Repression on the rise, minorities allege

Religious and ethnic minorities suffered 250 incidents of violence including rape and murder in the first four months of 2019, a minority coalition said today.

This indicates that minority repression is again on the rise, Bangladesh Hindu-Bouddha-Christian Oikya Parishad said in a press briefing while unveiling its report.

The report was based on media reports published between January and April. They said they also collected information from social media and other sources.

The report was unveiled at a press conference held at Jatiya Press Club, Dhaka, today.

According to the report findings, at least 23 minorities were murdered, six found dead, suspected murdered, and 188 assaulted in the last four months.

Besides, seven women of the minority communities were raped, five gang-raped and 10 others were sexually harassed within the mentioned timeframe.

It also added that at least 29 temples were attacked since April.

Presenting the report at the press conference, the Oikya Parishad General Secretary Rana Dasgupta said: “There in is no doubt that the minority repression is increasing”.

He also announced to carry out a countrywide demonstration on May 25, demanding arrest of the culprits who are involved with the violence against the minorities.