The Interim Government has enacted a zero-tolerance policy towards communal attacks, directing the police to take strict action and arrest all individuals involved in such incidents.
“The Interim Government has a zero-tolerance policy towards any communal attacks in the country. Police have been ordered to arrest the culprits. The government has also announced that it would compensate the victims. The Interim Government attaches the highest importance to the establishment of human rights in the country irrespective of creed, colour, ethnicity, sex, and gender,” said a press statement issued by the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Saturday.
It said, “Police have set up a WhatsApp to receive allegations of communal violence. They maintain continuous contact with the minority community leaders. National Emergency Services 999 connects a Focal Point from police headquarters whenever an allegation of communal violence is reported to the Helpline number. Police have attached the highest importance to addressing all the allegations.”
Majority of alleged attacks on minorities were political, not communal
The government has released a police report on the recent claims of communal attacks on minorities since 4 August, revealing that most incidents were politically motivated rather than driven by communal tensions.
According to the Bangladesh Hindu Buddha Christian Unity Council has claimed that a total of 1,769 communal attacks and acts of vandalism took place against minorities in Bangladesh. The Council said those attacks, acts of vandalism, and incidents of looting included 2,010 incidents on the lives, properties, and places of worship of the minority community.
Out of the 1,769 reported cases, 1,234 incidents were found to be political, while only 20 incidents were confirmed as communal. Additionally, 161 claims were found to be false or unsubstantiated.
The police, after receiving the Council’s report, took swift action by contacting the individuals and authorities listed as victims of the violence. Investigations were carried out at all reported sites, and 62 cases were registered based on the merits of the allegations. At least 35 individuals have been arrested in connection with these incidents.
The majority of incidents, according to the Council, took place on 5 August 2024, following the ousting of Prime Minister Hasina, with 1,452 of the reported 1,769 incidents occurring that day. However, police investigations revealed that these were largely politically charged events rather than attacks motivated by religious or communal reasons.
In addition to investigating the initial claims, the police have received 134 new allegations of communal violence between 5 August 2024, and 8 January 2025. Authorities have filed 53 cases and arrested 65 individuals in connection with these new reports.
The police have also implemented a WhatsApp platform to receive allegations of communal violence and remain in constant communication with minority community leaders. The National Emergency Services, in coordination with police headquarters, ensures swift action whenever a complaint is reported.
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