before High Court on May 12. Following the writ petition, the High Court ordered the government to provide protection to Hindu minorities and their households in Comilla, but it is unfortunate that the government totally failed to protect the Minority communities at Debidwar Upazila, Comill District despite High court order is in existence.

BDMW is also very much concerned with the repeated attack on Hindu Minorities at Comilla. BDMW demand a immediate drastic action against the perpetrators responsible for eve teasing, attack on Women and Children, injuring inmates of the houses and they should be brought to book as per law.

With Best Regards

Advocate Rabindra Ghosh

Founder President-Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW)
12,K.M. Das Lane, Tikatully, Wari P.S.,Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Zemira Eli Natan

Executive Director

International Unity for Freedom and Equality

Report from Advocate Rabindra Ghosh Bangladesh Minority Watch

Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW) received  information from our volunteer at Patuakhali District that on 28.05.2014 at about 2 a.m. gang of perpetrators looted valuables and gang raped one Minority Hindu women located at Sutabaria of Golachipa Upazila of Patuakhali District-Bangladesh.

I on behalf of BDMW communicated with Rafiqul Hasan Goni- S.P., Patuakhali and Shishir Kumar Pal- O.C Golachipa Police station today and came to know that one of the accused Mosharaf Hossain has been arrested by police. Vigorous attempt is going on to arrest more perpetrators - police said.

We also came to know that the victim - Ms. Papri Aich (25) wife of Mrinal Aich has been admitted to Patuakhali Medical Hospital for treatment. The victim has been put on for DNA test. I had also talked with Mrinal Kanti Aich over his cell number 01715422726 who gave me to understand that during the occurrence of gang-rape he was not present at his house and his two minor children was there, but they could not protest during the occurrence.

Name of the Perpetrators  : 1) Md. Mosharaf Hossain (23),  2) Rubel Howlader (24) and 3) Babul Palwan (25) : All of village Sutabaria of Golachipa Upazila of Patuakhali District.

Mrinal Aich husband of victim lodged first information report (F.I.R) at Golachipa police station being Golachipa P.S. case No.22 dated 28.05.2014 under section 9(3) of Women and Children Repression Act,2002 against three perpetrators.

BANGLADESH Minority Watch is very much shocked at the incident of looting, properties of Hindu House,  gang-rape of Minority Hindu women on 28th of May,2014 and we demand exemplary punishment of the those perpetrators responsible for the crime against humanity. We also demand urgent arrest of more perpetrators 

We are contemplating to investigate the matter at the spot.

With best regards,

Rabindra Ghosh

Founder President-Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW)

12, K.M. Das Lane, Tikatully, Wari P.S.,Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Investigative Report Bangladesh Minority Watch by Advocate Rabindra Ghosh

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality

-----IUFE UPDATE-----

IUFE Thanks Advocate Rabindra Ghosh for this update on issues occurring in Bangladesh. His expereince speaks for itself and we congratulate him on very successful meetings in Europe.  Advocate Rabindra Ghosh has advised IUFE that the meetings were very production as to bringing awareness of the very serious issuse that are currently confronting the Hindu communities in Bangladesh. We are seeing an increasing number of very serious Temple Destruction and community destruction occurring in Bangladesh.  This is becoming too widespread for  us to ignore!  Action is demanded by all Human Rights Organizations and Governments responsible for these abhorrent acts against Hindu communities!    We can no longer accept these atrocities occurring!

Dear Friends and Colleagues,  

Fact Finding/investigation conducted by Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW) on 30^th of April,2014 at Bag Sitarampur Homna Upazila of Comilla District in Bangladesh relating to attacks, looting, assaulting on Hindu Minorities on 27.04.2014 on the allegation of face-book postings by Hindus defaming Islam.

Country: Bangladesh

Type of Violation: Right to Religious freedom, Right to Personal Property, Right to Life

Acts: Looting of houses and temples; Physical assault; (about 35 Hindu houses and one temples belonging to Hindus were attacked and at least)

Date of investigation: 30^th April, 2014

Date of Submission to GHRD: 2nd^th May, 2014

GHRD Contact: Elena Atzeni and Nazli Tuncay

Investigation conducted by: Adv. Rabindra Ghosh, Md. Firoz Hossain and Sidhu Bosu (BDMW)

1. Identity of the victim(s):

Name: 1.Sawpan Chandra Das 2. Harilal Das, 3. Prahlad Das, 4. Chand Mohan Das, 5. Shepal chandra Das, 6. Nihar Chandra Das, 7. Anil Chandra Das, 8. Dr. Durgapada Das, 9. Akhil chandra Das, 10. Ajit Chandra Das, 11. Haradhan Das, 12. Ranjit Chandra Das, 13. Niranjan Chandra Das, 14. Sreenath Das, 15. Birendra Chandra Das, 16. Priyanath Das, 17. Thakur Das, 18. Tapan Das, 19. Joydeb Das, 20. Paban Chandra Das, 21. Uttam Das, 22. Gopal Chandra Das, 23. Biswassar Chandra Das, 24. Shymol Chandra Das, 25. Banamali Das, 26. Parimal Das, 27. Nirmal Das, 28. Hari Kamal Das, 29. Amar Chandra Das, 30. Haripada Goswami, 31.Sreenath Chandra Das,32. Ranjit Das,33. Haradhan Chandra Das,                 34.Tufani Chandra Das, 35. Ram chandra Das, and others.

Age at time of event:

Under 18:                          Multiple 10 to 80 years

Citizenship:                         Bangladesh

Religion:                               Hindu

Ethnicity:                           Religous Minority

Caste:

Home address:                 Village :  Bag Sitarampur of Homna Upazila within Comilla District in Bangladesh.

Consent given:    Yes       

2. Date and place of event:

Date:                     26^th April, 2014

Location:              Bag Sitarampur village of Homna Sub-district in Comilla District

3. Alleged perpetrator(s):

1) Nazrul Islam (22) son of Zahangir

2. Quium (22) son of Giasuddin,

3. Mufti Nuruzzaman (55) son of not known,

4. Moulana Hedayetullah (55) son of late Sirajul Islam,

5. Moulana Shah Alam (50) son of not known,

6. Abdul Barik Master (55) son of not known,

7. Moulana Habibullah (40) son of late Mofizul,

8. Motaleb Khan Principal (55) son of not known,

9. Ebadul Mollah (50) son of Safad Ali,

10. Md. Shafi Uddin (25) son of Saidul Islam,

11. Mohammad Hanif (24) son of Younus Meah,

12. Robiullah (27) son of Abul Hashem,

13. Al-Ameen (22), son of Amir Hossain,

14. Abdul Halim (50) son of Talu Meah,

15. Moulana Sha Alam (35) son of not known,

16. Musa (34) son of Momen Meah,

17. Nurul Islam Mollah (35) son of late Abul Hashem,

18. Mohammad Kabir (35) son of Samad Meah,

19. Md. Omar Faruk (28) son of Mobarak Hossain,

20. Selim (26) son of late Alek Meah,

21. Mohammad Asik (21)  son of Md. Harun Meah,

22. Altaf (24) son of Zahed Ali,

23. Abil Meah (24) son of Abdus Samad,

24. Mufti Nazrul Islam (40) son of not known,

25. Moulana Abdul Quddus (42) son of late Nayeb Ali,

26. Abdur Rahman (38) son of Fazlul Rahman,

27. Jasim (22) son of Moslem Meah,

28. Sudan Meah (35) son of Musa,

29. Mohammad Faruk Meah Molla (40) son of Younus Momin,

30. Adil (25)  son of Rabi Meah,

31. Robi Meah (52) son of late Nayeb Ali,

32. Mohammad Giasuddin (53) son of late Mansur Ali,

33. Din Islam (25) son of Fazlul Karim,

34. Faisal (25) son of Tazul Islam,

35. Moulanna Musa (38) son of not known,

36. Md. Kabir (25) son of Venga Hossain,

37. Al-Ameen (22) son of Humayun

38. Md. Russel (22)  son of Zahed Ali,

39. Motaleb Huzur –Rampur Madrasha.

40. Faisal (25) son of Tazul Islam,

41. Saifuddin (25) son of not known.

42. Moulana Yousuf (36) son of not known.

43. Anis (30) son of Abdul Zabbar

44. Mosharaff (27) son of Abul Hashem,

45. Takkul (20) son of Motin Meah

46. Qumrul (25) son of not known.

47. Mohibul (24) son of Sahi Meah,

48. Sattar Meah son of Raham Ali,

49. Hossain Mollah (38) son of late Tara Meah.

50. Saha Alam Huzur (50) son of not known.

51. Shafique (25) son of not known,

52. Faruk (27) son of not known,

53. Mohammad Hanif (24) son of Younus Meah,

54. Helal (28) son of late Rahiam,

55. Mohammad Hanif (25) son of Raham Ali,

56. Habizul Meah (22) son of Mojibur Rahman,

57. Nazrul Islam (23) son of late Noaz Ali,

58. Yeamin (20) son of Bazlu Meah,

59. Jiban Meah (50) son of not known.

60. Rokib (35) son of late Monu Meah,

61. Farid Meah (56) son of late Abu Meah,

62. Soleman (25) son of Fazlu Karim,

63. Hamood (45) son of Hajee Mongal Meah,

64. Sadeque (28) son of Hossain Meah,

65. Ismail (25) son of Jabbar Meah

66. Kali Bhuiya (35) son of Monu Meah,

67. Imran (25) son of not known.

68. Mohammad Jalal (30) son of late Fazil Meah, and more so.

Fact of the Case:  Bag Sitarampur (Das Para) is a place within the border area of Murdnagar Upazila and Homna Upazila of Comilla District is remotest area 13 kilometres away from Homna Police station. 42 Hindu families live their home since long peacefully. On 26^th April,2014 some Muslim detected a bad comment on the face-book of Uddob Chandra Das and Sreenibash Kumar Das against Prophet Hazarat Mohammad which triggered Muslim mob to agitate thousands of Muslims.On 27^th April, 2014 at about 2.30 p.m. on hearing the news of alleged bad comment made by two Hindu student namely 1) Uddob Das and Sreenibash Das in the face book regarding Prophet (SM) Mohammad thousands of perpetrators belonging to Muslim from different areas assembled from different directions, armed with deadly weapons such as Ram Dao, axe, iron rod, strong hammer, cane etc appeared before Sree Sree Radha Krishna Temple of Das Para and they started throwing agitated slogans against Hindus and started to breaking, looting, arsoning, physically assulting Hindus, resulting 35 Hindus houses with a Temple demolished and desecrated within a twinkle of an eye. Due to abrupt attacks women and children belonging to Hindus fled away, some of them swimming in the “Titas” river, took shelter in the paddy fields, some took shelter nearest villages, Perpetrators demolished house, Hindu deities and looted belongings( gold ornaments, cash Taka   of Birendra Chandra Das amounting to Taka 4,00,000/-, Perpetrators also demolished houses and looted the wealth of Sreenath Chandra Das amounting to Taka 3,00,000/-, Due to attacks Ranjit Chandra Das lost properties taka 2,50,000/-, Niranjan Chandra Das lost properties worth Taka 3,00,000/- including gold ornaments, Haradhan Chandra Das lost properties worth Taka 3,20,000/-, Sree Tufani Chandra Das lost properties due to attack worth Taka 1,50,000/-, Ram Chandra Das lost properties worth Taka 1,20,000/-    and other victims namely Tapan Chandra Das, Bonomali chandra Das, Ms Suniti Bala Goswami and more 25 family members lost properties approximate  amounting to 65 to 70 million of Taka.  

Investigation:  I, Adv. Rabindra Ghosh along with Md. Firoz Hossain, Sidhu Bosu of BDMW rushed to the spot on 30^th of April, 2014 and reached Homna P.S. at about 2 p.m.  The officer in charge of Homna P.S. and Inspector of Police (Investigation) accompanied us at the spot by a taxi cab. But we had to reach the spot two kilometres by foot due to bad communication facilities at the spot. We found some police personnel were patrolling the affected area, but the minority victims mostly women and children are found in a panic environment. We also interrogated the local Member of Union Parishad Md. Nayeem Mollah who resides within a radius of 100 meters away from the place of occurrence. He said “I got information about the news of face-book posting on 26.04.2014 and there was a wide circulated sentiment amongst the Muslim communities, Muslim communities hurriedly assembled and started to agitate people from different mosques and Madrasha by using loud speakers by mike urging Muslim to come to fight for religion on the same day, but I tried to settle the matter within the same communities by an arbitration and as such a delay has been caused to report the matter to the law enforcing authority” and the U.P. Chairman – Md. Abul Bashar said “I was not aware about the face book news, I got news when the perpetrators attacked the village on 27.04.2014 at the evening. During the attack I was not at the spot, I was at Upazila Complex at Homna, I got information from U.P. Member Md. Nayeem Mollah over phone on 27.04.14 while U.P. Member failed to negotiate with agitated Muslims and I informed the matter at about 4 p.m. to local police station for taking necessary action. But before the police reaches at about 4.30 most of the houses belonging to Hindus have been demolished and properties looted, one Hindu temple desecrated, deities demolished. In the meantime perpetrators decamped.” I also wanted to know from U.P. Member Md. Nayeem Mollah why delay has been made to appraise the situation on the previous day i.e. on 26.04.2014 before unfortunate incident of attack took place, he could not answer. I also interrogated most of the victims at the spot who were crying for justice and security. They totally denied the allegations of such defamation against Hazarat Mohammad (SM) by two Hindu victims (who are now in Custody in connection with case number 16 dated 28.04.14 under section 57(2) of Information Technology Act,2006 lodged by Abdullah Al-Baki- S. I. of Police, Homna P.S, Comilla.

I also talked with Md. Tofazzal Hossain Meah- Deputy Commissioner of Comilla District (Cell number 01711182946 who gave me to understand that he visited the spot and necessary foods, utensils, cash money had been distributed amongst the victims, although the help is not adequate, he has every sympathy for those victims. Further he will try to help some more funds for their survival. We also corroborated the statements of facts with other witnesses available during fact finding which had been proved to be genuine.

4. Legal status:

·         Case registered by one Ram Pada Das on behalf of other victims at the Local Homna police station being Homna P.S. case No15. 28.04.2014 u/s 6(2)12 of Anti- Terrorism Act, 2009.

·         Another case lodged by Abdullah Al-Baki – S.I of Police, Homna police station against two Minority persons Uddob Chandra Das(21) and Sreenibash Kumar Das for alleged posting of remarks against Hazrat (SM) in the face book being Homna P.S. case No.16 dated 28.04.2014 under section 57(2) of Information, Technology and Communication, Act,2006.

·         Homna Police arrested 18 perpetrators and police brought 9 perpetrators for remand till writing of this report including Uddob Chandra Das and Sreenibash Kumar Das in connection with those cases.  Both the cases are now under investigations by police.

·          

5. Case Summary:

Houses/Temples belonging to Hindus minorities were attacked,  and vandalized over Face book posting rumours at Homna Upazila of Comilla district on 27 of April, 2014 ( Almost all newspapers from  Bangladesh dated 28th April, 14 reported the case). 

At least 35 houses and one Temples of Hindus were attacked by a group of agitated Muslim men of Bag Sitarampur village of Homna Upazila in Comilla on Sunday following rumours that two Hindu boy posted something in Facebook maligning Prophet Muhammad (SM) Locals and police said that the attacks were carried out in the evening following the rumour was spread by a group of people mostly youths and continued for several hours.

Mr. Tutul Chakravorty, S.P. at Comilla could not confirm whether the posting existed on the social media website, Face book.  He, however, told the reporters “We are investigating to find any such posting on the boy’s wall”. He claimed that the situation was now under control after day long trouble as additional law enforcers were deployed in the affected area.

Md. Aslam Sikdar-Officer in Charge of Homna P.S. said that some people at the local market showed some printout of the image of a Facebook group that allegedly demeaned Islam and the Prophet. He also handed over some printed papers where there is no date and time of those printed face-book papers.

Being instigated, thousand of attackers jumped over the houses of Uddob Das,  and  Sreenibash Chandra Das and adjoining houses belonging to other religious minority , looted valuables worth Taka 65 to 70 million  who are  reportedly not responsible for posting any bad remarks in the face book.

6.  Action taken:

BDMW observer investigated the incident at the spot of attacks on minorities. They urge international human rights organizations to unanimously come forward to protect the minorities in the country.

BDMW also recommends that:-

a)       All perpetrators should be arrested very soon; the instigators responsible for not informing the situation before the occurrence on 27^th April,14 to the law enforcing agencies in the name of negotiation and arbitration should be brought to book as per law.

b)      The face book matter detected on 26^th April,14 has not yet been investigated; but those two victims have been sent to jail custody by the police in connection with Case No.16 dated 28.04.2014 most probably over powering anger of Muslim mob.

c)       The agitation by the Muslim attackers on 26^th April,2014 canvassing, assembling unlawful manner should have been tackled by the police and local administration at that relevant time, but that was not initiated due to obvious reasons.  

d)      The perpetrators whatsoever should be punished as per law.

e)      The lapses on the part of law enforcing agencies not according any protection to victims are responsible for such occurrence should be taken into consideration cautiously.

f)       The impunity to the perpetrators is responsible for repeated occurrence of religiously motivated attacks. 

g)      The victims should be rehabilitated so that they can get back their confidence to live peacefully at their home and hearth.

h)      The arrested minority victims Uddab Chandra Das and Sreenibash Kumar Das should be freed immediately as the police did not identify the actual posting of bad remarks in the face book.

We also came back from Comilla to Dhaka on the same night at about 1 a.m

Through:

Adv. Rabindra Ghosh

Founder President-Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW)

12-K.M. Das Lane, Tikatully-Wari P.S.,Dhaka, Bangladesh.

7. Case Documents:

·         Case file  by BDMW, copy of FIR, copy of paper clippings and photos.

·         News canning (The Daily Star, The New Age, The Janakantha dated 28.04.2014  The Protom Alo, dated 30.04.14 The Bangladesh Protidin dated 29.04.2014,  The Sangbad dated 29.04.2014,  and The Ittefaq dated 28.04.2014)

Document:                                                                         Date:

Case file                                                        

8. Clarification.

Advocate Rabindra Ghosh

Bangladesh Minority Watch

Zemira Eli Natan

Executive Director

International Unity for Freedom and Equality