01-01-2004, 02:27 AM
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BANGLADESH 2003
The Islamic Republic of Bangladesh is an underrated member in the
Islamic world. Though he is now a only teenager (14 years) he has
already shown signs of a big league player. He is now at par with
the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
Palestinian Authority etc. being one of the best exponents of Islam.
In his short career so far he has been successful in organizing at
least 4 large scale (Noakhali type) genocides, hundreds of Nadimarg
type massacres and lakhs of `isolated' incidents of rape, murder,
abduction, arson, loot etc. against the Hindus. He has already
demolished more Hindu temples and idols than the great iconoclast
Mahmud of Ghazni. He has already collected more jiziya than
Aurangzeb did. And he already spends more time on thinking about how
to conquer the neighbouring Dar ul Harb than even his elder brother
Pakistan does.
So it is not all surprising that the year 2003 proved to be a time
for the Hindus in the Islamic Republic of Bangladesh. Following are
some of the glimpses of the Hindu suffering in the Islamic Republic.
ABDUCTION & RAPE
Place : Bowbazar, Sub-district : Tangi, District : Dhaka ( 11 Jan
2003 )
A Hindu girl named Shila Burman (14) comitted suicide by jumping
into the fire. She wanted to protect and save herself as a group of
right Islamic extremists approached to rape her.
Place : Sub-district : District : Pirojpur ( 26 Apr 2003 )
Niranjan Datta, a local villager belonging to the Hindu minority
community, was witness to his own house being attacked by a gang of
Islamic fundamentalists. The female members of the house were
subsequently raped and sodomized. The gang looted several valuable
goods and more than one hundred thousand rupees.
Village : Arua, Sub-district : Shivalaya, District : Manikganj ( 30
Apr 2003 )
A group of 12 Islamic fundamentalists attacked a family belonging to
the local Hindu minority community and subsequently raped the 18
year old daughter of the family.
Village : Char Phalan, Sub-district : Ramgati, District : Lakshmipur
( 1 May 2003 )
Swapna Rani Debnath, the daughter of a local schoolteacher,
Radhakanta Debnath, was kidnapped by a group of Islamic
fundamentalists.
Village : Sub-district : Savar, District : Dhaka ( 1 May 2003 )
Tapati Rani Ray, the daughter of a local police officer, Narayan
Chandra Ray, was forcefully kidnapped by a group of Islamic
fundamentalists. The director of a local animal research laboratory,
Hasan uz Zaman (30), was arrested.
Village : Gop Hindu Jelepada, Ayna, Sub-district : Bajitpur,
District : Kishorganj ( May 2003 )
As a result of this arrest the many innocent families belonging to
the local Hindu minority community in the Gop-hindu Jelepara of Ayna
neighborhood in the Bajitpur sub-district of Kishoregunge (in
northern proximity to Dhaka) were savagely assaulted. A local
journalist named Nasrul who reported these incidents was threatened
by local groups of Islamic fundamentalists.
Place : Uttarpada, Sub-district : Shreepur, District : Magura ( 21
May 2003 )
55 year old Kamala Rani, the widow of the late Haripada Pramanik,
was the victim of a vicious attack and rape from a gang of Islamic
fundamentalists. After the attack, the thugs sprayed acid on her.
Place : Purvamadari, Double Mooring Station, Sub-district :
District : ( May 2003 )
Kajal Rani Debnath (36) and her daughter Juin Rani Debnath (2) were
forcefully kidnapped by a gang of Islamic fundamentalists. The band
of thugs was lead by a local criminal chieftain popularly regarded
as Raza Mian. Up till now, the local authorities have refused to
take any action against the gang or its leader.
Village : Sub-district : Durgapur, District : Netrakona ( 6 Jul
2003 )
Mohammad Manik Mian, a known local Islamic fundamentalist, attempted
to rape 40 year old Shilpi Rani.
Village : South Andharmanik, Sub-district : Kachua, District :
Bagerhat ( 1 Aug 2003 )
The daughter of Bimal Krishna Gharami was kidnapped by a gang of
Islamic zealots. The names of the members of the group are Kala
Mamun, Sikandar, Obaidul and Mohammad Milan. The mother of the
victim, who attempted to protect her daughter, was savagely beaten
up by the thugs.
Village : Sub-district : Nazirpur, District : Faridpur ( 2 Aug
2003 )
Putul Rani, the daughter of Jatindranath Dhali, was kidnapped by a
group of Islamic extremists. The members of this group are Luqman
Fakir, Deen Mohammad, Ashraf Siqdar. A case has been filed with the
local authorities, but so far no action has been taken.
Village : Sub-district : Jaldhaka, District : Nilphamari ( 3 Aug
2003 )
Members of the extremist Islamic Students Federation kidnapped a
local schoolgirl. However, the local population caught them and
handed over to police. A case has been filed with the local
authorities.
Village : Sub-district : District : Bagerhat ( 29 Sep 2003 )
Kajal Rani, was a simple housewife who had come to visit her
relatives. A gang of Islamic Fundamentalists attacked her relative's
home and raped her. Subsequently, she was killed and hanged by the
thugs.
KIDNAPPING & MURDER
Town : Bandarban, Sub-district : District : Bandarban ( 19 Jan
2003 )
A tribal man named Khoainu Marg Marma (28) was found dead from the
side of the Shankha river. He was a Buddhist, whose dead-body was
discovered by the police. On 18th January a group of right wing
Islamic terrorists kidnapped him and murdered him mercilessly.
Town : Bagura, Sub-district : District : Bagura ( 16 Jan 2003 )
Gopal Chandra (28) who is the son of Sanat Chandra was kidnapped by
a group of Islamic supremacists and murdered. Gopal Chandra was a
bus driver who was stabbed mercilessly by the hate group.
Village : Baratiya, Sub-district : Dumuriya, District : Khulna ( 30
Apr 2003 )
Nirmal Biswas (38), a fisherman belonging to the local Hindu
minority community, was brutally murdered by a suspected gang of
Islamic militants.
Place : Shivganj, Sub-district : Mahadevpur, District : Naogaon ( 26
Apr 2003 )
Hiren Sen and Lakshman Sen, members of the local Hindu minority
community, were savagely beaten up by a mob of Islamic
fundamentalists.
Village : Betjhari, Sub-district : Kaukhali, District : Rangamati (
1 May 2003 )
Nibaran Chakma (25) and Sumangal Chakma (26), were abducted by a
couple of Islamic militants.
Village : Harualchari, Sub-district : Fatikjhari, District :
Chattagram ( 2 May 2003 )
47 year old Bodhigopal Bhikkhu, a leader of the local Buddhist
community, was savagely beaten up by a group of Islamic
fundamentalists. Previously, he had been kidnapped by a suspected
gang of Islamic fundamentalists.
Place : Brahmanpada, Sub-district : District : Kumilla ( 3 May
2003 )
A child belonging to the local Hindu minority community was murdered
by a group of Islamic militants.
Village : Purva Pasharibunya, Sub-district : Bhandariya, District :
Pirojpur ( 3 May 2003 )
Ashutosh Chakraborty and his wife Renuka Rani Chakraborty, both
belonging to the local Hindu minority community were forced to leave
their ancestral home after being savagely assaulted by a gang of
Islamic fundamentalists. They have since fled to another region of
the country. Currently, they live in an atmosphere of intense fear
and insecurity.
Village : Gunali, Sub-district : Dumuriya, District : Khulna ( 5 May
2003 )
Ranjan Kumar Sarkar (25), was viciously murdered by a gang of
Islamic fundamentalists.
Place : Naniachar, Sub-district : District : Rangamati ( 13 May
2003 )
Akhsi Marma (22), was savagely murdered by fundamentalists members
of the Islamic community.
Place : Dholaiganj, Sub-district : Nabinagar, District :
Brahmanberia ( 26 May 2003 )
Brindaban Barman and his family were victims of vicious attacks by a
band of Islamic militants. Barman, a fisherman belonging to the
local Hindu minority community, tried to file a complaint with the
local authorities, but were threatened not to do so. Following this
incident, they have been threatened with their lives to leave
Bangladesh immediately.
Place : Bhuachari, Sub-district : Khagrachari, District : Chittagong
Hill Tracts ( May 2003 )
Several Buddhist families have been savagely assaulted. Their houses
have also been damaged in repeated attacks.
Village : Gandhavyapada, Sub-district : Mirzapur, District : Tangail
( 2003 )
Nirad Chandra, a has been beaten up by a group of muslim
fundamentalists. Nirad Chandra's wife, Subhasi Rani (35) and
daughter Sabita Rani were savagely attacked by a gang of Islamic
fundamentalists. They were subsequently admitted to the Kumudini
hospital. As of now, the local authorities have taken no steps
against those responsible for the crimes.
Village : Kachubari, Sub-district : District : Thakurgaon ( 5 Oct
2003 )
Mukul, a young boy, who was returning home from the religious
festivites was brutally attacked by a group of Islamic zealots.
Currently, he is listed in serious condition at the Thakurgaon
hospital.
Village : Gopalpur, Sub-district : District : Magura ( 13 Jul 2003 )
Sujit Kumar Kundu was assaulted by a group of Islamic
fundamentalists. He sustained serious injuries in the attack. The
group also took his motorcycle from Kundu after the attack.
Village : Darshana, Sub-district : Kalkini, District : Madaripur ( 9
Aug 2003 )
Uttam Banerjee, Lyton Banerjee and Suman Banerjee were attacked by a
group of Islamic zealots at night. They sustained serious injuries
in the assault.
Place : Lalgorah, Sub-district : District : Narail ( 12 Sep 2003 )
Sukdev Sikdar, a prominent business man, was killed by a group of
Islamic extremists. His body was seen being thrown into the river.
Village : Sub-district : Kotiyadi District : Kishorganj ( 24 Sep
2003 )
Pradip Kumar Saha Roy, a teacher at a local high school, was
savagely beaten by a group of armed Islamic fundamentalists. He
sustained very serious injuries in the attack and is now at the
Kotiyadi sub-distrct hospital.
Village : Sub-district : District : Jessore ( 27 Sep 2003 )
Anup Sarkar, a member of the local Hindu minority community, was
arrested by the police without any reason. He was subsequently
beaten in his jail cell in the Bagerpara prison. As a result, he
suffered very serious injuries.
Village : Sub-district : Kaliganj, District : Jhinaidaha ( 1 Oct
2003 )
Bhakta Kumar Das, a member of the local minority Hindu community,
was kidnapped because he refused to pay a zizya tax in the amount of
3,00,000 Taka (US $ 5,400).
Village : Dheuapada, Sub-district : Raujan, District : Chattagram (
6 Oct 2003 )
Deepak Mallik, a local businessman belonging to the minority Hindu
community, was attacked by a group of armed Islamic zealots. The
group shot Mallick, who was seriously injured. The group demanded
9,00,000 Taka (US $ 15,000) in the form of a zizya tax from him.
Town : Daulatpur Sub-district : District : Khulna ( 6 Oct 2003 )
Parimal Dutta, a member of the minority Hindu community, was shot to
death by a group of Islamic extremists.
Village : Sub-district : Sitakunda, District : ( 26 Oct 2003 )
During the Shyama puja festival of the local Hindu community, a
group of Islamic fundamentalists savagely assaulted Pradip Ranjan
De, Shiplu Das, Suryalal Chakraborty and Dulal Chandra Nath. The
local Hindu community has submitted a memorandum to the local
magistrate of the sub-district and requested the arrest the
criminals.
Village : Sub-district : District : ( Oct 2003 )
Recently, Debabrata Chakrovorty, the assistant general secretary of
the Kuliarkar press club in the Chattagram district (in the
Chittagong Hill Tracts) received threats from groups of Islamic
fundamentalists.
Village : Sub-district : District : Barishal ( Oct 2003 )
A group of Islamic fundamentalists demanded a zizya tax of 2,00,000
Taka (US $ 3,400) from Krishnakanta Vaidya. When he failed to pay
this amount, he was savagely beaten.
Village : Sub-district : District : Mymensingh ( Oct 2003 )
A family, belonging to the local Hindu minority, was attacked by
their neighbors, who were members of the majority Islamic community,
in the Mymensingh district (in northern Bangladesh bordering the
Indian state of Meghalaya) in the morning. They received ultimatums
to leave Bangladesh within a month. A total of five people
including, two women of the family, were seriously injured in the
attack.
Place : Astagram, Sub-district : District : Kishorganj ( Oct 2003 )
Presently the Astagram area of the Kishoregunge district (in
northeastern Bangladesh) Islamic fundamentalists are pursuing a
campaign against members of the local Hindu minority community. The
Hindu community has received ultimatums to leave Bangladesh
immediately.
Village : Sub-district : District : Chattagram ( Oct 2003 )
Recently, in the Chattagram district (Chittagong), Ranjit Shil the
editor of Boalkhali press club, received death threats from a group
of Islamic fundamentalists.
LOOT
Village : Mukundapur, Sub-district : Kaliganj, District : Satkhira (
12 Jan 2003 )
Muslim fundamentalists attacked the house of the following Hindus:
Ramprasad Debnath, Amit Debnath, Madan Ghosh, Sadhan Ghosh and
Santosh Biswas. Their properties that costed more than Tk 5,00,000
(US $ 10,000) were looted by them. Ten people were seriously
injured. Their slogans indicated that they were staunch supporter of
the Taliban movement.
Place : Maijidi, Sub-district : District : Noakhali ( 13 Jan 2003 )
Islamic extremists attacked the shop of Bipul Debnath, a Hindu
resident and looted valuable things worth more than Tk 3,00,000 (US
$ 6,000).
Village : Arichpur, Sub-district : Tangi, District : Chattagram ( 12
Jan 2003 )
Armed Muslim terrorists looted 25,000 Takas and certain amount of
gold ornaments from the residence of Hindu resident Dinesh Chandra.
Village : Baman, Sub-district : Lalpur, District : Natore ( 12 Jan
2003 )
A Hindu doctor named Anup Kumar was forced to give 37,00,000 Takas
(US 4,70,000) to a Muslim fanatic group. He had to sign a judicial
stamp paper. Muslim terrorist Aziz ur Rahman, a known HIndu baiter
was the gang leader who tortured the innocent doctor.
Village : Ahmadpur, Sub-district : Baraigram, District : Natore ( 9
Jan 2003 )
A Hindu businessmen named Ranjit Kundu was forced to pay 50,000
Takas (US $ 1,000) as zizia tax to a Muslim reactionary hate group.
But, Ranjit Kundu was not able to pay the full amount and was
mercilessly beaten up by the fundamentalists. At present he is under
treatment.
Place : Uttarpada, Sub-district : Savar, District : Dhaka ( 9 Jan
2003 )
Biswanath, Bholanath, Gayanath & Shivnath Karmakar, all Hindus of
the Uttarpara area were attacked by Islamic fanatics. They looted
more than 5,00,000 Takas (US $ 10,000) from their house.
Village : Sub-district : District : Pirojpur ( 26 Apr 2003 )
Niranjan Datta, a local villager belonging to the Hindu minority
community, was witness to his own house being attacked by a gang of
Islamic fundamentalists. The female members of the house were
subsequently raped and sodomized. The gang looted several valuable
goods and more than 1,00,000 Takas.
Village : Amuribunya, Sub-district : Jhalakathi, District : Barishal
( 12 May 2003 )
The house of Kanchan Bal was attacked by a gang of Islamic
fundamentalists. Many valuables, including more than 1,00,000 Takas
was stolen in the attack.
Village : Bhairavdi, Sub-district : District : Narayanganj ( 14 May
2003 )
The home of Nanigopal Ray was attacked by a gang of Islamic
militants. The militants looted many valuable items and more than
1,00,000 Takas. The members of the Ray family were also savagely
assaulted.
Village : Sub-district : District : ( 5 Jul 2003 )
An armed group of Islamic fundamentalists demanded a zizya tax from
16 shops owned by local businessman who are from the minority
Buddhist community. The leader of this group is Farooq Ahmad
Chowdhury. The Buddhists have received death threats if they failed
to pay the extortion money.
Village : Narayanpur, Sub-district : District : ( 23 Jul 2003 )
A group of Islamic fundamentalists attacked the homes of Loknath
Biswas, Panchanan Biswas, Samir Biswas and Rabin Biswas in the
Nayanpur village. They also looted the possessions of the home
owners that were valued about 2,00,000 Taka (US $ 3,400). The group
also assaulted 10 members of the minority Hindu community.
Village : Kujishahar, Sub-district : District : Jaipurhat ( 1 Aug
2003 )
A group of Islamic extremists ransacked the vast properties, which
was valued at 10,00,000 Taka (US $ 17,000), that was owned by
members of the minority communities. The villagers Bhavesh Mahanta
(82), Shubhas Mahanta (65), Nila Rani Mahanta (60), Dilip Mahanta
(30), Pradip Mahanta (16), Uttam Mahanta (30), Ranjan Mahanta (25)
and Divya Rani Mahanta (4) were seriously injured in the attack.
Village : Sub-district : District : Manikganj ( 6 Aug 2003 )
A group of Islamic extremists attacked the jewelry shop of Bhola
Karmakar. The group stole jewelry that was valued at 2,00,000 Taka
(US $ 3,400).
Village : Manurtek, Sub-district : District : Bandaeban ( 2 Sep
2003 )
An armed group of Islamic zealots looted properties which were
valued at 1,00,000 Taka (US $ 1,700) owned by a family, who were
members of the local tribal community.
Village : Char Daulat Khan, Sub-district : Kalkini, District :
Madaripur ( 6 Sep 2003 )
Ravik Ray was attacked by a group of Islamic fundamentalists. The
group looted Ray's belongings, which were valued at 2,00,000 Taka
(US $ 3,400). Besides Ravik, Ananda Ray and Jyotsna Rani Ray were
also injured during the assault.
LAND GRABBING
Village : Hastishuo, Sub-district : Uzirpur, District : Barishal ( 3
May 2003 )
A local school teacher Renukana Rani Majumdar donated some of her
property to the local Hindu temple committee. On the morning of
April 18,a group of Islamic fundamentalists under the leadership of
Rahim forcefully tried to build a house on the vacant land. Renukana
devi protested against this, but was brutally beaten and tortured.
She was subsequently told to leave Ujirpur immediately by the group.
Finally the local police authorities have given orders to stop
building of the illegal house.
Place : Bahadurpur, Purva Kalagachhia, Sub-district : District :
Madaripur ( 28 Apr 2003 )
A group of Islamic fundamentalists have looted more than twenty
acres of land that belonged to the local minority Hindu community.
The local Hindu minority have been threatened to leave Bangladesh at
once.
DEMOLITION OF TEMPLES AND IDOLS
Place : Sonaikandi, Sub-district : Paba, District : Rajshahi ( 15
Jan 2003 )
Bangladeshi authorities discovered a statue of a Hindu Goddess. At
present the statues's valuation in the market is more than 2,00,000
Takas (US $ 4,000). It deserves special mention that the statue was
being smuggled through the India-Bangladesh border.
Village : Sub-district : District : Gaibandha ( 13 May 2003 )
On the evening of May 13, Rokon, the son of the local U.P. chairman
of Muktinagar, Aziz Mostafa Sardar, along with a sizeable number of
his companions attacked the popular harvest festival, Boli, which in
the past attracted many people from across Bangladesh. They looted
valuable properties of the Gaibandha Kali Temple. The group beat up
many innocent people. The shops near the temple area, which were
owned by members of the local Hindu minority community, were all
destroyed.
Village : Sub-district : Saghata District : Gaibandha ( May 2003 )
In a separate incident in the Saghata sub-district of the Gaibandha
district (located in the northern Bangladesh), the historic
Bharatkali Kali Temple was torn down by a group of Islamic
fundamentalists. The local Hindu priest of the temple, Dulal
Chakrovorty and the president of the temple committee were savagely
beaten. The local minority Hindu community no longer has a place to
worship after these incidents in the area.
Place : Sherpur, Sub-district : District : Bagura ( 16 May 2003 )
At the Sherpur region of the Bagura district (in western
Bangladesh), the traditional Jagannath Temple was attacked by a
group of 15 Islamic fundamentalists. At midnight, they broke into
the temple and looted all the wealth of the temple. In addition, the
group robbed the temple's monetary donations, which was estimated at
thirty thousand rupees. A case was filed against the group at the
Sherpur police station. However no action has been taken against
criminals.
Village : Gujium, Sub-district : Trishul, District : Mymensingh ( 16
May 2003 )
A group of Islamic fundamentalists attacked the Charak festival
during the Charak Puja. The shops that had stalls at the fair were
severely damaged. A case was filed against the criminals at the
Trishul police station, but no action has been taken against the
criminals. In a disturbing development, the criminals are now
harassing the local Hindu minority community for filing a complaint
against them.
Village : Panch Char, Sub-district : Shiv Char, District : Madaripur
( 10 May 2003 )
A group of Islamic fundamentalists have demolished 13 Hindu
religious statues at midnight. A case was subsequently filed against
the group at the Shiv Char police station. Police have visited the
area where the incident took place. The local Hindu minority
community of the area was deeply shocked and scared at this
development. After much delay, the local authorities arrested
Masood, the son of the elder Kareem Munsi of the Panch Char village.
The local elders of the area have been clamoring for the immediate
arrest of the criminals.
Village : Sub-district : District : Chapai Nawabganj ( 11 May
2003 )
The local Durga Temple of the local Hindu minority community was
gutted and subsequently destroyed by a group of Islamic
fundamentalists. From the area, local authorities have collected
several pieces of literature containing propaganda against the Hindu
community.
Village : Sub-district : District : Pabna ( 27 Sep 2003 )
It has been reported that a threatening letter, written by a group
of local Islamic extremists, was delivered to the local Hindu Kali
Temple in the Pabna district. Pradyut Kumar Dutta, the general
secretary of Jai Kali Temple Committee, has confirmed the receiving
of a letter in the mail, which threatened the Hindu community to
stop observing Durga Puja festivites. The threat stated that if
people gathered to observe Durga Puja festivities, there will be
bomb attacks against the celebrations at the local Hindu temples in
the area. Further in the letter, the group of Islamic zealots
questioned why the minority Hindu community believes in worship of
religious icons. The letter also threatened that the religious icons
will be smashed and death to those who worship the religious icons.
After receiving the letter, members of the minority community
informed the local superintendent of police about the letter. On
Monday, the police superintendent Amir ud Din arranged a meeting
with the leader of the Puja Committee and the Temple Management
Committee to discuss the situation. Ramen Maitra (president),
Prasanta Datta (vice-president), Ganesh Ghosh (general secretary),
Prabhas Ghosh (organizing secretary of the Puja committee), and
Pradyut Datta (general secretary of Jai Kali Temple Committee) were
present at this meeting. Members of the local minority Hindu
community in the area requested full cooperation from the local
authorities to provide security to the temple and the festivities.
These incidents follow another incident that took place on September
15, 2003, when a group of Islamic extremists announced that if
members of the minority Hindu community observed the Durga Puja
festivities, they will be forcibly converted to Islam. Subsequently,
the local police arrested Yunus Ali, a prominent Islamic
fundamentalist. After interrogating him, he remanded to jail custody
and a case has been filed against him.
Place : Dulalpur, Sonargaon, Sub-district : District : Narayanganj
( Sep 2003 )
In the run-up to the Durga Puja festivities, Islamic fundamentalists
captured 41% of the land belonging to the Panam Sarbojanin Durga
temple. The temple is located in the area of Dulalpur mauja,
Sonargaon region, Narayangunge district. The zealots destroyed the
long-standing temple as well as smashed the statue of the Hindu
Goddess Durga. The minority Hindu community has decided not to hold
the Durga Puja festivities this year in protest. Instead, the
minority Hindu community has worn black badges in mark this dark
episode.
Village : Chailabunya, Badura, Sub-district : District : Patuakhali
( 31 Aug 2003 )
Islamic fundamentalists smashed the statue of the Hindu Goddess
Durga.
Village : Konaipada, Majhaira, Sub-district : District : Bagura (
20 Sep 2003 )
A group of Islamic zealots attacked the local Radha Govinda Temple.
The group of Islamic fundamentalists demanded a zizya tax from the
Puja committee, but the committee refused to pay. In response to the
committee's refusal, the extremists smashed the statue of Hindu
Goddess Durga.
Village : Vishvanathpur, Sub-district : District : Chapai Nawabganj
( 22 Sep 2003 )
A group of Islamic extremists attacked the local Hindu temple, and
smashed the statue of the Hindu Goddess Durga. Kumar Saha, a local
villager, filed a complaint against the fundamentalists. Currently,
the police authorities have arrested a student, who was studying at
the local Madrassah.
Village : Ghoshpada, Bagirgola, Sub-district : District : Sirajganj
( 23 Sep 2003 )
A very large number of Islamic zealots destroyed many statues that
were being made of the Hindu Goddess Durga.
Village : Gopalpur, Sub-district : Khamarkhand, District : Sirajganj
( 25 Sep 2003 )
The icon of the Hindu Goddess Durga was smashed by a group of
Islamic zealots.
Place : Shekhati, Sub-district : District : Narail ( 25 Sep 2003 )
A gang of Islamic zealots attacked the Puja pandal in the Sarbojonin
puja mandap. The statues of the Hindu religious icons Durga, Kartik,
and Sarasvati were shattered into pieces. A case has been filed with
the local police, but no action has been taken.
Village : Gurpatti, Kapashya Sub-district : District : Ghazipur (
28 Sep 2003 )
A group of Islamic fundamentalists destroyed the religious statues
of the Hindu Goddess Durga at the main Durga Puja pandal. The
president of the Puja committee, Chittaranjan Saha, has filed a
complaint against the criminals, but as of now no action has been
taken against the criminals.
Place : Bhaibonechera, Sub-district : District : Khagrachari ( 28
Sep 2003 )
The Puja pandal of the Hindu Goddess Durga, along with the statues
of Hindu religious icons of Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Kartik and Kali were
smashed by a gang of Islamic extremists. Later, a note containing
threats against the minority Hindu community. Ratan Kumar Shil, the
secretary of the local Hindu temple, has lodged a complaint with the
local authorities against the zealots. So far, the local authorities
have not punished the guilty.
Village : Sub-district : Khamarboali, District : Gaibandha ( 28 Sep
2003 )
The Hindu religious icons of Durga, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Ganesh
were smashed by a group of Islamic zealots. Kanu Roy, the president
of the local Puja committee, has filed a complaint with the local
authorities against the group. However, no action has been taken
against the culprits.
Place : Jyathagram-Chatipada, Sub-district : Naseemnagar, District :
Brahmanberia ( 1 Oct 2003 )
A statue of the Hindu Goddess Durga was smashed by a group of
Islamic fundamentalists. The icon was found in pieces at the home of
Subodh Chandra Dev.
Village : Hatbaria, Sub-district : Shalikha, District : Magura ( 5
Oct 2003 )
A group of Islamic extremists attacked the religious Hindu
procession when it was immersing the statue of the Hindu Goddess
Durga in the Fatki River, which marks the end of the Durga Puja
festivities. The Islamic extremists smashed the statue of the Hindu
Goddess Durga. When members of the minority Hindu community tried to
stop the fundamentalists, they were savagely beaten up by the gang.
Village : Sub-district : District : Naogaon ( 5 Oct 2003 )
The police have recovered a statue of a Hindu religious icon from
the home of Asraf Ali. It had been reported stolen from the local
Hindu temple. It has been widely suggested that Ali was going to
smuggle the statue in exchange for money overseas.
BANGLADESH 2003
The Islamic Republic of Bangladesh is an underrated member in the
Islamic world. Though he is now a only teenager (14 years) he has
already shown signs of a big league player. He is now at par with
the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
Palestinian Authority etc. being one of the best exponents of Islam.
In his short career so far he has been successful in organizing at
least 4 large scale (Noakhali type) genocides, hundreds of Nadimarg
type massacres and lakhs of `isolated' incidents of rape, murder,
abduction, arson, loot etc. against the Hindus. He has already
demolished more Hindu temples and idols than the great iconoclast
Mahmud of Ghazni. He has already collected more jiziya than
Aurangzeb did. And he already spends more time on thinking about how
to conquer the neighbouring Dar ul Harb than even his elder brother
Pakistan does.
So it is not all surprising that the year 2003 proved to be a time
for the Hindus in the Islamic Republic of Bangladesh. Following are
some of the glimpses of the Hindu suffering in the Islamic Republic.
ABDUCTION & RAPE
Place : Bowbazar, Sub-district : Tangi, District : Dhaka ( 11 Jan
2003 )
A Hindu girl named Shila Burman (14) comitted suicide by jumping
into the fire. She wanted to protect and save herself as a group of
right Islamic extremists approached to rape her.
Place : Sub-district : District : Pirojpur ( 26 Apr 2003 )
Niranjan Datta, a local villager belonging to the Hindu minority
community, was witness to his own house being attacked by a gang of
Islamic fundamentalists. The female members of the house were
subsequently raped and sodomized. The gang looted several valuable
goods and more than one hundred thousand rupees.
Village : Arua, Sub-district : Shivalaya, District : Manikganj ( 30
Apr 2003 )
A group of 12 Islamic fundamentalists attacked a family belonging to
the local Hindu minority community and subsequently raped the 18
year old daughter of the family.
Village : Char Phalan, Sub-district : Ramgati, District : Lakshmipur
( 1 May 2003 )
Swapna Rani Debnath, the daughter of a local schoolteacher,
Radhakanta Debnath, was kidnapped by a group of Islamic
fundamentalists.
Village : Sub-district : Savar, District : Dhaka ( 1 May 2003 )
Tapati Rani Ray, the daughter of a local police officer, Narayan
Chandra Ray, was forcefully kidnapped by a group of Islamic
fundamentalists. The director of a local animal research laboratory,
Hasan uz Zaman (30), was arrested.
Village : Gop Hindu Jelepada, Ayna, Sub-district : Bajitpur,
District : Kishorganj ( May 2003 )
As a result of this arrest the many innocent families belonging to
the local Hindu minority community in the Gop-hindu Jelepara of Ayna
neighborhood in the Bajitpur sub-district of Kishoregunge (in
northern proximity to Dhaka) were savagely assaulted. A local
journalist named Nasrul who reported these incidents was threatened
by local groups of Islamic fundamentalists.
Place : Uttarpada, Sub-district : Shreepur, District : Magura ( 21
May 2003 )
55 year old Kamala Rani, the widow of the late Haripada Pramanik,
was the victim of a vicious attack and rape from a gang of Islamic
fundamentalists. After the attack, the thugs sprayed acid on her.
Place : Purvamadari, Double Mooring Station, Sub-district :
District : ( May 2003 )
Kajal Rani Debnath (36) and her daughter Juin Rani Debnath (2) were
forcefully kidnapped by a gang of Islamic fundamentalists. The band
of thugs was lead by a local criminal chieftain popularly regarded
as Raza Mian. Up till now, the local authorities have refused to
take any action against the gang or its leader.
Village : Sub-district : Durgapur, District : Netrakona ( 6 Jul
2003 )
Mohammad Manik Mian, a known local Islamic fundamentalist, attempted
to rape 40 year old Shilpi Rani.
Village : South Andharmanik, Sub-district : Kachua, District :
Bagerhat ( 1 Aug 2003 )
The daughter of Bimal Krishna Gharami was kidnapped by a gang of
Islamic zealots. The names of the members of the group are Kala
Mamun, Sikandar, Obaidul and Mohammad Milan. The mother of the
victim, who attempted to protect her daughter, was savagely beaten
up by the thugs.
Village : Sub-district : Nazirpur, District : Faridpur ( 2 Aug
2003 )
Putul Rani, the daughter of Jatindranath Dhali, was kidnapped by a
group of Islamic extremists. The members of this group are Luqman
Fakir, Deen Mohammad, Ashraf Siqdar. A case has been filed with the
local authorities, but so far no action has been taken.
Village : Sub-district : Jaldhaka, District : Nilphamari ( 3 Aug
2003 )
Members of the extremist Islamic Students Federation kidnapped a
local schoolgirl. However, the local population caught them and
handed over to police. A case has been filed with the local
authorities.
Village : Sub-district : District : Bagerhat ( 29 Sep 2003 )
Kajal Rani, was a simple housewife who had come to visit her
relatives. A gang of Islamic Fundamentalists attacked her relative's
home and raped her. Subsequently, she was killed and hanged by the
thugs.
KIDNAPPING & MURDER
Town : Bandarban, Sub-district : District : Bandarban ( 19 Jan
2003 )
A tribal man named Khoainu Marg Marma (28) was found dead from the
side of the Shankha river. He was a Buddhist, whose dead-body was
discovered by the police. On 18th January a group of right wing
Islamic terrorists kidnapped him and murdered him mercilessly.
Town : Bagura, Sub-district : District : Bagura ( 16 Jan 2003 )
Gopal Chandra (28) who is the son of Sanat Chandra was kidnapped by
a group of Islamic supremacists and murdered. Gopal Chandra was a
bus driver who was stabbed mercilessly by the hate group.
Village : Baratiya, Sub-district : Dumuriya, District : Khulna ( 30
Apr 2003 )
Nirmal Biswas (38), a fisherman belonging to the local Hindu
minority community, was brutally murdered by a suspected gang of
Islamic militants.
Place : Shivganj, Sub-district : Mahadevpur, District : Naogaon ( 26
Apr 2003 )
Hiren Sen and Lakshman Sen, members of the local Hindu minority
community, were savagely beaten up by a mob of Islamic
fundamentalists.
Village : Betjhari, Sub-district : Kaukhali, District : Rangamati (
1 May 2003 )
Nibaran Chakma (25) and Sumangal Chakma (26), were abducted by a
couple of Islamic militants.
Village : Harualchari, Sub-district : Fatikjhari, District :
Chattagram ( 2 May 2003 )
47 year old Bodhigopal Bhikkhu, a leader of the local Buddhist
community, was savagely beaten up by a group of Islamic
fundamentalists. Previously, he had been kidnapped by a suspected
gang of Islamic fundamentalists.
Place : Brahmanpada, Sub-district : District : Kumilla ( 3 May
2003 )
A child belonging to the local Hindu minority community was murdered
by a group of Islamic militants.
Village : Purva Pasharibunya, Sub-district : Bhandariya, District :
Pirojpur ( 3 May 2003 )
Ashutosh Chakraborty and his wife Renuka Rani Chakraborty, both
belonging to the local Hindu minority community were forced to leave
their ancestral home after being savagely assaulted by a gang of
Islamic fundamentalists. They have since fled to another region of
the country. Currently, they live in an atmosphere of intense fear
and insecurity.
Village : Gunali, Sub-district : Dumuriya, District : Khulna ( 5 May
2003 )
Ranjan Kumar Sarkar (25), was viciously murdered by a gang of
Islamic fundamentalists.
Place : Naniachar, Sub-district : District : Rangamati ( 13 May
2003 )
Akhsi Marma (22), was savagely murdered by fundamentalists members
of the Islamic community.
Place : Dholaiganj, Sub-district : Nabinagar, District :
Brahmanberia ( 26 May 2003 )
Brindaban Barman and his family were victims of vicious attacks by a
band of Islamic militants. Barman, a fisherman belonging to the
local Hindu minority community, tried to file a complaint with the
local authorities, but were threatened not to do so. Following this
incident, they have been threatened with their lives to leave
Bangladesh immediately.
Place : Bhuachari, Sub-district : Khagrachari, District : Chittagong
Hill Tracts ( May 2003 )
Several Buddhist families have been savagely assaulted. Their houses
have also been damaged in repeated attacks.
Village : Gandhavyapada, Sub-district : Mirzapur, District : Tangail
( 2003 )
Nirad Chandra, a has been beaten up by a group of muslim
fundamentalists. Nirad Chandra's wife, Subhasi Rani (35) and
daughter Sabita Rani were savagely attacked by a gang of Islamic
fundamentalists. They were subsequently admitted to the Kumudini
hospital. As of now, the local authorities have taken no steps
against those responsible for the crimes.
Village : Kachubari, Sub-district : District : Thakurgaon ( 5 Oct
2003 )
Mukul, a young boy, who was returning home from the religious
festivites was brutally attacked by a group of Islamic zealots.
Currently, he is listed in serious condition at the Thakurgaon
hospital.
Village : Gopalpur, Sub-district : District : Magura ( 13 Jul 2003 )
Sujit Kumar Kundu was assaulted by a group of Islamic
fundamentalists. He sustained serious injuries in the attack. The
group also took his motorcycle from Kundu after the attack.
Village : Darshana, Sub-district : Kalkini, District : Madaripur ( 9
Aug 2003 )
Uttam Banerjee, Lyton Banerjee and Suman Banerjee were attacked by a
group of Islamic zealots at night. They sustained serious injuries
in the assault.
Place : Lalgorah, Sub-district : District : Narail ( 12 Sep 2003 )
Sukdev Sikdar, a prominent business man, was killed by a group of
Islamic extremists. His body was seen being thrown into the river.
Village : Sub-district : Kotiyadi District : Kishorganj ( 24 Sep
2003 )
Pradip Kumar Saha Roy, a teacher at a local high school, was
savagely beaten by a group of armed Islamic fundamentalists. He
sustained very serious injuries in the attack and is now at the
Kotiyadi sub-distrct hospital.
Village : Sub-district : District : Jessore ( 27 Sep 2003 )
Anup Sarkar, a member of the local Hindu minority community, was
arrested by the police without any reason. He was subsequently
beaten in his jail cell in the Bagerpara prison. As a result, he
suffered very serious injuries.
Village : Sub-district : Kaliganj, District : Jhinaidaha ( 1 Oct
2003 )
Bhakta Kumar Das, a member of the local minority Hindu community,
was kidnapped because he refused to pay a zizya tax in the amount of
3,00,000 Taka (US $ 5,400).
Village : Dheuapada, Sub-district : Raujan, District : Chattagram (
6 Oct 2003 )
Deepak Mallik, a local businessman belonging to the minority Hindu
community, was attacked by a group of armed Islamic zealots. The
group shot Mallick, who was seriously injured. The group demanded
9,00,000 Taka (US $ 15,000) in the form of a zizya tax from him.
Town : Daulatpur Sub-district : District : Khulna ( 6 Oct 2003 )
Parimal Dutta, a member of the minority Hindu community, was shot to
death by a group of Islamic extremists.
Village : Sub-district : Sitakunda, District : ( 26 Oct 2003 )
During the Shyama puja festival of the local Hindu community, a
group of Islamic fundamentalists savagely assaulted Pradip Ranjan
De, Shiplu Das, Suryalal Chakraborty and Dulal Chandra Nath. The
local Hindu community has submitted a memorandum to the local
magistrate of the sub-district and requested the arrest the
criminals.
Village : Sub-district : District : ( Oct 2003 )
Recently, Debabrata Chakrovorty, the assistant general secretary of
the Kuliarkar press club in the Chattagram district (in the
Chittagong Hill Tracts) received threats from groups of Islamic
fundamentalists.
Village : Sub-district : District : Barishal ( Oct 2003 )
A group of Islamic fundamentalists demanded a zizya tax of 2,00,000
Taka (US $ 3,400) from Krishnakanta Vaidya. When he failed to pay
this amount, he was savagely beaten.
Village : Sub-district : District : Mymensingh ( Oct 2003 )
A family, belonging to the local Hindu minority, was attacked by
their neighbors, who were members of the majority Islamic community,
in the Mymensingh district (in northern Bangladesh bordering the
Indian state of Meghalaya) in the morning. They received ultimatums
to leave Bangladesh within a month. A total of five people
including, two women of the family, were seriously injured in the
attack.
Place : Astagram, Sub-district : District : Kishorganj ( Oct 2003 )
Presently the Astagram area of the Kishoregunge district (in
northeastern Bangladesh) Islamic fundamentalists are pursuing a
campaign against members of the local Hindu minority community. The
Hindu community has received ultimatums to leave Bangladesh
immediately.
Village : Sub-district : District : Chattagram ( Oct 2003 )
Recently, in the Chattagram district (Chittagong), Ranjit Shil the
editor of Boalkhali press club, received death threats from a group
of Islamic fundamentalists.
LOOT
Village : Mukundapur, Sub-district : Kaliganj, District : Satkhira (
12 Jan 2003 )
Muslim fundamentalists attacked the house of the following Hindus:
Ramprasad Debnath, Amit Debnath, Madan Ghosh, Sadhan Ghosh and
Santosh Biswas. Their properties that costed more than Tk 5,00,000
(US $ 10,000) were looted by them. Ten people were seriously
injured. Their slogans indicated that they were staunch supporter of
the Taliban movement.
Place : Maijidi, Sub-district : District : Noakhali ( 13 Jan 2003 )
Islamic extremists attacked the shop of Bipul Debnath, a Hindu
resident and looted valuable things worth more than Tk 3,00,000 (US
$ 6,000).
Village : Arichpur, Sub-district : Tangi, District : Chattagram ( 12
Jan 2003 )
Armed Muslim terrorists looted 25,000 Takas and certain amount of
gold ornaments from the residence of Hindu resident Dinesh Chandra.
Village : Baman, Sub-district : Lalpur, District : Natore ( 12 Jan
2003 )
A Hindu doctor named Anup Kumar was forced to give 37,00,000 Takas
(US 4,70,000) to a Muslim fanatic group. He had to sign a judicial
stamp paper. Muslim terrorist Aziz ur Rahman, a known HIndu baiter
was the gang leader who tortured the innocent doctor.
Village : Ahmadpur, Sub-district : Baraigram, District : Natore ( 9
Jan 2003 )
A Hindu businessmen named Ranjit Kundu was forced to pay 50,000
Takas (US $ 1,000) as zizia tax to a Muslim reactionary hate group.
But, Ranjit Kundu was not able to pay the full amount and was
mercilessly beaten up by the fundamentalists. At present he is under
treatment.
Place : Uttarpada, Sub-district : Savar, District : Dhaka ( 9 Jan
2003 )
Biswanath, Bholanath, Gayanath & Shivnath Karmakar, all Hindus of
the Uttarpara area were attacked by Islamic fanatics. They looted
more than 5,00,000 Takas (US $ 10,000) from their house.
Village : Sub-district : District : Pirojpur ( 26 Apr 2003 )
Niranjan Datta, a local villager belonging to the Hindu minority
community, was witness to his own house being attacked by a gang of
Islamic fundamentalists. The female members of the house were
subsequently raped and sodomized. The gang looted several valuable
goods and more than 1,00,000 Takas.
Village : Amuribunya, Sub-district : Jhalakathi, District : Barishal
( 12 May 2003 )
The house of Kanchan Bal was attacked by a gang of Islamic
fundamentalists. Many valuables, including more than 1,00,000 Takas
was stolen in the attack.
Village : Bhairavdi, Sub-district : District : Narayanganj ( 14 May
2003 )
The home of Nanigopal Ray was attacked by a gang of Islamic
militants. The militants looted many valuable items and more than
1,00,000 Takas. The members of the Ray family were also savagely
assaulted.
Village : Sub-district : District : ( 5 Jul 2003 )
An armed group of Islamic fundamentalists demanded a zizya tax from
16 shops owned by local businessman who are from the minority
Buddhist community. The leader of this group is Farooq Ahmad
Chowdhury. The Buddhists have received death threats if they failed
to pay the extortion money.
Village : Narayanpur, Sub-district : District : ( 23 Jul 2003 )
A group of Islamic fundamentalists attacked the homes of Loknath
Biswas, Panchanan Biswas, Samir Biswas and Rabin Biswas in the
Nayanpur village. They also looted the possessions of the home
owners that were valued about 2,00,000 Taka (US $ 3,400). The group
also assaulted 10 members of the minority Hindu community.
Village : Kujishahar, Sub-district : District : Jaipurhat ( 1 Aug
2003 )
A group of Islamic extremists ransacked the vast properties, which
was valued at 10,00,000 Taka (US $ 17,000), that was owned by
members of the minority communities. The villagers Bhavesh Mahanta
(82), Shubhas Mahanta (65), Nila Rani Mahanta (60), Dilip Mahanta
(30), Pradip Mahanta (16), Uttam Mahanta (30), Ranjan Mahanta (25)
and Divya Rani Mahanta (4) were seriously injured in the attack.
Village : Sub-district : District : Manikganj ( 6 Aug 2003 )
A group of Islamic extremists attacked the jewelry shop of Bhola
Karmakar. The group stole jewelry that was valued at 2,00,000 Taka
(US $ 3,400).
Village : Manurtek, Sub-district : District : Bandaeban ( 2 Sep
2003 )
An armed group of Islamic zealots looted properties which were
valued at 1,00,000 Taka (US $ 1,700) owned by a family, who were
members of the local tribal community.
Village : Char Daulat Khan, Sub-district : Kalkini, District :
Madaripur ( 6 Sep 2003 )
Ravik Ray was attacked by a group of Islamic fundamentalists. The
group looted Ray's belongings, which were valued at 2,00,000 Taka
(US $ 3,400). Besides Ravik, Ananda Ray and Jyotsna Rani Ray were
also injured during the assault.
LAND GRABBING
Village : Hastishuo, Sub-district : Uzirpur, District : Barishal ( 3
May 2003 )
A local school teacher Renukana Rani Majumdar donated some of her
property to the local Hindu temple committee. On the morning of
April 18,a group of Islamic fundamentalists under the leadership of
Rahim forcefully tried to build a house on the vacant land. Renukana
devi protested against this, but was brutally beaten and tortured.
She was subsequently told to leave Ujirpur immediately by the group.
Finally the local police authorities have given orders to stop
building of the illegal house.
Place : Bahadurpur, Purva Kalagachhia, Sub-district : District :
Madaripur ( 28 Apr 2003 )
A group of Islamic fundamentalists have looted more than twenty
acres of land that belonged to the local minority Hindu community.
The local Hindu minority have been threatened to leave Bangladesh at
once.
DEMOLITION OF TEMPLES AND IDOLS
Place : Sonaikandi, Sub-district : Paba, District : Rajshahi ( 15
Jan 2003 )
Bangladeshi authorities discovered a statue of a Hindu Goddess. At
present the statues's valuation in the market is more than 2,00,000
Takas (US $ 4,000). It deserves special mention that the statue was
being smuggled through the India-Bangladesh border.
Village : Sub-district : District : Gaibandha ( 13 May 2003 )
On the evening of May 13, Rokon, the son of the local U.P. chairman
of Muktinagar, Aziz Mostafa Sardar, along with a sizeable number of
his companions attacked the popular harvest festival, Boli, which in
the past attracted many people from across Bangladesh. They looted
valuable properties of the Gaibandha Kali Temple. The group beat up
many innocent people. The shops near the temple area, which were
owned by members of the local Hindu minority community, were all
destroyed.
Village : Sub-district : Saghata District : Gaibandha ( May 2003 )
In a separate incident in the Saghata sub-district of the Gaibandha
district (located in the northern Bangladesh), the historic
Bharatkali Kali Temple was torn down by a group of Islamic
fundamentalists. The local Hindu priest of the temple, Dulal
Chakrovorty and the president of the temple committee were savagely
beaten. The local minority Hindu community no longer has a place to
worship after these incidents in the area.
Place : Sherpur, Sub-district : District : Bagura ( 16 May 2003 )
At the Sherpur region of the Bagura district (in western
Bangladesh), the traditional Jagannath Temple was attacked by a
group of 15 Islamic fundamentalists. At midnight, they broke into
the temple and looted all the wealth of the temple. In addition, the
group robbed the temple's monetary donations, which was estimated at
thirty thousand rupees. A case was filed against the group at the
Sherpur police station. However no action has been taken against
criminals.
Village : Gujium, Sub-district : Trishul, District : Mymensingh ( 16
May 2003 )
A group of Islamic fundamentalists attacked the Charak festival
during the Charak Puja. The shops that had stalls at the fair were
severely damaged. A case was filed against the criminals at the
Trishul police station, but no action has been taken against the
criminals. In a disturbing development, the criminals are now
harassing the local Hindu minority community for filing a complaint
against them.
Village : Panch Char, Sub-district : Shiv Char, District : Madaripur
( 10 May 2003 )
A group of Islamic fundamentalists have demolished 13 Hindu
religious statues at midnight. A case was subsequently filed against
the group at the Shiv Char police station. Police have visited the
area where the incident took place. The local Hindu minority
community of the area was deeply shocked and scared at this
development. After much delay, the local authorities arrested
Masood, the son of the elder Kareem Munsi of the Panch Char village.
The local elders of the area have been clamoring for the immediate
arrest of the criminals.
Village : Sub-district : District : Chapai Nawabganj ( 11 May
2003 )
The local Durga Temple of the local Hindu minority community was
gutted and subsequently destroyed by a group of Islamic
fundamentalists. From the area, local authorities have collected
several pieces of literature containing propaganda against the Hindu
community.
Village : Sub-district : District : Pabna ( 27 Sep 2003 )
It has been reported that a threatening letter, written by a group
of local Islamic extremists, was delivered to the local Hindu Kali
Temple in the Pabna district. Pradyut Kumar Dutta, the general
secretary of Jai Kali Temple Committee, has confirmed the receiving
of a letter in the mail, which threatened the Hindu community to
stop observing Durga Puja festivites. The threat stated that if
people gathered to observe Durga Puja festivities, there will be
bomb attacks against the celebrations at the local Hindu temples in
the area. Further in the letter, the group of Islamic zealots
questioned why the minority Hindu community believes in worship of
religious icons. The letter also threatened that the religious icons
will be smashed and death to those who worship the religious icons.
After receiving the letter, members of the minority community
informed the local superintendent of police about the letter. On
Monday, the police superintendent Amir ud Din arranged a meeting
with the leader of the Puja Committee and the Temple Management
Committee to discuss the situation. Ramen Maitra (president),
Prasanta Datta (vice-president), Ganesh Ghosh (general secretary),
Prabhas Ghosh (organizing secretary of the Puja committee), and
Pradyut Datta (general secretary of Jai Kali Temple Committee) were
present at this meeting. Members of the local minority Hindu
community in the area requested full cooperation from the local
authorities to provide security to the temple and the festivities.
These incidents follow another incident that took place on September
15, 2003, when a group of Islamic extremists announced that if
members of the minority Hindu community observed the Durga Puja
festivities, they will be forcibly converted to Islam. Subsequently,
the local police arrested Yunus Ali, a prominent Islamic
fundamentalist. After interrogating him, he remanded to jail custody
and a case has been filed against him.
Place : Dulalpur, Sonargaon, Sub-district : District : Narayanganj
( Sep 2003 )
In the run-up to the Durga Puja festivities, Islamic fundamentalists
captured 41% of the land belonging to the Panam Sarbojanin Durga
temple. The temple is located in the area of Dulalpur mauja,
Sonargaon region, Narayangunge district. The zealots destroyed the
long-standing temple as well as smashed the statue of the Hindu
Goddess Durga. The minority Hindu community has decided not to hold
the Durga Puja festivities this year in protest. Instead, the
minority Hindu community has worn black badges in mark this dark
episode.
Village : Chailabunya, Badura, Sub-district : District : Patuakhali
( 31 Aug 2003 )
Islamic fundamentalists smashed the statue of the Hindu Goddess
Durga.
Village : Konaipada, Majhaira, Sub-district : District : Bagura (
20 Sep 2003 )
A group of Islamic zealots attacked the local Radha Govinda Temple.
The group of Islamic fundamentalists demanded a zizya tax from the
Puja committee, but the committee refused to pay. In response to the
committee's refusal, the extremists smashed the statue of Hindu
Goddess Durga.
Village : Vishvanathpur, Sub-district : District : Chapai Nawabganj
( 22 Sep 2003 )
A group of Islamic extremists attacked the local Hindu temple, and
smashed the statue of the Hindu Goddess Durga. Kumar Saha, a local
villager, filed a complaint against the fundamentalists. Currently,
the police authorities have arrested a student, who was studying at
the local Madrassah.
Village : Ghoshpada, Bagirgola, Sub-district : District : Sirajganj
( 23 Sep 2003 )
A very large number of Islamic zealots destroyed many statues that
were being made of the Hindu Goddess Durga.
Village : Gopalpur, Sub-district : Khamarkhand, District : Sirajganj
( 25 Sep 2003 )
The icon of the Hindu Goddess Durga was smashed by a group of
Islamic zealots.
Place : Shekhati, Sub-district : District : Narail ( 25 Sep 2003 )
A gang of Islamic zealots attacked the Puja pandal in the Sarbojonin
puja mandap. The statues of the Hindu religious icons Durga, Kartik,
and Sarasvati were shattered into pieces. A case has been filed with
the local police, but no action has been taken.
Village : Gurpatti, Kapashya Sub-district : District : Ghazipur (
28 Sep 2003 )
A group of Islamic fundamentalists destroyed the religious statues
of the Hindu Goddess Durga at the main Durga Puja pandal. The
president of the Puja committee, Chittaranjan Saha, has filed a
complaint against the criminals, but as of now no action has been
taken against the criminals.
Place : Bhaibonechera, Sub-district : District : Khagrachari ( 28
Sep 2003 )
The Puja pandal of the Hindu Goddess Durga, along with the statues
of Hindu religious icons of Lakshmi, Sarasvati, Kartik and Kali were
smashed by a gang of Islamic extremists. Later, a note containing
threats against the minority Hindu community. Ratan Kumar Shil, the
secretary of the local Hindu temple, has lodged a complaint with the
local authorities against the zealots. So far, the local authorities
have not punished the guilty.
Village : Sub-district : Khamarboali, District : Gaibandha ( 28 Sep
2003 )
The Hindu religious icons of Durga, Lakshmi, Sarasvati and Ganesh
were smashed by a group of Islamic zealots. Kanu Roy, the president
of the local Puja committee, has filed a complaint with the local
authorities against the group. However, no action has been taken
against the culprits.
Place : Jyathagram-Chatipada, Sub-district : Naseemnagar, District :
Brahmanberia ( 1 Oct 2003 )
A statue of the Hindu Goddess Durga was smashed by a group of
Islamic fundamentalists. The icon was found in pieces at the home of
Subodh Chandra Dev.
Village : Hatbaria, Sub-district : Shalikha, District : Magura ( 5
Oct 2003 )
A group of Islamic extremists attacked the religious Hindu
procession when it was immersing the statue of the Hindu Goddess
Durga in the Fatki River, which marks the end of the Durga Puja
festivities. The Islamic extremists smashed the statue of the Hindu
Goddess Durga. When members of the minority Hindu community tried to
stop the fundamentalists, they were savagely beaten up by the gang.
Village : Sub-district : District : Naogaon ( 5 Oct 2003 )
The police have recovered a statue of a Hindu religious icon from
the home of Asraf Ali. It had been reported stolen from the local
Hindu temple. It has been widely suggested that Ali was going to
smuggle the statue in exchange for money overseas.