Introduction
While the present Caretaker Government (CG) took over charges of the country on 1/11 (2007), they received overwhelm support from people of all works of life for many reasons, which is needless to elaborate. Alongside with the people of other communities, caste and classes, the religious minorities of the country had their much expectation to the CG such as there would have been no more persecution on them. However, it is understood that the monarch of communalism, islamic fanaticism & terrorism that has been established during the last few decades and which has taken the extreme shape during the regime of BNP-Jamaat in 2001 - 2006, that cannot be eliminated within few days or months, or even few years. The presence of this evil monarch is visible in every corner of the society and state. That's why the persecution on the religious minorities has become a seamless phenomenon even under the situation of emergency.

This document depicts how the persecutions have been taken place on the religious minorities even under the state emergency and thus, how powerful the communal and islamic fanatic terrorism in Bangladesh. Provided hereunder, not all, but few of those persecutions taken place month-wise during the year 2007 till 1st October in reverse chronology.

Oct 2007
A repressed Adibashi (indigenous) girl of Nalitabari Upazila of Sherpur district is about to get deaf: The girl was beaten on her refusal for an affair: (The Daily Samokal, 01st October 07): From Our Correspondent:   SHERPUR, October 1:  An Adibashi adolescent girl (11), a student of class six of Ramchandrakura High School of Nalitabari upazila of Sherpur district got victim of repression of a Romeo in her school premises and now she is about to get deaf. The Adibashi girl is now undergoing treatment in Nalitabari hospital. Brother of the repressed girl as a complainant lodged a case in this connection with nalitabari police station on Saturday night.
According to the source of police and the locals, Habibul Islam, a power tiller driver of Ramchandrakura area of Nalitabari off and on teased the Adibashi girl on her way to the school and also on her way back home from the school and Habibul Islam also gave her marriage proposal. Habibul Islam at one stage of teasing the Adibashi girl snatched away her bicycle on September 24 on which day she came to school by her bicycle. The Adibashi received serious injury on her face at one stage of her being beaten and repressed and it also started bleeding from her ears. She was admitted into Mymensingh Medical College Hospital in critical condition and after little improvement of her condition there, she was then taken to Nalitabari hospital. The doctors are apprehending that girl might get deaf as she is not listening properly.
A minority human right activist of Kalkamanda Upazila of Netrokona district was made accused in a false extortion case for working in support of a raped girl
(The Daily Janakantha, 01st October 07): From Our Correspondent:  NETROKONA, October 1: Shipra Pal, a minority human right activist of Kalkamanda upazila of Netrokona district was made accused in a false extortion case as she stood by a repressed girl. Shipra Pal is the general secretary of local Mahila Parishad (Women Council). Five more innocent persons were also made accused in that false case along with Shipra Pal. It was learnt that Salmoon, vagabond son of Rafique Miah of village Anandapur under Kalkamanda upazila brutally repressed 7 years old daughter of Abdul Mannan of the same village on September 5. Police arrested rapist Salmoon after Abdul Mannan lodged a case in this connection with the local police station. Shipra Pal. A leader of Upazila Women Council and also other leaders of the organization worked for the repressed girl for a fair justice of the incident. At this, Rafique Miah, father of the rapist got furious on the women leaders. Rafique Miah lodged an extortion case against six including Shipra Pal with the court on September 17 last. Other accused of the case are: Women Council leader Resma Habib, father of the raped girl Abdul Mannan, his brother Habibur Rahman, Saidul Islam and Ratan Miah. It was mentioned in the case that the accused demanded taka 1 lakh (million) as toll assuring him that they would solve the incident.
A minority businessman killed in Keraniganj Upazila of Dhaka district: dead body recovered from river Buriganga, one held: The Daily Samokal, 01st October 07)
From Our Correspondent:    KERANIGANJ (DHAKA), October 1:  Some local listed terrorists killed a minority transport businessman calling him from his Keraniganj house. The terrorists floated the dead body into the river Buriganga after the killing. Police recovered the floating dead body of the businessman after five days and then sent it to morgue of Mitford hospital for post mortem. The name of the dead businessman is Rabin Barman (40). Police arrested a man named Shahin (30) in connection of his involvement with the killing. Police told that on information South Keraniganj police recovered the floating dead body from the river Buriganga of Postagal area at about 8:30 pm on Saturday. The brother of the dead businessman came to the morgue at 10:30 am on Sunday and then traced the dead body. The brother of Rabin Barman told that Shahin phoned Rabin on September 15 and then Rabin went to meet him. Since then Rabin didn’t return home.
All accused in extortion case centering rape in Sirajganj district discharged as innocent: (The Daily Ittefaq, 02nd October 07): From Our Correspondent:   SIRAJGANJ, October 2: It was alleged that an influential quarter in Tarash upazila of Sirajganj district to save a rapist is lodging false cases against many villagers and thus harassing them.  Kamal Pasha of village Madhainagar and also younger brother Saiful Islam of village Chandibogh under Tarash upazila raped Kalpana Ayend, daughter Shaymal Choukidar. Saiful Islam, elder brother of the rapist lodged false extortion case against former chairman of Madhainagar union Sadhan Chandra Kar, UP member Aviram Basak and Ismail Hossain with the local police station on August 14 when an initiative was taken to solve the matter in village arbitration. Tarsh police arrested them in that fabricated case and also sent them to the prison. The rapist and his companies threatened the helpless raped victim when she lodged a case with Sirajganj court in this connection on July 24. Then the victim started fleeing away from for fear of her life. At one stage, the father of the victim was given pressure and the rapist and his accomplices made the father of the victim lodge case against those who later gave shelter and helped the victim. Sirajganj Speedy Trial Tribunal Judge Mahbubur Rahman Patwari on September 24 released all the accused in false extortion case as innocent.   
One person arrested in connection with an attack on a temple in Rangpur district, police deployed (The Daily Ittefaq, 02nd October 07): From Our Correspondent:     RANGPUR, October 2: Kotwali police arrested Shamim, an accused of a case lodged in connection with carrying an attack on a temple in Rangpur district and also vandalizing idols of the temple on last Friday night. On the other hand, police were deployed at the temple premises for the security of the temple and also to keep the situation under control. A clash erupted on Friday last in Karmichale University College ground centering a football match between Ershadnagar Colony and Chiniapara. Later a group of perpetrators carried an attack on Chiniapara Hari temple and vandalized the head and hand of the idols of Durga, Laxmi, Saraswati, Gonesh and Asur. They also vandalized the fence of the temple made of tin. Shankar Rai, general secretary of the temple lodged a case against 8 persons with Kotwali police station. Later police arrested an accused named Shamim. On the other hand, ADM Shamsul Islam, ASP Rifat Rahman, president of Rangpur district Puja Udjapon(celebration)  Committee Banamali Pal, general secretary Ajay Prasad Baban, vice president advocate Rathish Chandra Bhoumik Babu Sona and Pradip Niyagi visited the damaged the temple.
A minority father beaten to death by terrorists in Netrokona district (The Daily Janakantha, 02nd October 07): From Our Correspondent: NETROKONA, October 2: The terrorists after being failed to abduct a minority adolescent girl of Netrokona district killed her old father by beating. The incident took place in village Asadhati under Thakurakona Union of Sadar (town) upazila on last Sunday night. The name of the deceased is Bankim Chandra Sutradhar (60). Two more members of that family named Ratan Chandra Sutradhar and Kanu Sutradhar were also injured in connection with the incident. They were admitted in Sadar district hospital. It was learnt that some terrorists led by Manik Miah, son of Waresh Ali of the same village attempted to abduct Jhuma Rani, adolescent daughter of Bankim Chandra at that very night. The terrorists attacked the family members when they resisted them. Bankim Chandra was seriously injured in the attack and he died on the way to the hospital.  
A group of perpetrators led by Jubo Dal (student wing of a political party) leader threw away idol of Durga in the pond in Dumuria Upazila of Khulna district
(The Daily Janakantha, 03rd October 07): From Our Correspondent: KHULNA, October 3: An idol of Durga of a temple of Dumuria upazila of Khulna district led by Tapan Kumar Saha, a Jubo Dal leader was thrown away in the pond. A tenses situation is prevailing in the area over the incident. Police visited the spot. It was learnt according to the source of the locals that Jubo Dal leader Tapan Kumar Saha during the regime of the last alliance government used his influence in Dumuria upazila. He also carried repression and oppression on the helpless minorities. Tapan Kumar Saha after being by blessed by an influential BNP leader took his place in different committees including the temple committee. Though the regime of the alliance government ended but Tapan Kumar’s influence still continues. He is keeping vigilance on the minorities of Dumuria upazila as the leader of Jubo Dal and also as the general secretary of the temple committee. He along with his accomplices went to the temple of Dumuria central monastery and forbade the sculptor Parimal to make idol. At one stage the idol was thrown away in the nearby pond. Tapan Kumar went to beat Parimal when he resisted him from throwing away the idol and then Parimal was told to leave the temple.
The organizers of Pjua Udjapon Committee of central monastery temple expreesed their grievances and told that how long they would bear the repression of Tapan Saha. He not only threw away the idol but also threatened them for not saying at the top of voice in this connection. Dumuria police visited the spot. Police source told that they would take necessary steps in this connection.         

September 2007

A minority youth hacked to death at city’s Shaympur area of Dhaka
(The Daily Samokal, 01st September 07): Staff Reporter: Terrorists carried an attack on a saloon at city’s Shaympur area and killed a youth named Sukranjan Biswas (25). Many persons including Sukranjan’s friend Shuvash Chandra (20) were injured in the incident. Injured Shuvash was admitted into Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Condition of Shuvash was stated to be critical according to the hospital source. Basudev Biswas, elder brother of Suka ranjan and also the owner of the saloon told that about 4-5 terrorists entered his saloon at about 9 pm and then suddenly they carried an attack. The terrorists hit his brother Suka ranjan and his friend Shuvash with sharp weapon and then they fled away hurriedly. The locals rescued them in condition of their injury and admitted them into Dhaka Medical College Hospital.  There the on duty doctor declared Sukaranjan dead. Sukaranjan’s father name is Gopal Biswas. They live at city’s Jurain area. According to the family, Suka Ranjan was the youngest among his three brothers and two sisters. Basudev, brother of Suka ranjan could not say anything clearly why the terrorists carried an attack on his saloon and killed his brother. Police are suspecting that the killing might take place centering previous enmity. SI Mainul told the Samokal that police could not arrest anybody in this connection till last night.
Sixty Adibashi (aboriginal) families of Durgapur Upazila of Netrokona district in eviction panic (The Daily Sangbad, 01st September 07): From Our Correspondent:      DURGAPUR (NETROKONA), September 1: About 60 Adibashi families of village Arapara and Bogaura of border area of Durgapur upazila are passing their days in eviction panic for the repression of the illegal land grabbers. It was alleged that the illegal land grabbers are making forged papers and then intimidating the Adibashis to leave their homes and business institutions.Local influential man late Alim Uddin’s son Atabur Rahman, late Habibur Rahman’s son Md. Chan Miah, Mumruz Ali’s son Siraj Ali and Abdul Khalek, son of Afar Uddin Made forged papers and also threatening the Adibashis to leave their homes.
The illegal land grabbers also cut white soil of Kali temple of Arapara village. But the land grabbers demanded that they purchased those portions of land. The Adibashis also submitted a written complaint to the Dictrict Commissioner in this connection on 16-07-07 but the told that no government officials came to the spot so far. The Adibashis also informed the administration of the illegal land grabbers. The local chairmen and teachers also extended their support for the rights of Adibashis.
Terrorists attack on the Adibashis (aboriginal) of Sherpur Upazila of Bogra district and harassment in false case alleged (The Daily Ajker Kagoj, 03rd September 07)
From Our Correspondent: SHERPUR, September 3: It was alleged that terrorists carried attack on the Adibashis of Sherpur upazila of district and also harassed them in false case. As a result many Adibashis of Sherpur upazila are fleeing away from home for arrest panic. It was learnt that recently the Adibashis of village Gorta and also the villagers resisted the terrorists when they recently went to forcibly plough the land of the Adibashi. At this, the illegal land grabbers got furious and lodged case against 38 persons including 17 Adibashis. The terrorists seriously injured Sudhir Chandra Roy (50) of village Gorta on August 27 last when he went to nearby Bhabanipur bazaar. He is at present undergoing treatment at the hospital. Srimati Malati Rani, sister of Sudhir as a complainant lodged a complaint with Sherpur police station in this connection on August 28 but police didn’t  register the complain as a case till writing of this report. On the other hand, the Adibashia are still fleeing away from their homes as a case was lodged against them. Again, the terrorists are also threatening. Birendra Nath Mahata, President of Sherpur Upazila Adibashi Council in this connection told that at present more than hundred Adibashi families of village Gorta are suffering from arrest panic and further attack. The Adibashi leaders of Sherpur upazila met Police Super for the negligence of Sherpur police. The Police Super assured the Adibashi leaders for fair justice.
An abducted minority adolescent girl of Moulovibazar district not rescued as yet
(The Daily Manabjamin, 03rd September 07): From Our Correspondent:     MOULOVIBAZAR, September 3: Ruby Rani (18) who was abducted a month ago could not be traced as yet. It was alleged that the abductors are threatening Rubi’s mother and brothers after they gave statement against those who were involved with the abduction. Rubi Rani, betrothed daughter of late Manaranjan Dev of village Banjameru under Mostafapur union was abducted on July 28 last. It was alleged that Rubi was abducted on her way back home from the house of neighbor Ramakanta Dev. It was learnt that carpenter Yunus, Matin Miah and Ramakantha Dev were involved with the abduction. Yunus came to Rubi Rani’s house off and on as Yunus had a good relationship with Rubi’s brother. Yunus was attracted by Rubi. Yunus was told not to come to Rubi’s house when Rubi’s marriage was settled. To take revenge for that, Rubi was abducted on July 28 last on her way back home from the house of nearby Ramakantha Dev. It was learnt that Ramakanta in a planned way called Rubi to his house in the evening saying that he wanted to talk to her on an important matter. Later after making pretext, he told Rubi to go back home. Name of Matin Miah of village Goygar was mentioned in the case as another accused of abduction. According to a source, Mati Miah was the mastermind behind the abduction. Anjurani Dev, mother of Rubi Rani gave a statement to the police station just after the abduction Rubi Rani Dev.
Attempt to evict a minority family in Nagarkanda Upazila of Faridpur district
(The Daily Bhorer Kagoj, 05th September 07): From Our Correspondent:    FARIDPUR, August 31: It was alleged that someone is attempting to evict Muktirani, a widow of Nagarkanda upazila and also her son Sujan from their home after lodging false abduction case against Sujan. It was learnt that Sadhan Chnadra Gosami, husband of Muktirai died 4 years back. Muktirani is maintaining her family along with 2 daughters and one son through many problems. About 2-3 influential groups of the area have been attempting to grab their about 10 bighas (a measurement of land) of land since long. Recently, Jamal Miah, chatra(student front of a political party) League leader and also the son of Shahis Miah, former chairman of Nagarkanda union orally complained that Sujan, son of Muktirani and who also passed H.S.C. exam this year demanded taka 50 thousand toll from Jamal’s sister Mita over mobile phone on August 10 and Jamal also complained that Sujan also threatened that if Mita didn’t pay the toll, acid would be thrown on her and her brother would be killed. Jamal also complained at the army camp of Faridpur that Sujan disturbed his sister over phone. Later Jamal lodged a general diary with Nagarkanda police station complaining that his two sisters Mita (19) and Lupi( 17) went missing at night on August 26 on their way to Faridpur from their home. Jamal mentioned in the general diary that he suspected that Sujan, his mother and their associates abducted his sisters and kept them at any unknown place. It was learnt from Nagarkanda police station that police started their operation to arrest Sujan.When asked why police were so interested to arrest Sujan, Lutfar Rahman, OC of Nagarkanda police station told that abduction was very sensitive case. It was learnt from the conversation with locals and the relatives of Sujan that police along Jamal, his father Shahid Miah and other associates of them raided the house of Sujan on August 26 night and arrested him. Sarwar, a neighbor farmer told that Litul and Jamal beat Sujan and his mother in presence of the police and police took away Sujan in condition of his injury. Taposhi (25), sister of Sujan told that Litul, Jamal and Omar Ali entered their house at night and beat up her mother and brother before police. Taposhi also told that they were being harassed for grabbing their property. On the other hand, the locals raised question over the abduction of two sisters Mita and Lupi. The locals also suspected that Jamal fabricated the case only to harass Sujan socially. Captain Sunbir Hassan Majumdar who was in charge of Faridpur army camp told that after receiving the complaint from Jamal, he wanted to solve the matter with both the parties but he didn’t get any support from any party but he also told that it was unbelievable that a minor boy of a minority family could abduct two daughters of an influential family of the area.
Namjagga (continuous loud hymn of Hari, a Hindu God) function of the Hindu community in Pabna district foiled for the attack of Jamaat-Shibir cadres
A case lodged accusing ten Jamat activists (The Daily janakantha, 08th September 07): From Our Correspondent: PABNA, September 8: The armed cadres of Jamaat-Shibir openly carried an attack on Siddeswari temple at Karmaja of Sathia P.S. village of Jamaat Amir (chief) Nizami, ransacked and also foiled the function of hymn of Hari. More than hundred Jamaat activists at that time bulldozed chariot of the temple and also the tiled house. Even the trees of the temple campus were not spared. Pradip Kumar Dey, President of the temple lodged a case with Sathia police station on Thursday accusing 10 Jamaat activists. The Hindu community of the area is very much dissatisfied over the matter and discontentment amongst the Hindus is prevailing. They are now suffering from insecurity. It was learnt from the locals and the statement of the case that the Hindus of the area have been worshipping in Karmaja Siddeswari Temple since two hundred fifty years. The temple was passed into the ledger as khas (untenanted land) by mistake in RS record though the temple built on 1.25 acres was Permanent Debottor( Deity’s Property) property. The temple committee lodged a case with the court for the correction of the record but the leaders of Jamaat under the influence of Nizami during the regime of the alliance government took the lease of that property from the district administration illegally and also grabbed the property of the temple by hanging a signboard of Madrassah (Institute of religious education). The court ordered a stay order when the temple committee filed a writ petition at the High court in demand of canceling the lease. The temple committee on the occasion of observing Janmastami (a religious festival) organized a three day function on hymn of Hari. The temple committee at the permission of Madrassah Super started hymn of Hari function at tiled house so that the devotees didn’t get wet in rain. About more than 200 armed cadres of Jamaat and Shibir led by Maoulana Abu Daud, Amir (chief) of Bera Municipal Jammat came to the temple premises and ordered to stop the function of Hymn of Hari. As soon as the temple leaders wanted to know the reason, the Jamaat- Shibir cadres created fear by ransacking. The devotees fled away to save their lives and then the function was foiled. The Jamaat- Shibir cadres bulldozed the chariot kept at the temple premises and also the tiled house. A case was lodged with Sathia police station in this connection accusing 10 Jamaat activists including Maoulana Abu Daud, chief of Bera Municipal Jamaat. Police could not arrest anyone so far.
BNP leaders attempting to evict a minority family of Gouranadi Upazila of Barisal district Trees worth about taka 2 lakh (million) cut away, chief advisor’s interference expected (The Daily Ajker Kagoj, 10th September 07): From Our Correspondent:      GOURANADI, September 10: It was alleged that some influential in Batajor area of Gouranadi upazila of Barisal district are attempting to evict a minority Hindu family after cutting away their trees worth about taka 2 lakh. The helpless minority family submitted written complaint to the joint force, Upazila Executive Officer and the local police station but the family didn’t get any result and so they submitted another written appeal to the chief advisor. It was learnt from the allegation that about 25-30 perpetrators led by Batajor Union BNP President Golam Hossain Master and Union Jubo Dal (student faction of BNP) President Lavlu Sardar looted away trees of the paternal property of Manik Malakar of village Harhar under Batajor union worth about taka more than fifty thousand during the regime of the alliance government. Manik and his mother were threatened when Manik went to resist them. The same terrorists abducted Manik Malakar in 2004 in demand of taka fifty thousand as toll and took him to village Datteswar of Ujirpur upazila. From there Manik fled away at the dead of night and went to Barisal town. Since then Manik is living in Barisal town for fear of the terrorists. Taking that opportunity, the terrorists started plotting to grab his home. The terrorists again started cutting away Manik’s trees on August 8. Manik’s old mother was threatened when she went to resist the terrorists. Finding no other alternative, Manik expected the interference of the chief advisor in this connection.
8 members of a minority family of Patualhali district hacked to injury (The Daily Janakantha, 15th September 07): From Our Correspondent: PATUAKHALI, September 15:  Perpetrators carried an attack on a minority family over a dispute of a piece of land and injured 8 members of the family by hacking and they also torched their house. The incident took place in village east Morichbunia under Morichbunia Union of Sadar (town) upazila at 11 am on Friday last. On information, Sadar police went to the spot, rescued the injured persons and brought them to Patuakhali. Eye witnesses and police told that about 50-60 terrorists equipped with sticks and sharp weapon led by Delwar of village Gerakhali of Madarbunia union went to the house of Narayan Majhi of village east Morichbunia by trawler at 11 am on Friday and looked for him. The terrorists swooped on other members of the family after not finding Narayan and hacked others randomly. Bhiva Rani, Madhavi, Joydev, Rita, Manika, Shikha, Biren Majhi and Kanika Rani were injured at that time. Later the terrorists torched the house of Narayan and his widow sister Sushila Rani. It was learnt that to give another turn to the incident, the opponents were taking preparation to lodged case counter case against the family members of Narayan after cutting away  trees of their own house. No one was arrested till writing of this report.
Barnali Ghosh was confined and killed after two days of her being raped consecutively (Confession of two accused at Bagerhat district magistrate court). (The Daily Janakantha, 15th September 07): From Our Correspondent: BAGERHAT, September 15: Some 6-7 brutes led by BNP cadre and listed and most wanted terrorist Kamal Hawladar tied the mouth of Barnali Ghosh and then raped her consecutively in spite of her entreaty. Later Barnali Ghosh was confined in a room in an unconscious state for two days and then she was killed. Later to save themselves, the terrorists left the dead body in the deep of jungle in a planned way and then threw acid on the dead body.  This information was learnt from Kamal and his accomplice Muktar Hossain’s confession they made at magistrate court who were arrested for their involvement with Barnali Ghosh murder. It was learnt that Barnali Ghosh, daughter of Bipul Chnadra Ghosh of village Chitra under Rampal upazila of Bagerhat district took admission at Khulna Azam Khan Commerce College after passing her H.S.C. She came home on June 28 last. Later a group of terrorists led by Kamal swooped on her way at night on June 30 when she was going with her friends Raju Haldar, Manaj and Liton. At that time the terrorists tied eyes and face of Barnali Ghosh with a piece of cloth and attempted to kill Raju, Manaj and Liton. The friends of Barnali Ghosh fled away for fear of lives. Later the terrorists took Barnali Ghosh behind the battery shop of Mahbub and there Kamal, Hassan, Mahbub, Nazmul, Mukta and Nahid repressed her brutally. Later they confined Barnali in state of bleeding in a nearby room. Barnali’s hands and face were tied and she died in that state in that room after two days. Later Kamal and his associates left the dead body in a ditch of a garden. They in a planned way threw acid on the dead body to distort the dead body. On the other hand, Bipul Chnadra Ghosh after not finding his daughter lodged a GD (96/03-07-07) with Rampal police station on July 3. Later on July 11, a woman named Sumati Biswas saw the skeleton and started screaming. The locals crowded there. Parents of Barnali Ghosh also rushed there and later they traced the dead body of Barnal;I Ghosh seeing the cloths Barnali was wearing. Police recovered the dead body and sent it to the morgue for post mortem. Demonstration and protest rallies were held in Rampal, Mangla and Khulna in demand of the punishment of the killers of meritorious student Barnali Ghosh. Police started investigating after protest from all around Khulna district. At first Mukta was arrested from Rampal and the mystery behind the murder was unearthed after Mukta gave confessional statement at the court. Later Kamal, mastermind of the murder was arrested from Khulna. The court granted 5 days remand after the appeal of police. But mystery deepened when Kamal didn’t say anything even after passing three days in remand. Later A.K.M. Shahidur Rahman, Police Super of Bagerhat district himself monitored the case. He sent Additional Police Super Meraj Uddin for investigation and handed over the investigation of the case to Tofazzel Hossain, Inspector of Bagerhat Detective Branch of police from Rampal police station. Later Kamal gave more sensational information. A contract of taka 1.5 lakh (million) was dealt between Rampal police and influential and rich relatives of Kamal in condition that Police would not take the statement of Kamal but that deal could not be done for Police Super. Kamal in his statement told that they poured acid on the dead body of Barnali to distort it in counsel with an influential chairman of Rampal who was also relative of Hassan, another accused of the murder case. The locals told that there were many allegations against local terrorist Kamal but he could not be arrested as he was very influential. The locals even don’t dare to say anything for fear of his force. The locals demanded justice of the murder of Barnali Ghosh.
Police Super of Bagerhat district termed the murder of Barnali as a very sad incident and told the Janakantha that police are now very clear about the murder after the confessional statement of two accused. Police were also trying to arrest rest of the accused. Charge sheet will be given under women repression act. He also told that for speedy trial of the case, the case was under process to be transferred in Speedy Trial Tribunal. Shahidul Islam, District Commissioner of Bagerhat told that the murder case of Barnali Ghosh was sent to the ministry of home for its permission for enlisting the murder case as sensational.
Allegation of harassing a helpless poor family of Patia Upazila of Chittagong district in extortion case (The Daily Janakantha, 19th September 07): From Our Correspondent: PATIA, September 19: It was alleged that police in Patia upazila of Chittagong district are harassing a helpless poor minority family after recording an extortion case centering a dispute over a piece of land. The family of Sukumar Sikdar of village Hayedgaon under Patia upazila has been fleeing away from home for arrest panic for the last 27 days. It was alleged that OC Nazrul Islam recorded an extortion case lodged by the opponent group and started harassing the family of Sukumar Sikdar. A question was raised for too much interest of OC Nazrul Islam in connection of this case than the complainant of the case Rakhal Chandra. A dispute between the family of Rakhal Chnadra and Sukumar Sikdar over a piece of land was going on for long time. A case in this connection is pending at the court. Police intentionally are harassing the family of Sukumar Sikdar centering the dispute over a piece of land. Apart from Sukumar Sikdar, his wife Parabashi Sikdar, son Ratan Sikdar, Cousin Rupon Sikdar and also dispute’s arbitrator Jamshed were made accused in the extortion case. It was mentioned in the case that the family of Sukumar Sikdar attacked him with sharp weapon when Rakhal Chandra went to cut branch of a tree on May 29. Later the family of Sukumar also demanded taka fifty thousand from Rakhal as extortion. When contacted local chairman Shamsul Alam, he told the Janaknatha that a dispute over a piece of land was going on between Sukumar and Rakhal for long time.
A dacoity (robbery) committed in nine minority houses of Kaliakoir Upazila of Gazipur district (The Daily Samokal, 19th September 07): From Our Correspondent
KALIAKOIR (GAZIPUR), September 19: A mass dacoity took place in nine minority houses of village Chanpur Majhipara under Sutrapur Union of Kalikoir upazila on Sunday night. Ballab Rajbangshi (30), Srmati Rani Rajbangshi (20) and Noni Rajbangshi (45) were injured being hacked by the dacoits and they were admitted in Upazila Health Centre in critical condition.
A minority businessman of Joypurhat district threatened to death (The Daily Janakantha, 20th September 07): From Our Correspondent: JOYPURHAT, September 20: A man named Milon threatened Raj Kumar Khetan to death, proprietor of K.T. International, an importer of potato, onion, ginger and other commodities over mobile phone on Sunday night. Milon took Raj Kumar to task in slang language when he was working in his office at night and told not to supply commodities to BDR (Bangladesh Rifles). Raj Kumar Khetan informed the higher authority of the matter. It can be mentioned that Raj Kumar Khetan, eminent food importer of the country import rice, onion, ginger, garlic and other essential commodities from India and China and supply those commodities to BDR.
Repression on the minorities of Sharankhola Upazila of Bagerhat district alleged
(The Daily Janakantha, 21st September 07): From Our Correspondent:     BAGERHAT, September 21: Anwar Hossain, an influential BNP leader and his accomplices have made the helpless minorities of Sharankhola upazila of Bagerhat district hostage till now. The accomplices of Anwar are still repressing the minorities of this area like the regime of the last alliance government. The Hindus of the area made complaint to the local administration, police and local representative about Anwar’s repression and oppression but they didn’t get any remedy, rather, the Hindus were repressed and oppressed much more. At last, the Hindus of the area seeking a remedy to the oppression and repression of Anwar held a press conference at Bagerhat Press Club on Thursday. Rabindranath Kulu read the written statement in the press conference.
A minority woman of Agoiljhara Upazila of Barisal district wants to get back her property (The Daily Sangbad, 22nd, September 07): From Our Correspondent:    AGOILJHARA, September 22: Old Moyna, a minority woman and wife of late Jadunath Madhu of village Gopalsen of Agoiljhara upazila is now moving door to door to get back her lost property left by her husband. Whenever she finds anybody, she says that she wants to get back her property. It was learnt from the written complaint submitted at Gouranadi Press Club that Md. Firuzur Rahman Khan Lalu, a BNP leader of Agoiljhara upazila and his other accomplices get very greedy for the property of Moyna taking the opportunity of her being illiterate and poor. The perpetrators made forged papers during the regime of the last alliance government and they almost grabbed half of Moyna’s property.   Jiten Madhu, son of Moyna in the written complaint told that BNP leader Lalu to grab their property through forged papers lodged false cases against his younger brother Ajit Madhu ans also forced him to leave the country. Lalu and his accomplices are also threatening Jiten to death. Again, recently Lalu made Delwar Hossain lodge false case against Ajit Madhu, Jiten Madhu and other Madhus and thus Lalu is harassing them. They are now fleeing away for fear of the police. It was learnt from the conversation with Moyna and other locals that Jadunath Madhu was the proprietor of 12 decimals of land of Bagda union. The locals told that BNP leader Lalu and his accomplices taking the opportunity of Jadunath’s being uneducated and poor made forged papers and grabbed his 87 decimals of land. Jahangir Hossain, Ms. Shajahan and Monir of village Gopalsen told that when Moyna complained about BNP leader Lalu, Lalu used administration and thus harassed Ajit Madhi, younger son of Jadunath Madhu lodging false case against him.  
A minority college going student of Sylhet district mysteriously missing (The Daily JUgantar, 22nd September 07): From Our Correspondent: SYLHET, September 22:  A college going student went missing from city’s Madhu Shahid area 13 days ago. The family of the girl lodged a case with the police station claiming it abduction. A sensation was seen in the area in this connection. The name of the missing girl is Tushi Chakma (17). She is the student of arts department of class eleven of Madan Mahan College. The girl studied staying in the house of her relative in Madhu Shahid area. The family told that Polas Das, a student of 2nd year of class eleven of the same college might be involved behind Tushi’s missing. It was learnt from Tushi’s family that Polas had been offering love to Tushi for many days. Polas at times harassed her. The family of Tushi informed the family of Polas of the matter when Tushi told her family members about the matter. At this, Polas got much more furious. Since after that, Tushi stopped going to school.
The family of Tushi claimed the incident as abduction and Tushi’s mother Lovely as a complaint lodged a case with Kotwali police station. It was learnt from the details of the case that Polas and his other friends abducted Tushi at 10 am on September 8 and took her by a microbus on her way to the school. Since then she went missing. Three persons were accused in the case. The accused are: Polas, Laxmi Rani Das and Sanjib.
An Adivashi (indigenous) girl raped in Tanore Upazila of Rajsahi district, the rapist arrested (The Daily Janakantha, 22nd September 07): From Our Correspondent:   RAJSAHI, September 22: An Adivashi girl was raped in village Mohar under Tanore upazila of Rajsahi district. The rape took place on Wednesday night and the victim lodged a case with Tanore police station on Thursday night. Police arrested Adivashi youth Dilip Soren (22) on Friday afternoon. Police told that the Adivashi girl was returning her home on Wednesday night after dropping her cousin sister. At that time, Dilip Soren was hiding near the village school and then grasped the mouth of that girl with a towel and forcibly raped her. The victim was brought to Rajsahi Medical College Hospital on Friday for medical tests. On the other hand, police after arresting rapist Dilip produced him before Fist Class Magistrate Court on Friday. After the hearing, the court ordered to send Dilip to jail.
Abduction, gang rape and murder of Barnali Ghosh of Bagerhat district
Differenet human rights organizations visited Rampal Upazila and demanded punishment of those involved with the and gang rape and murder
(The Daily Prothom Alo, 23rd September 07) From Our Correspondent:     BAGERHAT, September 23: Different Dhaka based human rights organizations demanded punishment of those perpetrators who were involved in abducting, gang raping, killing and hiding the dead body of Barnali Ghosh of village Chitra under Rampal Upazila of Bagerhat district. A joint representative team of some some Dhaka based human rights organizations came to village Chitra on Wednesday last. They talked to the family members of Barnali Ghosh and urged the villagers to get active in demand of justice of the culprits. Later they called on Police Super A.K. M. Shahidur Rahman and Additional District Commissioner Kamrul Hassan. The team was led by president of Sampriti Mancha professor Ajay Kar and other members of the representative were: general secretary of Sampriti Mancha Dr. Sourav Sikdar, executive member Sattayaranjan Barai, investigation officer of Ain O Salish Kendra Asit Das and many others.
On the other hand, wife of Kamal Hawladar, the mastermind behind Barnali’s murder held a press conference in Bagerhat press club on Saturday afternoon and claimed her husband innocence. It was demanded in the press conference that Kamal was not made accused in the statement of this case. But police intentionally arrested him and forcibly took his statement. Police told that they arrested Kamal on August 7 after getting information from reliable source. Later Kamal gave confessional statement to the court under section 164 and admitted that he raped Barnali Ghosh. Kamal is at present behind the bar. College going student Barnali Rani Ghosh went missing at night on June 30 from her home. Her acid burnt dead body was found from the nearby garden of her home on July 11. Tofazzel Hossain, investigation officer told that they got the evidence of about 14 persons’ involvement with the incident including Sadar (town) Union Parishad Chairman Jamil Hassan Jamu. Among them five persons were arrested and operation is going on to arrest rest of the accused.  
A minority housewife of Kalkini Upazila of Madaripur district got victim of dowry
(The Daily Janakantha, 25th September 07): From Our Correspondent:      MADARIPUR, September 25: A minority housewife named Namita Sarkar got victim of dowry. Police recovered her dead body from the cemetery ground when her dead body was going to be cremated hurriedly and then police sent the dead body to Sadar (town) hospital morgue for post mortem on Sunday. Pradip Sarkar, husband of Namita Sarkar and other family members of Pradip who were involved with the incident fled away from home. It was learnt that Pradip Sarkar, son of Nagen Sarkar of village Charmostafapur under Badarpasha union got married Namita Sarkar, daughter of Sukhiram Sarkar of village Sashikar under Kalkini upazila forcibly in October 2001. During their marriage, both Namita and Pradip worked in Sadarpur BRAC office of Faridpur district. Just after few days of their marriage, Namita was repressed mentally and physically. Namita after failing to bear her husband’s mental pressure took poison on September 20 in presence of her husband. After ¾ hours, Pradip took Namita to Dhunat Upazila Health Centre. There Namita was given treatment for 22 hours and after the deterioration of her condition, she died on her way to the Bogra Medical College Hospital on September 21. Adita Sarkar, brother of Namita Sarkar lodged a case with Rajoir police station before her husband cremated Namita’a dead body and then police recovered the dead body and sent it to the morgue for the post mortem.   
Allegation of overnight repressing a youth in Matihar police station of Rajsahi district (The Daily Janakantha, 26th September 07) From Our Correspondent:    RAJSAHI, September 26: It was alleged that a youth was repressed overnight in Matihar police station of Rajsahi Metropolitan. The name of the youth is babul Sarkar. He is the sin of late Nurul Huda Sarkar of city’s Talaimari area. The family of that youth claimed that Babul Sarkar was arrested and repressed in a planned way in a fabricated case lodged by some illegal land grabbers as Babul held a press conference and also complained at different levels of the administration for recovering the land of a helpless minority family. Babul himself told that he was repressed. Aminul Islam, duty officer and SI of Matihar police station told on Tuesday evening that police arrested Babul and sent him to jail in two different cases of threat, intimidation and extortion. Rezaul Haque, section officer of Rajsahi University on September 24 and Nasrin Begum on September 23 lodged two cases against him. On the other hand, Pallab Kumar Saha, proprietor and the land al\nd also the householder of that minority family told that the complainants of the cases Rezaul and Ranju, husband of Nasrin were the illegal grabbers of their land. Pallab Kumar Saha claimed that the two cases were lodged in collusion with the OC of Matihar police station. It was learnt according to family source that Matihar police arrested Babul from his own house at about 9:45 pm on Monday. Police produced Babul before Chief Metropolitan Magistrate court of Rajsahi at 3 pm on Tuesday in state of Babul’s injury in his knee and wrist.
Babul Sarkar complained to the police and the journalist present in Rajsaji court that SI Rezaul and Babu, manager of a sand trader of city’s Shaympur area who was also a close associate OC led by OC Ferdous repressed him at 11 pm overnight inside the police station. He is a patient of asthma. He requested them for treatment but he was not given any treatment. There was no magistrate in the court when he was produced before the court. So, the family members of babul could not appeal for bail or treatment.
Manjura Khatun, wife of babul went to the headquarter of Rajsahi Metropolitan Police on Tuesday evening and described the story of the repression inflicted upon her husband to the Commissioner of RMP and she also demanded a fair investigation and justice to the incident. Later, Babul Sarkar’s wife Manjura Khatun, elder brother Tobarak Sarkar, younger brother Emdad Sarkar and brother-in-law Ataur Rahman came to Rajsahi Metropolitan Press Club and informed the journalists of the repression inflicted upon Babul. They complained that after hearing their complaint the Police Commissioner advised them to submit a written complaint and also assured them to take lefal action against the culprit after a fair investigation into the incident.
OC of Matihar police station was contacted time and again for his remark in connection with the complaint but it failed. His official and private mobile phone lines were off. When contacted, Deputy Commissioner of Rajsahi Metropolitan Police Mahbubur Rahman told that he already started looking into the matter.  
Land grabbers threaten Hindu family in Satkhira district
(The Daily Star, 27th September 07): From Our Correspondent: SATKHIRA, September 27: Influential land grabbers are allegedly trying to grab land of a poor speech impaired man belonging to Hindu community at Tentultala village in Shibpur union under Sadar upazila. Speech impaired Dukhi Ram Mandal and his wife Shefali Rani Mandal came to Satkhira Press Club to narrate their woes yesterday. They said the culprits are now threatening them to vacate their ancestral land or face the dire consequences.

Shefali Rani said they wanted to sell 10 decimals of their ancestral land as they badly needed money last year. Ibrahim Hossain, son of Khalilur Rahman of the same village expressed his eagerness to purchase the land. Taking advantage of their illiteracy and physical debility, Ibrahim made a registered deed of 15 decimals of land instead of 10 decimals, they alleged. They also alleged the deed was done changing the actual plot of the land. Even, Ibrahim did not pay price of the land in last one year, they lamented. So, they said they demanded return of their land and punishment to the culprit. Earlier they complained to local Union Parishad chairman against the cheat, they said. They blamed a local Awami League leader Rajab Ali, also former Shibpur UP chairman and his sons for hatching a conspiracy to evict them from their land. While contacted, Shibpur UP chairman Abdul Majid confirmed the report. On contact over cell phone both Rajab Ali and Ibrahim refuted the allegation of fraudulence. 
Someone introducing them as extremists demanded toll from three minority businessmen in Panchagar district (The Daily Sangbad, 28th September 07) From Our Correspondent: PANCHAGAR, September 28: Someone introducing them as extremists threatened minority businessmen over phone in Panchagar district and also demanded taka 2 lakh (million) toll. It was also threatened that if the businessmen don’t pay the toll, any one member of his family would be abducted. The three panicked businessmen lodged general diary with Panchagar police station. Md. Jamir Uddin, OC of Panchagar police station admitted the incident and told that police are investigating the matter. Police told that someone phoned Sri Rabendrnath Banik, proprietor of Shaymali Jewelers of city’s Baniapara area on Weednesday evening and told that three of their members were undergoing treatment in Madraj of India. They demanded taka two lakh cash for the treatment of their three members. The extremists also threatened the businessmen saying that they would collect the toll by abducting any one member of their family if they don’t pay the money. Rabendranath Banik lodged a general diary with Panchagar police station on Wednesday night in this connection. On the other hand, Nabin Chandra Banik and Arjun Chandra Bhoumik, proprietors of Nabin Jewelers and Panchagar Bhatikhana lodged two different general diaries with Panchagar police station on Wednesday in the same complaint. Toll demanded from Nabin Chandra over his phone (61757) and from Arjun Bhoumik over his mobile phone. But the three businessmen told the journalists that the so called extremists didn’t tell them anything about where and how the toll would be reached.  
To release university teachers and stop repression on the minorities demanded
Leaders of US Oikkya Parishad call on Chief Advisor (The Daily Bhorer Kagoj, 30th September): Kagoj Correspondent: The chief advisor told that he was very shocked for the arrest of the university teachers as teachers are the respected persons of the society. The chief advisor told this while a representative team of Hindu Christian Buddhist Oikkya Parishad of US branch called on him on September 28 at his hotel suit in New York demanding the release of all university teachers including Dr. Nim Chandra Bhoumik, general secretary of the Parishad and also a university teacher. The representative demanded the release of all the held university teachers before coming Eid and they also urged the chief advisor to take initiatives for stopping the repression on the minorities. The members of the representative at that time also gave the chief advisor a memorandum of 12 points demand including the demand to resist the minority repression.

The chief advisor in his answer of the questions of the leaders of the Oikkya Parishad told that he has taken initiative to form human rights commission only to stop violation of human rights. Dr. Fajhruddin also told that everyone is equal in the eye of law. The chief advisor expressed his shock for the arrest of the university teachers and he assured to consider the demands of the Oikkya Parishad after returning to the country. During the call on meeting, the chief advisor was accompanied by foreign advisor Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed, Bangladesh ambassador to the US Humayun Kabir, Bangladesh permanent representative to the United Nation Ismat Ara jahan and Bangladesh consul general to New York General Mohammad Shamsul Haque.
William Gomez, Ratan Barua, Rup Kumar Bhoumik, Shitangshu Guha, Nabendu Datta and Dr. Dijen Bhattachariya were in the 6 members’ representative of Hindu Christian Buddhist Oikkya Parishad. During the call on, the leaders of the Oikkya Parishad also handed over some books and documentary based on the minority repression.       

Aug 2007

A minority of Muradnagar Upazila of Comilla district threatened to death
(The Daily Sangbad, 01st August 07): From Our Correspondent: DEBIDAR (COMILLA), August 1: Chandan Banik, owner of Grameen Jewelers of Companiganj bazaar under Muradnagar upazila of Comilla district is passing days in panic after he is threatened to death by a circle of fraud. It was learnt that Gopesh, son of Lalit Debnath of village Ramkrishnapur under Homna upazila opened a jewelry shop named Shilpalay at Ramkrishnapur bazzar and started business with Grameen jewelers. Gopen Debnath took ornaments worth about taka 3 lakh (million) and 85 thousand on due payment only at the age 1 year of the business. When Chandan Banik demanded payment from Gopesh, he didn’t pay the due rather started making pretexts. Later being compelled, Chandan Banik on December 14 lodged a case with Muradnagar police station accusing Gopesh Debnath and his brother Chandan Debnath and Ratan Debnath, Gopesh’s relative and son of Manindra Debnath and also Jashamay Debnath, son of Rebati Debnath. Masum Talukdar, former OC of the police station investigated the case and submitted the charge sheet at the court. Since after that, the accused started creating pressure on Chandan Banik to withdraw the case.
Allegation in Press Conference
Cadres of BNP built a Madrasah in Louhajong Upazila of Munshiganj district grabbing land (The Daily Sangbad, 03rd August 07): From Staff Correspondent:     Cadres of Mizanur Rahman Sinha, a BNP leader and also former state minister for health of the alliance government drove away the Hindus of Nagerhat area under Louhajong upazila of Munshiganj district and also built women Madrasah. Earlier, the cadres repressed the women and children of the minority families by burning them with the fire of the cigarette, resisting them from observing their religious rituals, attempting to spoil the chastity of the newly wed bride and the girls and also threatening them to death.
Members of some Hindu families are living vagrant life to protect them from the repression of the cadres. Some Hindu families driven by the cadres took shelter in India. The members of these families complained to the members of the law enforcing agency in this connection but no actions were taken. Gopal Chandra Saha, former president of Louhajong Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikkya Parishad and also the coordinator of repressed Kangsha Banik community of Nagerhat area made the allegation in a press conference held at the VIP lounge of national press club on Wednesday evening. Basudev Kangsha Banik, Gouranga Bangshi, Kulvushan Bangshi and others were present in the press conference. It was alleged in the press conference that Hindus of all over the country were repressed brutally during the regime of the alliance government. About two hundred members of Kangsha Banik community of Louhajong upazila also were not spared from the repression. After the alliance government came into power, Ismail Hossain, vice president of Louhajong Thana (police station) BNP started repressing the members of Kangsha Banik community.
Ismail Hossain held the members of the Kangsha Banik community hostage and thus registered their property. They were obstructed from observing their religious festivals. The cadres during the regime of the alliance government also spoiled the chastity of about 8-10 newly wed bride and girls. Former state minister for health Mizanur Rahman Sinha worked as a strong back up for Ismail Hossain. The cadres of BNP demolished the old temple of Nagerhat area in presence of Mizanur Rahman Sinha.Later Ismail Hossain occupied the property. Mizanur Rahman made sub-registrar register the property illegally. BNP leader Ismail Hossain occupied the property and also built woman Madrasah there.
Attack carried on a shop in Nabinagar Upazila of Bhramanbari district
Terrorists attempted to kill a businessman by burning as they were not given ransom (The Daily Janakantha, 04th August 07)From Our Correspondent:    NABINAGAR (BHRAMANBARIA), August 4: Terrorists carried attack and looting on the shop of a minority of Bholachang Notun bazaar under the municipality area of Nabinagar upazila as they were not given ransom. The terrorists also attempted to kill the younger brother of the shop owner who was also injured in the attack by burning after pouring kerosene on his body. After the incident, a panic started prevailing among the minority businessmen. It was learnt that a group of listed extortionists of local Narayanpur village had been demanding ransom from Devu Sarkar, a businessman and also former president of Bholachang Bazaar Committee since long. As Devu Sarkar refused to pay the ransom, the terrorists at broad day light carried an attack on his shop, broke the cash box and also looted about fifty thousand taka. Babul Sarkar, younger brother of Devu Sarkar was seriously injured in the attack. At one stage the terrorists poured kerosene oil on Babul’s body and attempted kill him by burning.  Babul Sarkar was admitted into Nabinagar health complex. Sayed Mahbubur Rahman, OC of Nabinagar police station in this connection told that police were sent to the spot. Police would take legal action against the attackers.
A minority family of Tarash Upazila of Sirajganj district in trouble for lodging a case of the rape incident of their adolescent daughter (The Daily Sangbad, 05th August 07): From Our Correspondent: TARASH (SIRAJGANJ), August 5: A minority family in Tarash upazila of Sirajganj district got into trouble after they lodged a case with the court in connection with the rape incident of their daughter. The accused rapist is very influential and so he is threatening the family members of the victim to withdraw the case. The girl is now suffering from insecurity and so she took shelter somewhere else.

It was learnt according to the source of the case that Kamal Pasha, son of late Azhar Ali of nearby village Chandibogh abducted the adolescent girl, daughter of Shaymol Chandra Aynd, a Christian of village Madhainagar under Tarash upazila on July 7 last on her way to the local BRAC school and then Kamal Pasha took away the girl by motorcycle. Later, the girl was repressed brutally. After the incident, the girl was released and then the girl after coming back home told other members of the family about the incident. The Adibashi (aboriginal) community expressed their concern over the incident. Saiful Islam, elder brother of the influential accused Kamal Pasha wasted time by resisting the family of the victim from taking any legal assistance saying that the family of the victim would get fair justice. Later as the minority girl didn’t get any social justice then she went to Tarash police station but police refused to lodge the case. Later the victim on July 24 lodged a rape case under Women and Children Repression Prevention Act 2000 against the rapist Kamal Pasha and three others with Sirajganj Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal Judge Court. Just after lodging the case, the accused got very furious. The victim told the Sangbad that she was fleeing away at the continuous threat. The accused went on saying that they would again abduct her and then kill. She also told that her father Shaymol Chandra after being threatened and tempted by the accused and also in fear of them told to withdraw the case. Shaymol Chandra expected legal assistance from the administration and also from the human rights organizations. Saiful Islam, elder brother of Kamal Pasha told that the incident was fabricated. He also told that some extortionists after not getting extortion made the girl lodge a false case. Afzal Hossain, OC of Tarash police station told that the father of the victim lodged a counter case with the police station of his daughter being raped. Police didn’t get the file of the rape case as yet. No contact was possible as the complainant went into hiding.
Sumi Rani Saha, a minority school going student not rescued even after three months of her abduction (The Daily Amar Desh, 06th August 07): Staff Reporter: Police could not rescue Sumi Rani Saha (14), a minority school going student even after three months of her abduction. Law enforcing agency also could not know whether Sumi was alive or she was killed after her abduction. Shopon Saha, father of Sumi Rani Saha is now moving at the door of police and different human rights organizations after he failed to find out his daughter. City’s Motijheel police arrested a youth named Mamun in this connection but police could not collect any information from the youth about the whereabouts of Sumi Rani Saha. It was learnt that National Women Lawyers Association was trying to rescue Sumi Rani Saha. Sumi Rani Saha is a student of class nine of Badiul Alam High Scool under Companiganj upazila of Comilla district. Her father Shopon Saha told that Raub member, an influential of the area harassed Sumi Rani on her way to the school. A case was lodged with Muradnagar police station of Comilla district on May 14 last accusing Raub member and five others after Sumi was abducted on her way to the school. Police told Shopon Saha, complainant of the case that police were continuing their drive to rescue Sumi. But Shopon Saha complained that he off and on saw some accused of the case leaving the room of the OC of Muradnagar police station after evening. On the other hand, city’s Motijheel police arrested a youth named Shamim Ahmed Mamun on May 31 in connection with the abduction case of Sumi Rani Saha. Motikheel police told that Mamun was arrested according to the information of the mobile phone. Police interrogated Mamun but police could not collect information from mamun leading to the abduction of Sumi Rani Saha. Shopon Saha also told that the abductors in a planned way gave information to Motijheel police and made Mamun arrest only to give the case  another turn. Mamun was known as a professional witness of different cases of Muradnagar upazila. According to the source of Women Lawyers Association, police could not know whether Sumi after being abducted three moths back was alive or dead. The Lawyers Association told that attempt to rescue Sumi Rani Saha was going on.
High court’s order neglected
Narayan Chandra, a minority teacher of Naogaon district not getting his salary since 17 years (The Daily Janakantha, 07th August 07): From Our Correspondent:     NAOGAON, August 7: Narayan Chandra Majumdar, a minority and poor assistant teacher of Hat-Naogaon High School of Naogaon town has got into communal flame of wrath. Headmaster and president of the managing committee of the school neglecting the order of secondary and higher secondary department stalled Narayan Chandra’s salary and other allowances of last 17 years. Even the headmaster and the president of the school managing committee has no sympathy in case of getting Narayan Chandra’a time scale. Leaders of Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minority of Naogaon branch expressed their concern over the matter.
It was learnt from the allegation that Narayan Chandra Majumndar was appointed as assistant teacher of Hat-Naogaon High School on October 30,1978 and he joined the as an assistant teacher on November 1, 1978. According to that, he signed at serial no. 11 of the teachers’ presence book. But Narayan Chandra was suspended on June 29, 1985 without any approval of the concerned ministry or board and also without issuing any show cause notice. When Narayan Chandra took legal assistance in this connection, then the court in this perspective ordered that Narayan Chandra held his post as the assistant teacher of the school on June 21, 1998. As a result of which, the school authority on June 1, 2000 issued him a notice to join his service. According to the notice of the school authority, Narayan Chandra on June 4, 2000 joined again as the assistant teacher of the school. But the headmaster told him to sign at serial no. 16/17 instead of serial no. 11 which is immoral and illegal. When Narayan protested the matter, he was then permitted to sign at serial no. 11 on July 1, 2000. At present he is continuing his service.
Narayan Chandra told the Janakantha when the daily in perspective of the complain of the human rights organization admitted the matter and told that he was supposed to get his time scale on August 28, 2002 but he submitted an application to the headmaster on April 30, 2003 to get his time scale. But the role of the headmaster is very sympathetic. General Director at the directive of the concerned ministry on July 27, 2002 sent a written direction to the headmaster and the president of the school managing committee to pay Narayan Chandra’s salary and other allowances but the directive was neglected. It was complained that though there was no rule to appoint any teacher during the proceeding of the case but the headmaster and the president of the school managing committee appointed new teacher in exchange of money. Narayan Chandra is marinating an inhuman life along with his wife who is suffering from paralysis and also his marriageable daughter who is a student of H.S.C.
Mysterious death of a minority housewife of Naogaon district (The Daily Janakantha, 7th August 07) From Our Correspondent: NAOGAON, August 7: Rita Rani Das (30), a minority housewife and also mother of a child committed suicide after pouring kerosene on her body after she failed to tolerate the repression of her mother-in-law and her husband’s elder brother’s wife. This cruel incident took place at Kathpatti area under Naogaon district. But the guardians of the dead housewife raised question about this death. According to them, the mother in law and Rita’a husband’s elder brother’s wife at one stage of their repression killed Rita Rani Das by burning. The incident created sensation in the area. It was learnt according to the source of police and locals that after Rita’s marriage with Gourachandra Das, Rita’s mother-in-law and Gourachandra’s elder brother’s wife could not tolerate Rita Rani Das as father of Rita Rani Das was comparatively a poor man. Rita Rani was repressed and harassed by her mother in law and Gourachandra’s elder brother’s wife off and on in absence of Gourachandra Das. Rita informed Gourachandra of the matter at that night after Gourachandra got back home. But Gourachandra tried to assure Rita after he could not take any steps against his mother. At the dead of night, Rita in offended state of mind poured kerosene on her body and set her body on fire. Sensing the matter, Gourachandra went to douse the fire but his own hands were also burnt. Rita was given treatment in Naogaon Sadar (town) hospital. Rita died at 5:15 am.
Attack carried on a minority family of Gobindaganj upazila of Gaibandha district as the family refused to pay toll (The Daily Sangbad, 08th August 07) From Our Correspondent: GOBINDAGANJ (GAIBANDHA), August 8: It was learnt that an influential quarter carried a terrorist attack on a minority family of village Kunjanakai under Gobinfaganj upazila as the minority family didn’t pay demanded toll of taka fifty thousand and the the perpetrators also ransacked. On the other hand, the destitute family beating drum in the bazaar declared to leave the village. It was learnt that Ranjit Rampashi purchased 6 decimals of land with legal papers in 1963 and has been living for about 44 years building a house on that land. Recently, a quarter led by influential Abdul Karim Mandal and Mahfuzur Rahman Mandal, sons of Asir Uddin Mandal of the same village carried an attack to evict Rampashi and other members of the house and also demanded taka fifty thousand as toll. As the minority family refused to pay toll, the terrorists demolished the wall of the house. Since then, the influential quarter has been threatening Ranjit and other members of Ranjit’s family to death. Ranjit as a complainant on June 14 lodged a petition case with Gaibandha court in this connection accusing four persons including Mahfuzur Rahman Mandal and Abdul Karim Mandal. As a result, the accused got much more furious and so they carried an attack on the minority family demanding taka fifty thousand as toll and they also beat up Ranjit and his mother Rajanti Rani. Beating drum at Nakaihat, it was informed on behalf of the family of Ranjit that they would sell their house and leave the village after being failed to tolerate the repression of Mahfuzur Rahman Mandal and his hired terrorists. The locals expected the assistance of the administration to save the minority family from the repression of that influential quarter.
Press Conference in Gazipur district
Adibashi (aboriginal) community demanded implementation of 10 point demands
(The Daily Sangbad, 08th August 07) From Our Correspondent: GAZIPUR, August 8: Adibashi Jagaran Samity, an organization of Adibashi organized a press conference at Gazipur Press Club on Monday afternoon on the occasion of International Tribal Day and the members of the samity placed 10 point demands in the press conference in case of protecting the existence and rights of the Adibashi. Pijush Barman in his written statement told that about 50 thousand Adibashi of 6 communities live in Gazipur district. At present some Adibashi communities are facing very troubles in case of holding their existence. Illegal land grabbers grabbing their property are pushing the Adibashi into insecurity. 10 point demands were placed on behalf of the Adibashi community to protect the rights of Adibashi. To make law according to 107 ILO convention, withdrawal of false cases against Adibashi were included in ten point demands.
Allegation of ostracizing a minority family in Baghmara Upazila of Rajsahi district
(The Daily Janakantha, 11th August 07): From Our Correspondent: RAJSAHI, August 11: It was alleged that a rich minority family of village Saidhara under Aouchpara Union Parishad of Baghmara upazila was ostracized in allegation with a false case. The family members complained in a press conference held recently in Rajsahi Metropolitan Press Club that some men under the banner of the villagers were repressing them physically and mentally through intimidation and harassment in order to grab their 100 bighas (a measurement of land) of land by sending them to India.  It was complained in the press conference from the written statement that late Hanif’a son Khalek Master and Md. Tasir, Kalu’s son Sajjad Hossain, Nazar Ali’s sons Md. Fazlu and Masir, Rahimuddin’s son Md. Golam, Ibrahim’s son Besharat, Mohiuddin’s son Alauddin, Amiruddin’s son Akkas Ali and  Sattar’s son Md. Afsar of the same village led by Zia, chairman of Aouchpara Union Parishad as the complainants lodged a complaint against Khagendranath Sarkar, householder of the minority family. It was told in the complaint that Khagendranath Sarkar had an illegal physical relationship with a woman named Setara Begum of the same village which is not true at all. At present Khagendrnath’s age is 55 and Setara Begum’s age is not more than 20/22. Again Setara Begum is married. Khagendranath has a good family relationship with Asad Ali, husband of Setara Begum and also van driver. Van driver Asad Ali in exchange of money helped Khagendranath and his family for household works. Even Asad Ali was given rice and paddy when he faces wants. It was also told in the press conference that so far as the family members know there is no complaint against Khagendranath Sarkar on behalf of the Asad Ali and his wife Setara Begum. But the above mentioned persons in an evil design are repressing the family of Khagendranath Sarkar through a false allegation. The chairman of Aouchpara without any prior notice issued summon on Khagendranath Sarkar to be present in the arbitration of Union Parishad. Khagendranath went into hiding for continuous threat. The family members claimed that they don’t know about the whereabouts of Khagendrnath Sarkar. On the other hand, the above mentioned villagers also carried physical and mental repression on the family members of Khagendranath Sarkar.
A dacoity (robbery) committed in Rangamati district, son and daughter of the householder abducted, ransom demanded (The Daily Janakantha, 11th August 07)
From Our Correspondent: RANGAMATI, August 11: Some dacoits abducted an adolescent girl and a child from Betchari area under Kaoukhali upazila of Rangamati district and took them to the deep of jungle. The dacoits also demanded taka 4 lakh (million) as ransom for the release of the abducted girl and child. It was learnt that a group of bandits entered the house of Tapan Talukdar at the dead of night on Thursday and took away 2 bhoris (a measurement of gold) of gold, 45 thousand taka and also abducted Tapan Talukdar’s daugher Mitali Talukdar (18) and son Debashis Talukdar (11). The bandits demanded taka 4 lakh as ransom for the release of them. Police and members of the joint force started their drive to rescue the girl and the child. Joint force arrested a man named Sudarshan Chakma (45), a member of JSS on suspicion on Friday morning from Bagaichari area in connection with his involvement in this abduction.
Masterminds of the murder case of Barnali Ghosh of Rampal Upazila of bagerhat district still out of reach (The Daily Inquilab, 12th August 07): From Our Correspondent: BAGERHAT, August 12: 25 days passed after the recovery of the melted dead body of abducted Barnali Ghosh who was also a meritorious student but the masterminds of the murder case are still out of reach. On the other hand, terrorists are continuously threatening the father of Barnali Ghosh and so the family members of Barnali Ghosh are feeling unsecured and also a quarter is trying to give the case another turn. It was also alleged that a vested quarter got involved in extortion centering the incident. Barnali Ghosh went missing at the dead of night on June 30 and her dead body was recovered from the garden of Jalil Munshi of Chitra area on July 11 after 11 days of her abduction. Father of Barnali as a complainant lodged a murder case with Rampal police station at that very night. But it was alleged that just after lodging the case, an influential group of terrorists are continuously threatening father of Barnali Ghosh and also those who are helping Barnali’s father in conducting the case. Recently father of Barnali Ghosh in a press conference held in Rampal Press Club told that someone from unknown mobile number was giving pressure the complainant of the case to withdraw the case, other wise other sisters of Barnali Ghosh would have to face the same consequence. The family of Barnali Ghosh is passing days under all this pressure and the family members are also feeling unsecured. On the other hand, two accused of the murder case Sujit alias Raju and Monaj Kumar could not be arrested as yet. But the concerned authority think that they can collect important information after taking two suspected persons named Liton and Mukta on remand and by interrogating them.

Acid thrown on minority daughter of a tea labor of Srimangal Upazila of Moulovibazar district (The Daily Inquilab, 12th August 07): From Our Correspondent: MOULOVIBAZAR, August 12: Daughter of a tea labor of Gandhichara tea garden under Srimangal upazila got injured after the perpetrators threw acid on her on Wednesday night. The locals arrested the acid thrower and handed him over to the police. It was learnt that acid thrower Mannan (35) is the son of Shafique of village Lairakul under the same upazila. He is a worker of Satgaon rubber garden. He off and on teased and gave bad proposal to Bipala Rani Das (18) daughter of Mahendra Das, a worker of Gandhichara tea garden adjacent to Satgaon rubber garden. As Bapala Rani Das didn’t agree with his bad proposal, so Mannan threatened her. Mannan threw acid on Bipala through a syringe at 8 pm on Wednesday when Bipala was inside the kitchen room. The locals after hearing the screaming of Bipala and her elder brother’s wife came forward and caught Mannan red handed and later handed him over to Gandhichara police. A case was lodged in this connection with Srimangal police on Thursday last under Women and Children Repression Prevention Act. The injured Bipala was undergoing treatment in the hospital.
Report of Oikkya Parishad
11 minorities killed and three minority women raped in the month of June
(The Daily Bhorer Kagoj, 13th August 07): Staff Reporter: Repression and oppression on the minority community still continues countrywide even after state of emergency prevailing in the country. Terrorists killed about 11 minorities countrywide on June last. Three women of minority community were also raped. Apart from this, incidents like abduction, attack on temples, grabbing of land and looting also took place. The picture came out from the monthly report of Bangladesh Hindu Christian Buddhist Oikkya Parishad.
It was told in the report that terrorists carried an attack on Ratha Jewelry of Prabir Kumar of Sonarpatti area under Sadar (town) Upazila of Naogaon district on June 4 and killed the staff of the shop Lebu. Terrorists also killed a college teacher named Ramendranath Majumdar of Batiaghati area under Khulna district on June 7. Terrorists killed Sushil Bala of village Ramdia under Kashiani upazila of Gopalganj district on June 8. On June 9, a group of terrorists carried an attack in village west Alonia of Chadpur district and killed a minority named Arjun Chandra Roy. Hanumantha Gayeen, an owner of shrimp enclosure of village Garibpur under Chitalmari upazila of Bagerhat district was beaten to death by the perpetrators on June 15. Terrorists also killed Jitendranath  Sarkar in Ashuganh rail station of Bhramanbaria district on June 19. Terrorists killed a minority old man named Gopal Sarkar under Akhura upazila on June 21. Beside this, the terrorists also killed businessman Prashanta Saha of Jessore district on June 24, Gopal Mistri of Fakirhat upazila under Bagerhat district on June 30 and a teacher named Anil Chandra Das of village Ziapur under Zakiganj upazila of Sylhet district.
A Hindu minority teacher of Borolekha Upazila of Moulovibazar district compensated taka 3 lakh (million) and 75 thousand for being in love with a Muslim girl (The Daily Sangbad, 14th August 07) From Our Correspondent:  BOROLEKHA (MOULOVIBAZAR), August 14:  A religious minority family of Borolekha upazila of Moulovibazar district had to compensate taka 3 lakh and 75 thousand as a Hindu minority house tutor fell in love with a Muslim girl. The decision of paying this big amount as the compensation for being in love was decided in arbitration. The incident created sensation in the area.
According to many sources of the locals, a relation of love affair developed between Dilara Akhtar Shila (18), daughter of Farman Ali alias Farai Miah of village Rajarhati and house tutor Ripon Biswas (22), son of Kali Kumar Biswas of village Harikunji. Recently, both of them fled away for the sake of their love. Later the families of Dilara and Ripon after a through searching found them and brought them to their respective houses. The family of Dilara raised the allegation of self respect of their family against Ripon Biswas. The family of Ripon Biswas was also intimidated to lodge a case. To this the relatives of Ripon Biswas got afraid and then went to the influential villagers to save themselves from this.
Recently, to settle the matter, arbitration was called out in the office of Union Parishad chairman at Das bazaar. The family of Ripon Biswas had to compensate taka 3 lakh and 75 thousabd fro being in love with Dilara in the arbitration where UP chairman Kamar Uddin was also present.
The panicked family members of Ripon Biswas didn’t say anything to anybody in this connection. On the other hand, they were very much worried in case of collecting the amount of the compensation and also for their security. According to some sources, the family Ripon Biswas was trying to collect money by selling their property. When asked about arbitration, Kamar Uddin, Union Parishad Chiarman admitted it.

Attempt to devour the village of the Adibashi (aboriginal) of Jibannagar Upazila of Chuadanga district (The Daily Ittefaq, 14th August 07) From Our Correspondent:    JIBANNAGAR (CHUADANGA), August 14: The Adibashis of Shailmari Kutirbari are at a loss for the illegal land grabbers. The Adibashis in order to save them from the hands of the illegal land grabbers submitted a complaint to UNO on Sunday.
   It was learnt that two Adibashi families had been living on 3 acrtes of land of Keru and Company of Shailmari Kutirbari since the period of Brithish Regime. Faizullah, son of late Wazed Bihari of Darsana Puratan Bazar of nearby Damurhuda upazila and also Nazrul Islam alias Tuku, son of late Abu Hossain of Uthali Amtala area in order to devour the village of the Adibashi have been repressing and threatening the Adibashis in many ways. Even they are forcibly cutting down the trees and taking away the fruits of the Adibashis.
Measures to protect Debottor (deity’s) property of the Hindu minority of Koira Upazila of Khulna district demanded (The Daily Ittefaq, 15th August 07): From Our Correspondent: KOIRA (KHULNA), August 15: Gosta Bihari, secretary of Sri Sri Gobinda Zeu Thakur Temple recently organized a press conference at upazila Press Club in demand of stopping repression and threat on the minorities and also in demand of taking measures to protect the Debottor property from the hands of some influential persons who are grabbing the property by making forged papers of the property.
Gosta Bihari in his written statement told in the press conference that about 200 Hindus of ward no.9 under Sadar (town) upazila now spend their nights for fear of the illegal land grabbers. An influential Union Parishad member of ward no.8 has grabbed about 26.05 acres of land of their Sri Sri Gobinda Zeu Thakur Temple. Late Binayandra Nath Basu, a devout of Gobinda Zue Thakur donated property to the temple from his own property. But the UP member by making forged papers and in association with Abul Kashem, Alauddin, Abdul Bari, Mostafa Giasuddinn of village Koira and Rahima Khatun of Gobindapur area, Lutfar Rahman of Mothbaria  and Yusuf Ali, Ayub Ali and Akbar Ali of Maharajpur area forcibly cultivating the land during the monsoon season. He expected assistance of the law enforcing agency in this connection.
The court ordered the District Commissioner to inform the present condition of the property. The DC of Khulna district told on June that tax and revenue of this property was never due and the property was not auctioned through certificate case.
Attack carried on the shop of a minority of Tarail Upazila of Kishoreganj district
(The Daily Sangbad, 16th August 07) From Our Correspondent: TARAIL (KISHOREGANJ), August 17: Terrorists carried an attack on the shop of Ashim Debnath at Kauwakhali bazaar under Tarail upazila in the evening on Tuesday last and also looted money and other goods. At that time, the terrorists also beat up Ashim and attempted to kill him. A case was lodged in this connection with Tarail police station accusing 15 persons. Parimal Debnath is the complainant of the case. Parimal Debnath told Sangbad that listed terrorists and extortionists of Dhola Veyar area Al-amin Akram, Dulal, Sangram and some others carried an attack on the shop of Ashim Debnath, a cycle parts businessman and they also looted goods worth about taka more than 1 lakh (million). Centering this, the terrorists went to the house of Parimal Debnath yesterday morning to carry an attack. But the terrorists went back as the locals resisted them.

A minority pregnant housewife of Morelganj Upazila of Bagerhat district dies being repressed by her husband and mother in law (The Daily Sangbad, 17th August 07)
From Our Correspondent: BAGERHAT, August 17: Sabita Rani Das (19), a minority pregnant housewife of Banogram area under Morelganj upazila died after being repressed by her dowry greedy husband and mother in law. The incident took place on Friday evening but the dead body of Sabita was lying in the morgue of Bagerhat Sadar (town) Hospital till Sunday afternoon. According to the source of hospital and locals, Sabita Rani, daughter of Gopal Kumar Sarkar of village Malancha under district Sadar was married to one Gobinda Das, son of late Rakhal Chandra Das of village Banogram one and half years back. Though Gopal Sarkar during the wedding of his daughter gave Sabita’s husband good amount of money but recently pressure was created on Sabita for dowry. When Sabita refused to give more dowries, her husband and mother in law started repressing her physically. Gobinda gave Sabita a good beating on Friday last. At one stage, Sabit died. When the news spread, Sabita’s husband and mother in law fled away. On information, father of Sabita came to Banogram on Saturday morning and informed the local police. Later police recovered the dead body and sent it to Bagerhat morgue for the post mortem. Father of Sabita told the journalists at Bagehat Press Club that his daughter who was five months pregnant was killed.
41 acres land of two Adibashi (aboriginal) families of Kalmakanda Upazila of Netrokona district under the possession of illegal land grabbers (The Daily Sangbad, 17th August 07): From Our Correspondent: KALMAKANDA (NETROKONA), August 17: Illegal land grabbers have been enjoying the possession of about 41 acres land of two Adibashi families of Rangchati union under Kalkamanda upazila sine long by forged papers. Now the real proprietors of these lands are passing days starving along with their children. The women of these families are now maintaining their lives by collecting woods from the hill and selling those woods in the bazaar. They made a written appeal to the upazila administration but they didn’t get any result. Ranjit Sangma (70) of village Bokroakona told that the illegal land grabbers of the area took the possession of about 19.93 acres of land after the death of his sister Ingrej Sangma. The land grabbers of the same area also grabbed 20.73 acres of land after the death of Pranita Sangma and Sheikhji Sangman, mother of Senuka Sangma of village Vestapur. Suranjan Areng, chairman of Kalkamanda Upazila Tribal Welfare Association in this connection told that many meetings were held for this portion of land but there was no result.
Initiative to build a college on the land given lease in name of a temple of Savar Upazila of Dhaka district, cancellation of lease demanded (The Daily Janakantha, 18th August 07) From Our Correspondent: SAVAR, August 18: The Hindu community of Kabirajpara area of Savar upazila has become aggrieved as an initiative has been taken to build a college of technical board on 9 decimals of land given lease in name of Savar Boro Temple. The locals have appealed to the chief advisor, ministry of land and also other concerned authorities in demand of canceling the lease in name of the college. It was learnt that there was a two storied bhaban (building) on 13 decimals of land adjacent to the temple. As the building was vested property, so WAPDA authority used that land by taking lease of that property from the government. WAPDA authority also left the property some years ago. Zamindar (landlord) of Mohadebpur of Manikganj district was the proprietor of the temple and the building adjacent to the temple. They in order to inspire the locals to practice religion established Savar Boro temple about 300 years ago. The family members of the landlord left the country for India before 1965. Before the 12 members of the family of landlord left, they donated 13 decimals of land adjacent to the temple in name of the temple in 1956. Present president of Boro temple Sudhangshu Vushan Datta (92), general secretary of Savar Ramkrishna Panchabati Hermitage Godadhar Saha (96) and late Jagannath Saha signed on the donation papers. At present about 20 thousand Hindus of the area have fallen in problem with 9 out of 13 decimals of land. As an institution named Savar Technical and Business Management College had taken lease of that portion of land. The local Hindus claimed that if a college was set up there both the temple and the college would be disrupted.
It was learnt according to the source of the locals that Savar Technical and Management College authority took the lease of 9 decimals of land adjacent to the temple from the government for one year. But as the college authority didn’t come to possess the land, so the locals could not know anything about their lease. Later when the temple authority came to about this then the temple authority appealed to upazila administration for canceling the lease in name of the college. But the temple authority didn’t get any response to that. The local residents became aggrieved when the college authority in association with upazila administration came to remove the old structure in order to occupy that land on June last. The locals even could not protest the incident as the Upazila Executive Officer himself was present on the spot. Bhivarani Bosak and Motirani Saha, residents of temple area told that the girl would suffer from insecurity and it would be difficult for the women to go outside if a college is set up there. Jagadish Chandra Roy, former member of National Hindu Welfare Trust told that it was not possible to build a college on 9 decimals of land. Gopal Chandra Saha, a descendent of the landlord’s family told that his forefathers donated this portion of land in name of the temple.
Hosne Ara, principal of the college told that the college was given lease of that land through upazila administration. She also commented that the college would not create any problem for the temple and also for the local Hindus in case of performing their religious duties.
An Attack carried on a minority teacher of Feni district as he resisted a student from copying (The Daily Prothom Alo, 18th August 07). From Our Correspondent:    FENI, August 18: Terrorists harassed a teacher of Feni Polytechnique Institute as he expelled two students for copying and also for resisting the examinees from copying. They also threatened the teacher saying not to go beyond limit in future in case of charging any student for copying. A general diary was lodged with Feni police station in this connection. Institute authority formed a three member committee to probe the incident. It was learnt according to the source of eyewitness that final exam of second semester of all years of Feni Polytechnique Institute is going on at present. Dipankar Nandi, instructor of Electric Department expelled two students of second semester of 1st year in allegation with copying and at the same time he also warned other students not to adopt unfair means. To this, the students got agitated. Some outsider terrorists beat him on Wednesday evening near the gate of the institute on his way to the town. They also threatened him saying not to go beyond limit in future in the hall room.
Dipankar informed teachers’ council of the institute of the matter. The teachers and councilors condemned the incident. A three member committee was formed in the meeting of the council. Dipankar in perspective of the decision of the teachers’ council lodged a general diary with Feni police station on Thursday.
A minority night guard of Bagaichari Upazila of Rangamati district killed after abduction (The Daily Prothom Alo, 18th August 07): From Our Correspondent:   BAGAICHARI (RANGAMATI), August 18: Sumon Chakma (26), an abducted night guard of Upazila health centre was killed after his abduction. It was learnt according to the source of the locals that a group of abductors numbering 5-6 abducted Sumon at gun point from Upazila health centre on August 6. When contacted on behalf of the family of Sumon, the abductors told that Sumon was killed. They also threatened that al the family members of Sumon would also be killed if they lodge any case and also inform the local administration of the incident. Abdur Razzak, OC of Bagaichari police station told that police came to know about the abduction. But nobody came to the police station to lodge any case. Police have nothing to do if no complaint is lodged.                                                    
A minority housewife of Purbadhola Upazila of Netrokona district repressed
(The Daily Sangbad, 22nd August 07) From Our Correspondent: NETROKONA, August 22: Some perpetrators tied up a minority housewife named Anita Rani Das of Purbadhola upazila with a tree and repressed her as she resisted the perpetrators from occupying her house. The incident took place in village Sattati under Purbadhola upazila on Monday last. The locals told that a dispute over a piece of land was going on between Narayan Chandra Das of village Sattati and Siddique and Salam of nearby village Baliakandi since long. Centering this, Kuddus along with his associates started building house on the land of Narayan Chandra Das on Monday. At that time his wife Anita Rani Das resisted the perpetrators but the perpetrators at that time tied up Anit with a tree and repressed her. When the locals came forward to rescue Anita, the perpetrators chased them and also drove them. Later police rescued Anita.
Hindus of Sherpur Upazila of Bogra district express grief for seizing Narayan Murti (idol) from the temple (The Daily Ajker Kagoj, 25th August 07) From Our Correspondent: SHERPUR (BOGRA), August 25: Hindus of different villages of Sherpur upazila held a press conference at Sherpur Press Club on August 23 as Narayan Murti was seized from a temple. It was mentioned in the press conference that there was a Narayan Murti on the Puja Mandop (pavilion) of the house of old Babu Gopal Chandra of village Bissa from time immemorial. The Hindus of the area had been worshipping that Narayan Murti. But suddenly a group of men introducing them as members of the Detective Branch entered the temple without any permission and removed the Narayan Murti from the worship place. The religious sentiments of the Hindus of the area were hurt in this incident. It was mentioned in the press conference that the Hindus of the area want a fair investigation of the incident and they also demanded measures for placing the seized Murti at the right place. The inhabitants of the village were present in the press conference. Later they submitted a memorandum to Upazila Executive Officer Mohammad Zakir Hossain.
A minority family of Bogra district got victim of repression as the family refused to sell their home to an influential (The Daily Ajker Kagoj, 26th August 07): From Our Correspondent: BOGRA, August 26: A minority family of Bogra city’s Katnar Para area got victim of repression and harassment as the family didn’t agree to sell some portions of their home to an influential. Sangita Kundu, only one daughter of that family made the allegation in a press conference held on Saturday last. It was told in the press conference that Joynal Hazi, an influential tobacco businessman of the town created pressure on Sangita to leave her home. As a blue print of this, a false case was lodged against her father Surajit Kumar Kundu alias Rugu Kundu, her family was harassed and also the family members were intimidated. The whole family is now passing days from insecurity for partial role of the law enforcing agency and also for the harassment of the hired terrorists of Joynal Hazi. In the press conference held in Bogra Press Club, Sangita mentioned Joynal Hazi as an illegal land grabber and complained that Joynal Hazi purchased a building including 4 decimals of land from their neighbor Ratin Poddar. But the portion of land of the house turned into only two and half decimals as the government took one and half decimals of land for the extension of Banani-Matidhali road some years back. At that time, Joynal gave Sangita’s father a proposal to purchase two decimals of land. But Rugu Kundu didn’t agree to sell that portion of land of their house and so he fell in wrath of Joynal Hazi. As result, Joynal Hazi got very furious on Rugu Kundu and then he added 30 links of land of Rugu Kundu to his two and half decimals of land and then made a plan of that portion of land and made that plan approved from the municipality and then started constructing a building.
When Rugu Kundu submitted his complaint to the municipal office in this connection, the municipal office issued notice to Joynal to stop the construction work but Joynal ignoring the notice of the municipal office continued the construction work. On the other hand, Rugu Kundu was harassed and repressed as he made a complaint to the municipal office. Even Joynal Hazi threatened him to leave his home. As part of this, Joynal lodged a case against Rugu Kundu some days back. Just within some hours after lodging the case, police without any verification arrested Sangita’s father and so Rugu Kundu had to spend five days behind the bar for no offence. But earlier, Rugu seeking the security of his family and property complained to police many times but at that time police were very silent. On the other hand, Rugu Kundu along with his wife and daughter is not getting able to stay at their home at night for the harassment of the hired terrorists of Joynal Hazi.
In the press conference Sangita expected the higher authorities of the law enforcing agency to take necessary steps to stop Joynal Hazi’s harassment and also his attempt to grab their property.
Property of a minority family of Laksham Upazila grabbed (The Daily Manobjamin, 26th August 07) From Our Correspondent: LAKSHAM, August 26: It was alleged that someone misused the property of a minority family of Laksham district. The family appealed to the chief advisor seeking security to their lives. Dhirendra Dey (80) of village Changaon under Kandirpara union of Laksham upazila told that he had 4 acres and 67 decimals of paternal land. Two of his brothers went to India 50 years back. Usha Ranjan, one of his brothers died 6-7 years back. He had no children. Before his death, he gave away some portion of land to the wife of Usha Ranjan.Abul, chairman of nearby Bakoy union purchased the donated property from the wife of Usha Ranjan in 1993. During the regime of the last alliance government, chairman cut away trees worth about taka two lakh (million) from his property and at that time Dhirendra and his wife resisted the chairman. Later the chairman forcibly grabbed all his property except his house. Dhirendra informed respected chairmen of the area, chairman of nearby Mudafarganj union and also municipal chairman of the matter. Dhirendra complained that Abul chairman threatened him. The whole family is now suffering from insecurity. Dhirendra in order to rescue his grabbed property made an appeal to the chief advisor, IGP of Police, District Commissioner and Police Super seeking security of lives and property. Chairman Abul Hossain in this connection told that he purchased 1 acre and 17 decimals of land from the wife of Usha Ranjan. He also told that he didn’t grab property of Dhirendra. Local UP chairman Alhaz Nur Hossain told that a dispute was going on between Abul chairman and Dhirendra over property. Municipal chairman was supposed to sit in a meeting with them.
A dacoity (robbery) committed in nine minority houses of Khaliajuri Upazila of Netrokona district (The Daily Janakantha, 29th August 07): From Our Correspondent: NETROKONA, August 29: A daring dacoity committed in nine houses of two villages of Chakua union under Khaliajuri upazila of Netrokona district on Monday night. The dacoits equipped with arms came into the villages by trawler and took away 17 cows, gold ornaments and cash money. About 5 persons including women were injured during the dacoity. It was learnt that a group of dacoits numbering 10-12 and equipped with arms came by trawler and swooped on Notunpara under Chakua union at about 2 am. At first the dacoits introduced them as police men. Later they held the inmates of the houses hostage at gun point and took away 17 cows and other valuable goods from the house of Sajal Talukdar, Shaymal Biswas, Ranu Biswas, Sanjay Das, Sanjay Barman, Rabi Biswas, Safalya Biswas and Gangapad Biswas. At that time Sajal Biswas, Ranu Biswas, Sanjay Barman, Rabi Biswas and Reba Biswas were injured by the dacoits. At one stage the villagers got organized and chased the dacoits and then the dacoits fled away by trawler.
A minority school going student abducted from Comilla district rescued in Tangail district  (The Daily Janakantha, 29th August 07): From Our Correspondent:   MIRZAPUR, August 29: Police rescued Rumpa Saha, a minority school going student who was abducted from Comilla district from village Gaiba Betil under Mirzapur upazila of Tangail district on Monday night. Rumpa Saha is the daughter of Manindra Saha of west Gaon under Laksham upazila of Comilla district and she is also a student of class nine of Nabab Fayjunnesa High School. Rafikul Islam, son of Khorshed Miah of village Gaiba Betil under Mirzapur upazila abducted Rumpa by a microbus on her way to the school on August 20 last.
Confinement and repression on two minority families of Jhinaidha district alleged, police rescued the families (The Daily Bhorer Kagoj, 29th August 07): From Our Correspondent: JHINAIDHA, August 29: Terrorists confined two minority families of Jhinaidha district for two days and also repressed the families. Later police rescued three members of the families and admitted them into hospital. It was learnt that the terrorists carried this barbarism in village Bagutia under Shailkupa upazila of Jhinaidha district.
According to the source of the locals and the hospital, when Narendranath Biswas, a farmer went to clean seeds of paddy in a nearby ditch then a nearby influential quarter got furious on him and also injured him. Later Arun Kumar Biswas, son of Narendranath Biswas was also beaten and he was confined in his house. Even the terrorists kept guards around the house all day long and also threatened the family members. The two families got confined for open death threat. Police rescued them on Tuesday morning and also admitted them into hospital. Some listed terrorists named Harez Mandal, Azizul Mandal, Tofazzel, Kibria, Murad, Shiblu and Wabaidullah confined the families.
Attempt to evict a minority family in Nagarkanda Upazila of Faridpur district
(The Daily Samakal, 31st August 07) From Our Correspondent: FARIDPUR, August 31: It was alleged that someone is attempting to evict Muktirani, a widow of Nagarkanda upazila and also her son Sujan from their home after lodging false abduction case against Sujan. It was learnt that Sadhan Chnadra Gosami, husband of Muktirai died 4 years back. Muktirani is maintaining her family along with 2 daughters and one son through many problems. About 2-3 influential groups of the area have been attempting to grab their about 10 bighas (a measurement of land) of land since long. Recently, Jamal Miah, chatra(student front of a political party) League leader and also the son of Shahis Miah, former chairman of Nagarkanda union orally complained that Sujan, son of Muktirani and who also passed H.S.C. exam this year demanded taka 50 thousand toll from Jamal’s sister Mita over mobile phone on August 10 and Jamal also complained that Sujan also threatened that if Mita didn’t pay the toll, acid would be thrown on her and her brother would be killed. Jamal also complained at the army camp of Faridpur that Sujan disturbed his sister over phone. Later Jamal lodged a general diary with Nagarkanda police station complaining that his two sisters Mita (19) and Lupi( 17) went missing at night on August 26 on their way to Faridpur from their home. Jamal mentioned in the general diary that he suspected that Sujan, his mother and their associates abducted his sisters and kept them at any unknown place. It was learnt from Nagarkanda police station that police started their operation to arrest Sujan.When asked why police were so interested to arrest Sujan, Lutfar Rahman, OC of Nagarkanda police station told that abduction was very sensitive case.It was learnt from the conversation with locals and the relatives of Sujan that police along Jamal, his father Shahid Miah and other associates of them raided the house of Sujan on August 26 night and arrested him. Sarwar, a neighbor farmer told that Litul and Jamal beat Sujan and his mother in presence of the police and police took away Sujan in condition of his injury. Taposhi (25), sister of Sujan told that Litul, Jamal and Omar Ali entered their house at night and beat up her mother and brother before police. Taposhi also told that they were being harassed for grabbing their property.
On the other hand, the locals raised question over the abduction of two sisters Mita and Lupi. The locals also suspected that Jamal fabricated the case only to harass Sujan socially. Captain Sunbir Hassan Majumdar who was in charge of Faridpur army camp told that after receiving the complaint from Jamal, he wanted to solve the matter with both the parties but he didn’t get any support from any party but he also told that it was unbelievable that a minor boy of a minority family could abduct two daughters of an influential family of the area.                                      
         
July 2007

A minority family of Barguna district received threats to leave the country: (The Daily Janakantha, 10th July 07): From Our Correspondent: BARGUNA, July 10: A minority family of Barguna district is passing days with insecurity. The family lodged a case in connection with an attempt to rape a young girl and so the family has now become the target of local influential quarter and the terrorists. The members of that minority family are not even able to fetch water from the tube-well. They have now held the family hostage. The family members are being threatened in different ways. It was learnt that a girl of the minority family of village Amtali-Nimtali under Sadar (town) upazila went to fetch water in the afternoon on June 26th. At that time, Sohel, Afzal Member of the same area and also, terrorist Ripon, son of Joynal Mallik grasped the mouth of that girl and then took her away near a public toilet and there they attempted to rape the girl. But after hearing the screams of the girl, nearby people came forward but Sohel and Ripon managed to flee the spot at that time. The father of the harassed girl in association with the local journalists and human rights activists lodged a case with Barguna police station in this connection. The accused are absconding but on behalf of the accused, the local influential people are exerting pressure on the minority family to withdraw the case. Sobel, the elder brother of the accused, threatened to abduct the harassed girl and also, asked the family to leave the country. Many members of the minority family are now fleeing from the area. Twenty Hindu families of the village are panicked by this incident. It should be noted that a girl of a minority family of this area was raped a year ago. A boy named Russel was in custody for a long time in connection with that rape incident but recently he was freed on bail. That case is still pending. SI Barkat, investigating officer of the recent case of attempted rape incident told this correspondent that he had investigated the matter and verified the incident. He also assured the complainant with providing security. The father of the harassed girl sought the help of district administration and police administration so that he could live without any further threats & harassments.
A minority hotel manager slaughtered in city’s Malibagh area: (The Daily Janakantha, 11th July 07):Staff Reporter: A minority hotel manager was murdered inside a hotel in city’s Malibagh area. The criminals after committing the murder also looted the cash. Police recovered the bruised dead body of the hotel manager on Tuesday morning from the floor of ‘Dipa Hotel and Restaurant’ of the city’s Malibagh DIT road. Police also recovered the chopper smeared with blood, which was used to murder the manager. A hotel boy Liton went into hiding after the murder. Police are suspecting that several criminals including Liton were involved with the murder.
The name of the dead hotel manager is Durjoy Chakrabarti (55). His father’s name is late Suranjan Chakrabarti. He hailed from village Dogerchar under Kachua police station of Chadpur district. Police told that Durjoy Chakrabarti had been working as the manager of Dipa Hotel for a long time. He was a loyal staff of the hotel owner Rakhal Majumdar. So he slept on the floor of the main hotel room everyday. Hotel boy Liton was also provided with accommodation & slept inside on Monday night. It was learnt according to the police source that sometime at night Liton and some of his associates slaughtered Durjoy when he was asleep. At that time Liton and his associates also took away taka 23 thousand from the cash and also two mobile phone sets and then they fled. SI of Ramna police station, Masudur Rahman, who is also the investigating officer of the murder case of Durjoy told that hotel boy Liton took the job in this hotel a year back. Nobody can tell the address of Liton. Liton went into hiding after the murder. Rakhal Majumdar, owner of the hotel as a complainant lodged a murder case in this connection with Ramna police station.
An Adibashi (aboriginal) adolescent girl of Mithapukur Upazila of Rangpur district raped: 3 persons held: (The Daily Sangbad, 11th July 07): From Our Correspondent: MITHAPUKUR (RANGPUR), July 11: An adolescent Adibashi (aboriginal) girl of Mithapukur upazila of Baldipukur area was raped at night last Sunday. A case was lodged in this connection. Police arrested three youths. It was learnt according to the source of police and locals that four youths named Bimal, Sreeeram, Sukra and Debit of the area raped the Adibashi girl (19) of village Sahani when she was returning home at 9 pm after attending the marriage ceremony of her neighbor. After hearing the screaming of the girl, locals of the area rushed to the spot and rescued the girl. A case was lodged with the local police station in this connection. Police arrested Sriram, Sukra and Debit.
A minority of Chatak Upazila of Sunamganj district killed by perpetrators: (The Daily Janakantha, 11th July 07): From Our Correspondent: SYLHET, July 11: Some unknown criminals killed a minority man named Sanjit Dey (26) of village Jatua under south Khurma union of Chatak upazila. The perpetrators killed Sanjit Dey after failing to rape Mitali Rani, wife of Sanjit’s brother on Tuesday morning. Injured Mitali Rani was admitted into Sunamganj Sadar (town) hospital- she is fighting for her life.
Two minority families of Gouranadi Upazila of Barisal district dispossessed of their land: (The Daily Janakantha, 12th July 07: From Our Correspondent: GOURANADI (BARISAL), July 12:  Ramani Baroy and Bimal Baroy, two minority men of village west Shawra of Gouranadi upazila left their homes after threats from an influential quarter of the area. Now they are appealing door to door in the hope of getting justice. Two families took shelter in others home. They also went to the local army in hope of getting back their ancestral property. Ramani Baroy and Bimal Baroy in thier written complaint told that their father Rajendranath Baroy was the proprietor of 130 decimals of land. After the death of their father in 1973, their mother Maya Rani became confounded with her children. Finding no other alternative, Maya Rani took shelter in the house of her father in village Mahipara. Taking this opportunity, some influential men of the area named Ibrahim Mollah, Mofser Sardar, Harunur Rashid, Harun Chakdar, Morujjaman Khan and Nannu Khan grabbed their property. They complained about the grabbers at different departments but they didn’t get any result. Rather false case was lodged against the members of the family and they were also harassed. Recently, they made an appeal to the District Commissioner of Barisal and also to the joint force in hope of getting back their paternal property.
Land grabbers grabbed land of a Hindu temple of in Kapasia Upazila of Gazipur district (The Daily Sangbad, 13th July 07): From Our Correspondent: KAPASIA (GAZIPUR), July 13: Illegal land grabbers grabbed more than one hundred year old Dhoreswari temple and also the land of Chattar Puja (worship) of village Nalgaon under Kapasia upazila. A panic is prevailing among the local minorities over the matter. Recently, the peace loving locals expected the intervention of the administration against the land grabbers.  It was learnt that landlord Narendra Narayan Roy, founder of Dhaka Balda Garden and Balda Museum dug a pond on 1.93 acres of land in village Nalgaon for Boyeswari Kali temple and Charak Puja for the worship of the Hindus. The Hindus of that area had been worshipping in that temple up to 1985. Later Reaz Uddin Majhi, member of the village cast his greedy eyes on that property. He intimidated the local Hindus when they went to the temple for the worship. At one stage he told that land lord gave away that property. When a local Hindu named Nimai Chandra Mandal lodged a case with Kapasia police station then Reaz Majhi in order to save himself from the case submitted a deed of surrender to Anadi Prasad Roy, brother of the landlord saying that he would not claim the property of Kali temple and also he would not obstruct the worshippers. After the death of Reaz Uddin Majhi, his sons Motaleb Majhi, Alauddin Majhi and Ismail Majhi in 1986 threatened the Hindus with death and also drove them away from the temple when the Hindus went to worship there. Since then nobody goes to the temple for worship for fear of the sons of Reaz Uddin Majhi.
Though the local Hindus along with Ganga Prasad Roy, a descendant of the landlord family expected the assistance of the administration in this connection but during the regime of the different governments there was no progress of the matter due to unknown reason. Recently, the peace loving Hindus and Muslims of the area in order to recover the property of the temple from possession of the land grabbers appealed to the District Commissioner and also to the office of RAB.
Melted dead body of a missing minority college going-girl of Ram pal Upazila of Bagerhat district recovered after 11 days: (The Daily Amar Desh, 13th July 07)
From Our Correspondent: RAMPAL (BAGERHAT), July 13: Melted dead body of a missing schoolgirl of Rampal upazila was recovered. It was learnt according to the police and the family of the missing girl that Barnali Ghosh, daughter of Bipul Chandra Ghosh of village Chitra under Rampal upazila and also a 1st year student of accounting department of Khulna Government Azam Khan Commerce College went missing from her home at night on June 30. On the day of the incident, when Barnali came outside of her home to answer the call of nature at about 12 midnight, some perpetrators caught hold of her and then took her to a garden 60-70 yards away from her house and there the perpetrators assaulted her brutally and then killed her by suffocation and left her dead body there. After 11 days of the incident, a woman named Soma while cutting grass saw the melted dead body of Barnali and then Soma informed Barnali’s father and then Barnali’s father traced the dead body of Barnali. On receiving information, police reached the spot, investigated the incident and are making preparation to send the dead body for post mortem. Dead Barnali Ghosh stayed at Jahan Ali hostel. She came to the house on June 28, two days before she went missing. A case was lodged in this connection with the local police station on July 1.
A BNP leader repressed a minority farmer of Golachipa Upazila of Patuakhali district by making him nude: (The Daily Janakantha, 14th July 07):From Our Correspondent: GOLACHIPA, July 14: Bichitra Kumar Howladar (60), a minority farmer became a victim of minority repression when he started building a house. Apart from assaulting him, he was stripped off his clothes and forced to swim naked in the pond. Md. Zia Choudhury, a local BNP leader is the mastermind behind the incident. The incident took place at 8 am on Thursday in front of the campus of upazila’s Kolagachia Degree College and also before the teachers and many locals. A complaint was registered with the local police station in this connection.
It was complained that Zia Choudhury, a BNP leader of Kallayankolosh union repressed many minorities of the area in different ways since after 2001 election. He also took the possession of Kolagachia temple. Zia Choudhury also claimed the property of Bichitra Howladar in the same way. Bichitra Howladar in this connection complained to the upazila administration but there was no result. Whenever Bichitra Howladar went to build house on his land, Zia Choudhury obstructed Bichitra Howladar though Zia Choudhury had no papers with which he could claim the property. Some days earlier, Bichitra Howladar again went to build his house and Zia again obstructed Bichitra and centering this incident, Zia called Bichitra to the campus of the Degree College through Abul Kalam and wanted an explanation why he tried to build a house. At one stage, Bichitra was made naked and he was also forced to swim in the campus pond. Though some teachers and locals witnessed the incident, nobody dared to protest the incident. Later, Bichitra wanted a towel from the locals and after getting the towel he somehow covered his nude body and then went to Golachipa Sadar (town) and in association with the locals filed a complaint at the police station. OC Nasiruddin Mallik told in this connection that police were sent to investigate the matter and police were also ordered to arrest the accused. But he denied the incident. It should be mentioned that a few days before this incident, Zia Choudhury carried out an attack in the room of the principal of Kolagachia Degree College in demand of extortion and also injured the principal. Recently Zia got a release from the jail after that incident.    
Houses of 16 minority families of Poragacha Guccho village in Ramgati Upazila of Laxmipur district grabbed: (The Daily Sangbad, 02nd July 07): From Our Correspondent: LAXMIPUR, July 2: It was alleged that some influential of Poragacha Guccho village evicted some 16 minority families from their homes among 30 minority families and they also forcibly grabbed their home. An appeal on behalf of the evicted families was made to the District Commissioner and also to the captain of joint force seeking a remedy. On the other hand club men led by influential land grabber Ekram Uddin are also carrying physical and mental repression on members of other minority families and they are also threatening them to leave their homes. As a result, the minority families living there at present are passing days in insecurity with the young girls of the families. The locals told that if the law enforcing agency doesn’t come forward to their help, the minority families will be evicted and they even might be killed.
It was learnt that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman visited river erosion area of Ramgati upazila on February 20, 1972 and after his visit Sheikh Mujibur Rahman inaugurated a project named Poragacha Guccho village by digging soil himself to rehabilitate the landless people. After the murder of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, the influential of the area got very active to grab the property of the project. The influential persons and land grabbers intimidated the minorities and they also lodged false cases against the members of the minority families and thus so far they grabbed the houses of 16 minority families. It was learnt that Ekram Uddin, an illegal land grabber of the area were harassing the minority families in different ways. Some unscrupulous led by Ekram Uddin alse drove 16 minority families from their land and they also grabbed their homes and property. The minority families didn’t protest for fear of their lives but they submitted a written complaint to the Divisional Commissioner, Chittagong district and also to Additional District Commissioner but in spite of that they didn’t get any justice. As a result 16 minority families were deprived of their rights.
A minority named Jatan Chandra told the daily Sangbad that a police constable of Chittagong district Nur Nobi and his accomplices attempted to grab his house on on May 25 but they failed in face of the resistance of the locals. Constable Nur Nobi, Masud and Ekram Uddin gave Abul Kalam, an inhabitant of the area a good beating for his resistance. The landless people appealed to the concerned authority to take action against the club men and illegal land grabbers and to rehabilitate the evicted 16 minority families to their homes.
Evil intention to grab the property of a minority family of Gaibandha district by forged paper (The Daily Janakantha, 02nd July 07): From Our Correspondent:   GAIBANDHA, July 2: A forged paper was made in association with sub-register and document writer to grab the property of helpless minority family of village Kisamat Malibari of Sadar (town) upazila of Gaibandha district. Babul Chandra Mandal and Santosh Chandra Mandal told this in a written complaint in a press conference held in Gaibandha Press Club on Sunday. Members of the victimized family broke into tears at that time.
It was mentioned in the press conference that two brothers Babul Chandra Mandal and Santosh Chandra Mandal sold their 4 decimals of land to a businessman named Abdul Jalil of the same area in need of financial problem of their family. The two brothers handed over the paper of that sold property to Abdul Jalil on June 19 last. Later they came to know that Md. Jahangir Alim. a document writer in exchange of a handsome amount of money and by managing sub-register included two shops which value is more than taka 5 lakh (million) and also 3 decimals of land on the blank space of that paper and then submitted the paper in name of Abdul Jalil. Hassan Mahmud Siddiqui, an Awami League leader and former upazila chairman and also a witness of the paper was also present in the press conference and he told that when he signed on the paper, there was no mention of the shops and adjacent property at that time. Later it was included through a tactics and then the registry of the paper was done. It was told in the press conference that a written complaint was lodged with Gaibandha sadar police station in this connection.
Property of Adibashi (aboriginal) of Ghoraghat Upazila of Dinajpur district grabbed: Adibashi threatened to leave the area (The Daily Sangbad, 04th July 07)
From Our Correspondent: HAKIMPUR (DINAJPUR), July 4: It was alleged that some influential persons of Ghoraghat upazila forcibly grabbed the land of a helpless Adibashi and also threatened him to evict and leave the area.
    It was learnt from the complaint that Adibashi Kabiraz Mumu and Biswanath Mumu own 3 acres and 32 decimals of land they got as paternal property. Habibur Rahman, a land grabber of Baldira Para of the same upazila along with his accomplice Shajahan and some other men forcibly grabbed the property of the Adibashi.
   The financially helpless Adibashi family is not able to take the shelter of the court against those influential. The Adibashi submitted a written complaint to the chairman of local Ghoraghat Union on July 17, 2001 seeking justice and the chairman after scrutinizing the papers of both sides gave his verdict in support of Adibashi Kabiraz Mumu. But Kabiraz Mumu could not recover his land from the influential till date. Rather, the influential persons are threatening the family of Kabiraz Mumu to go somewhere else leaving the property and they are also intimidating them to death. The helpless Adibashi family expected the interference of the present caretaker government and human rights organizations in case of recovering their grabbed property.

A minority freedom fighter couple of Kachua Upazila of Bagerhat district evicted from their land (The Daily Janakantha, 07th July 07); From Our Correspondent:     BAGERHAT, July 7: Some land grabbers in association with police beat up a freedom fighter (62) couple of Bagerhat district, looted their goods and also evicted them from their land. Seriously injured freedom fighter Balahari Mridha and his wife Santirani Mridha were admitted into Bagerhat Sadar (town) hospital. The incident took place in village Boro Andarmanik under Kachua upazila at broad day light but police didn’t take any case till Friday even after three days of the incident. On the other hand, the relatives of the injured in face of the threat of the opponents are not getting able to give the injured treatment in the hospital. At last a complaint in association with the activists of a human rights organization was submitted to the Bagerhat Police Super on Thursday.
     It was learnt form the complaint that a group of armed perpetrators led by Abdul Mannan Howladar of the same area gave freedom fighter Balahari Mridha and his wife Santirani Mridha a good beating and they also evicted them from their land. They also looted the goods of the house of Balahari Mridha. Balahari Mridha received injury in his head at the strike of the perpetrators and also his two hands were broken. On information, Dipankar Mridha, son of Balahari Mridha rushed to the home. At that time the grabbers also attempted to murder him. At that time he was at first taken to Kachua hospital in senseless state in association with local UP member Abdur Raub Sheikh. Later they were admitted into Bagerhat hospital. Amit Mridha and Asit Malangi, elder son and son-in-law of the injured told that Mannan Howladra, a resident of Kundala area started living beside the office of local Magia Council some years back. In an excuse that he purchased 1 acre and 3 decimals of land from Krishna Gharami and Gonesh Gharami attempted to grab the property of Balahari Mridha for the last 5-6 months and he also started threatening and repressing Balahari Mridha. At last on June 14 last, Mannam Howladar and his accomplices carried an attack on Balahari Mridha to evict him. Balahari Mridha made an appeal to Md. Jahidul Islam, UNO of Kachua upazila seeking a remedy in this connection. Then Upazila Executive Officer directed the OC of the police station to investigate the matter and take appropriate action. But mysteriously police didn’t take any action against them and as a result land grabber Mannan Howladar and his accomplices got more active. At last Mannan Howladar along with 20-25 hired perpetrators carried an attack on Balahari Mridha on Tuesday afternoon and evicted them from their home.
A minority family of Dirai Upazila of Sunamganj district ostracized for 22 days, a case lodged at the court against Panchait (village council of arbitrators): (The Daily Prothom Alo, 07th July 07): From Our Correspondent: SUNAMGANJ, July 7: A minority family of village Bhaitgaon under Kulanja union of Dirai upazila of Sunamganj district was ostracized for 22 days. Sorujkanti Talukdar, a member of that family in this complaint lodged a case accusing 21 members of the Panchait.  According to the source of the villagers, Lal Mohan Das, village chief had a personal dispute with a poor farmer named Upendra Das. Later Lal Mohan Das called Panchait and ostracized the family of Upendra Das. The leaders of the Panchiat cut away crops of about 7 bighas( a measurement of land) of Upendra Das on April 27 after ostracizing them a month. The next day an article was published in the daily Prothom Alo in this connection. Later, the leaders of the Panchait withdrew the punishment from Upendra Das.
It was learnt from the details of the case lodged by Sorujkanti that he protested the oppression carried on the family of Upendra Das. As a result, the leaders of the Panchait got very much agitated on him and also threatened his family. He lodged a general diary with Dirai police station on June 10 seeking security to his life and property.
 Later, the leaders of the Panchait got much more agitated on him. The chiefs of the village Nripenda Das, Nanda Das, Lal Mohan Das, Ratish Das and Maharatna Das on June 15 declared the family of Sorujkanti ostracized. Sorujkanti lodged the case with cognizable court of Dirai upazila of Sunamganj district on June 28. The court ordered to investigate the matter. Sorujkanti complained that the leaders of the Panchait told them straightforward not to talk or associate with any of the villagers. Even they were forbidden not to walk through any government road or market. They were also forbidden not to worship in the temple.
When contacted chief of the village Nropenda Das over his mobile phone, a man named Liton introducing him as elder brother of Nripenda das told that Nripenda Das was not home.  When contacted another chief of the village Lal Mohan Das, he was not agreed to say anything in this connection after realizing the identification of this reporter.
Dispute over of land
Three minority families of Badarganj Upazila of Rangpur district confined: (The Daily Sangbad, 07th July 07: From Our Correspondent
BADARGANJ (RANGPUR), July 7: Three minority families of Badarganj upazila of Rangpur district are living an imprisoned life in face of the threat of the terrorists centering a dispute over land. A panic is prevailing among the villagers of being arrested as the terrorists lodged a case against 27 minorities including Union Parishad Chairman.
It was learnt that Sushil, Haripad and Chan Mohan of Rajarampur Dolapara under Modhupur union had been enjoying the possession of about 2 acres of land for 40 years. Recently, the minorities sought justice to Modhupur Union Parishad after a dispute was erupted between them and Monjel, Azizul, Badsha and Nur Islam of village Nilpukur over the boundary of the land. Three acres of land of the minorities included with the land of the opponent group during the location of the boundary of the land. Later Shahidul Islam, Modhupur Union Parishad Chairman sent the opponent groups a written order to hand over the land of the minorities. But Monjel Hossain neglecting the order of the Union Parishad lodged a case against 27 minorities including the Chairman. As a result, arrest panic is prevailing in the village. The hired perpetrators of Monjel ar5e threatening the minorities. They are also attempting to lodge extortion and terrorism case. The members of that three minority families are not getting able to come out of their homes in face of the threat of the terrorists.                                                                        

June 2007

Attack on a minority family of Kulawara Upazila of Moulovibazar district in presence of police alleged (The Daily Prothom Alo, 01st June 07): From Our Correspondent: KULAWARA (MOULIVIBAZAR), June 1: It was alleged that an attack was carried on a minority family of Kulawar upazila of Moulivibazar district in presence of police. Someone on behalf of the destitute family made a complaint to the Upazila Executive Officer in this connection. The locals told that about 8-10 persons led by Abdul Wahid of village Sultanpur carried an attack on the house of Nirendra Malakar of village Rajnagar under Prithimpasha union. The perpetrators beat up the family members and also took them to task.
Nirendrda Malakar complained that Wahid purchased two and half decimals of land of from the portion of the land of their house from his brother Birendra Malakar two months back. Later, Wahid proposed that he would purchase other portion of the land as well. As Birendra didn’t accept his proposal, Wahid got agitated on him and started repressing them. Wahid also beat up the family members and the accomplices of Wahid threatened the family of Nirendra that they would kill them if they don’t sell their property to Wahid. The locals told that during the incident a team of police led by SI of Kulawara police station Toufique was present on the spot.
The OC of the police station told that he didn’t know anything about the matter. UNO Md. Abdul Kayum told that he directed the concerned authority to look into the matter as soon as the destitute family made a complaint.
Land of a minority family of Kalkini Upazila of Madaripur district grabbed: threatened to: From Our Correspondent: MADARIPUR, June 2: It was alleged that some land grabbers grabbed about 2 acres and 10 decimals of land of a minority family of village Aisab under Kalkini upazila. An appeal was made to the District Commissioner seeking a remedy to the matter. On the other hand, the owner of the property after losing his mental power of balance at the physical and mental repression of the land grabbers is wandering about the street. On the other hand, the son of the owner of the property who is also the sole heir of the property is also fleeing away for fear of the land grabbers. It was learnt from the complaint that Babul Sarkar, Bacchu Sardar and Tajel Sardar grabbed the property of Debendranath Poddar. Since after that they also started threatening Kalidas Poddar, son of Debendranath Poddar to leave the country.  Kalidas Poddar made an appeal to the chief of the caretaker government, District Commissioner, Police Super, local army camp, RAB-8 and also to the OC of Kalkini police station to recover their grabbed property from the hands of the illegal land grabbers.
Attempt to build a wall on the land of the houses of the cobbler community of Gazipur district (The Daily Prothom Alo, 04th June 07) ; From Our Correspondent
GAZIPUR, June 4: Some local influential of Mirzapur area of Gazipur district attempted to build wall after demolishing the houses of the cobbler community. Though the construction work was stooped at the intervention of the police but it was alleged that the people of the cobbler community were intimidated.
The eye witnesses told that about 60-70 persons led by Hasna Hena, member of Mirzapur Union Parishad and Sirajuddin, also a former member of Mirzapur Union Parishad came to the cobblers’ area at about 7 am yesterday. About 20-22 construction labors were with them at that time. They demolished the kitchen of Kamal Rani and Rabidas and started constructing a wall in middle of the bed room.
    The family members of Kamal Rani were beaten up when they went to resist the labors. Anjali Rani, a family member told that Hasna Hena, Shamsul Haque and Bablu beat them when they went to resist the construction work. Earlier, the terrorists led by Sirajuddin and Hasna Hena put the houses of Dasrath and Khudia Rabidas under lock and key on May 20. The cobbler community made a complaint to the local army camp in this connection. The people of the cobbler community complained that police came on the spot at 3 pm even after informing them so many times. Later police intervened and the construction work was stopped.
An Adibashi (aboriginal) abducted in Lama Upazila of Bandarban district rescued: 4 persons arrested (The Daily Sangbad, 04th June 07): From Our Correspondent
LAMA (BANDARBAN), June 4: Lama Police arrested four persons in accusation with abduction a worker for ransom and produced them before Upazila Magistrate Court. The court registered the confessional statement of the arrested persons and then sent them to Bandraban district jail. It was learnt that about 4-5 terrosists intimidated Jahir, a worker of rubber forest at gun point some days back and demanded taka 3 laklh (million) as ransom. As Jahir could not pay the ransom, the terrorists abducted another worker of the rubber forest named Tripura. They also demanded taka three lakh as ransom. In order to rescue abducted Tripura, army and police conducted a drive and rescued him from a deep hilly area after three days from his abduction. Tripur is at present undergoing treatment in Lama town hospital.
Jahir, a worker of the rubber forest as a complaint lodged a case in this connection accusing hanaram Tripura Sumon (26), Hasupai (50), Mouching (40) and Idris Ali (22). Fazle Rabbi, SI and also the IO of the case told that though they rescued the abducted Adibashi and arrested four persons but the main accused of abduction HanaramTripura is still absconding.
A Union Parishaed chairman of Tanore Upazila of Rajsahi district misused the money of a minority handicapped (The Daily Sangbad, 4th June 07) ; From Our Correspondent ; RAJSAHI, June 4: It was alleged that the chairman of Pachandar Union Parishad of Tanore upazila of Rajsahi district misused the money of a minority handicapped. The chairman misused the money through cheating by making the registry of a portion of land of that handicapped. Amin Hasda, the Adibashi (aboriginal) handicapped made the allegation in a press conference held in Rajsahi press club on Saturday evening. Amin Hasda expected the interference of the chief of the caretaker government to get back his money. It was told in the press conference that Amin Hasda decided to sell his paternal property for the marriage of his daughter. Later he made the registry of his land on March 8 to a man named Upen Hasda after being assured verbally by Golam Rabbani, the chiarman at the cost of taka 35 thousand per bigha (a measurement of land). Later the chairman started making pretext in order to give money to Amin Hasda. The chairman misused the whole amount of money from Upen Hasda.                        
Gonoktuli Sweeper Colony
Attempt to carry attack again; the minority sweepers want a protection wall
(The Daily Prothom Alo, 05th June 07): Staff Reporter: The minority sweepers of Gonoktuli sweeper colony of city’s Hazaribagh area are suffering from insecurity after a clash erupted on Saturday last. Sakesh, a resident of the colony told that the Muslim sweeper attempted to carry attack on them on Monday last but police resisted them. The minority sweepers demanded a wall in between of the colony for a permanent solution.
Chandrnath, general secretary of Colony’s Social Welfare Youth Organization told the Prothom Alo that during the clash on Saturday, the Muslim sweepers entered into the houses of the minority sweeper and attempted to spoil the chastity of the minority women and they also ransacked. They didn’t lodge any case as the local ward commissioner assured them to put a permanent solution to the problem. On the other hand, Mintu, a Muslim sweeper told that they went to solve the matter on Saturday evening but the some opponents threw bricks aiming at them from the rooftop of their houses. He also claimed that the matter was solved. Residents of the colony claimed to build a wall in between of the buildings of the two communities. 
Attempt to evict temple and houses in city’s Pallabi area: (The Daily Prothom Alo, 06th June 07): Staff Reporter: The army members came back in face of a resistance from village Chakuli of City’s Pallabi area where they went to evict the house of the Hindus and also a temple. The incident took place on Tuesday morning. Since then, the locals took position near the temple. No army official talked when they were contacted for their comment on the matter. But Abdul Momin, OC of the Pallabi police station told that the land was inside the cantonment. But when the locals resisted, the army members went back. he also told that no untoward incident took place. The locals complained that there were many cases pending with the Supreme Court with that portion of land. On the other hand, Chakuli Puja Committee on May 31 informed the chief of the caretaker government, chief of army and the ministry of defense of the matter though a written statement. The locals in their written complaint to the chief of the caretaker government told that the army members took the possession of the temple and their houses. They also put a barbed wire around the Durga temple. Earlier, on May 18 two army officials came and gave the ultimatum of two days to demolish the temple and their houses. Just after one day, an old cemetery ground was evicted.             
Attempt to kill a minority girl of Gheor Upazila of Manikganj district after failing to rape her (The Daily Samokal, 06th June & The Daily Janakantha, 11th June 07)
From Our Correspondent :  MANIKGANJ, June 6: The terrorists hit a minority girl with a razor after they failed to rape the girl. The seriously injured girl is now undergoing treatment in Manikganj hospital. The incident took place in village Jabra under Gheor upazila. It was learnt from the detail of the case and also according to the statement of the injured girl that Ziaul Haque Zia of village Joka and also known as a drug dealer off and on disturbed the girl of on her way to the school. Zia and his accomplice Babul abducted the girl at gunpoint on May 31 and took her to nearby jungle and attempted to rape her. They hit the girl with a razor in order to kill her before locals came after hearing the screaming of the girl. The girl received injury on her right cheek. The family of that girl didn’t dare to lodge any case for fear of the terrorists. The brother of the girl as a complaint lodged a case with Manikganj Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal.
Abduction case of a minority girl of Rangpur district recorded after three days at the directive of Police Super (The Daily Janakantha, 06th June 07) ; From Our Correspondent : RANGPUR, June 6: Rangpur police on Monday recorded the abduction case of a minority girl named Mamatamoyee Karmakar (13) who was abducted from Rangpur town after three days at the directive of the Police Super. When the parents of the girl went to the police station on Sunday to lodge a case, the police simply registered a general diary. But the family of the abducted girl complained that even after passing four days, police were taking no action to rescue their daughter and also arrest the abductors.
A minority girl of Sunamganj district killed by her lover (The Daily Janakantha, 06th June 07) : From Our Correspondent: SUNAMGANJ, June 6: Sinati Das (20), a minority girl was killed by her lover in apprehension of her marriage to someone else. The incident took place in village Mahmudpur under Singchapair union of Chatak upazila on Monday night. It was learnt that Akhtar Hossain, son of Giasuddin of village Satgaon had an affair with Sinati Das, daughter of Motra Rabi Das. But as Akhtar Hossain a Muslim, so Sinati’s father could not accept the relationship. He rather arranged his daughter’s marriage to somewhere else. After coming to know this, Akhtar Hossain on Monday night entered into the room of Sinati breaking open the door and hacked her randomly. At one stage, Sinat died. The locals caught Akhtar Hossain and later handed him over to the police.
Victor, a minor boy of Satkhira district not rescued in two years even after the statement of the accused, chief advisor’s interference expected: (The Daily Janakantha, 07th June 07): From Our Correspondent: SATKHIRA, June 7: Helpless father Dinbandhu and mother Suchitra Rani didn’t get back their son Victor (6) even after two years of his being abducted. The parents of Victor got almost mad mourning for the loss of their only one child and now they are moving at the door of the administration for justice. The helpless parents expected the chief advisor’s interference, as their child was not rescued even after the confessional statement of the accused. The parents of Victor made the urge in a press conference held in Satkhira Reporters’ Club on Wednesday.      Victor was abducted on May 22, 2005 from nearby of his house. Just after one day the terrorists hanged a letter demanding taka 5 lakh (million) as ransom. The terrorists also threatened Victor’s parents to death if police was informed. The ransom was demanded through 13 consecutive letters. The suspected accused started plotting at the mysterious role of police after a case was lodged on May 29. Union Parishad member Abu Bakkar caught Basudev, son of Bhabatosh, the mastermind behind the abduction of Victor along red handed on July 12 with the letter through they demanded ransom. Basudev in the primary interrogation to the police admitted the abduction of Victor. Later police started playing very mysterious role after Basudev was handed over to the police. An allegation was made to Nur Mohammad, DIG of Khulna Range about the investigation officer’s being close with the accused and also about his repression he carried on the complainant after confining him. The investigation officer was suspended after the allegation was proved. Later the replaced investigation officer Shopon Kumar Saha submitted a charge sheet at the court against Basudev on September 30. After a bail was granted to the accused from the high court, they then transferred the case to CID for reinvestigation of the case. At present CID is investigating the case. It was alleged in the press conference through written statement that the investigation officer of CID didn’t pay heed to them properly; rather he supported the accused and threatened the parents of Victor.
Land and garden of a minority family of Patnitala Upazila of Naogaon district grabbed, the family urged the chief advisor to assist them (The Daily Janakantha, 09th June 07): From Our Correspondent: NAOGAON, June 9: Some listed terrorists of the last alliance government grabbed about 5 acres of paternal property of a minority named Goutam. The terrorists are still enjoying the possession of Goutam’s property under the shelter of the local influential godfathers. Helpless Goutam even after moving at the door of the administration didn’t get any result in case of recovering his property. Rather a former police official harassed Goutam in many ways only to satisfy a former BNP MP.
It was learnt that Goutam got about 5 acres of land from his father and he also paid the revenue of that portion of property and also thus he had been enjoying the possession of that property since long. Lutfar Rahman, a phensidyl ( a cough syrup used for addiction) dealer and also an accomplice of Ansar Ali, a relative of Shamsujjoha, a former BNP MP plotted to grab the property of Goutam on September 22, 2005. But he failed in his conspiracy and so he cut away trees of the garden of Goutam worth about taka 2 lakh (million). The administration came into sense after a news in this connection was published in the daily Janakantha on October 11, 2005. Though many government officials investigated the matter but nobody stood for Goutam’s support for fear of the influential BNP MP. Rather Ansar Ali in front of the then BNP MP Joha Khan and OC of Patnitala police station Abu Zafar threatened Goutam to bury alive. Goutam also complained that not only that Lutfar also tried to entrap him through many false and fabricated cases. The then SI of the police station Mofiz helped Lutfar and his accomplices in all theses misdeeds. Goutam went into hiding for some days at that time for fear of the cares of BNP. On the other hand, Goutam made an appeal to the police station and the local army camp seeking their assistance in order to recover his property from the illegal grabbers. He also expected the interference of the chief advisor of the present caretaker government in case of recovering his grabbed property.
A minority adolescent girl abducted in Ramu Upazila of Cox’s Bazar district, the abducted girl not rescued even in four days (The Daily Proth: RAMU (COX’S BAZAR), June 11: A minority adolescent girl of Chakma union under Ramu upazila of Cox’s Bazar district was abducted and the girl was not rescued even after four days of her being abducted. The father of the abducted girl lodged a case with the local police station on Saturday last in this connection accusing seven persons including Ramzan Ali (18), son of Nazir Ahmed. The mother of the abducted school going girl complained that her daughter left home for school at about 9:45 am on June 6 last. When her daughter reached near Chakmarkul cemetery ground, Ramzan Ali and some of his associates abducted the girl.
OC of Ramu police station and the Investigation Officer of the case SI Didarul Ferdous admitted the incident and told that police were conducting drive at different places to find out the girl. The mother of the abducted girl complained that the abductors were threatening them to withdraw the case after their lodging a case in connection with the abduction.
Forcible registration of the property of Hindu minority of Bauofal Upazila of Patuakhali district alleged (The Daily Janakantha, 17th June 07): From Our Correspondent: BAUOFAL (PATUAKHALI), June 17: Some BNP supported activists forcibly registered the property of a Hindu minority named Nakul Chandra Dhupi of Bauofal upazila by intimidating him. Nakul Chandra submitted a complaint to the army and local sub registrar in hope of getting back his property.  It was mentioned in the complaint that Amzed Ali, Jennat Ali Mridha and Shahidul Islam local influential and also activists of BNP of Adabari Union Parishad of Bauofal upazila and along with their some relatives intimidated and threatened Nakul Chandra Dhupi in many ways and forcibly registered Nakul’s 3 acres and 84 decimals of land. Nakul was made hostage by them as BNP-Jammat government was in power at that time. Nakul during the regime of the present caretaker government submitted a written complaint to the CO of army and also to the Upazila sub-registrar in hope of getting back his property. When contacted Upazila sub-registrar in this connection, he admitted the receipt of the written complaint and he also told that he primarily took steps so that the accused could not take the delivery of the registered property. But he would have to seek the help of the court in order to put off the effectiveness of the registered papers locally.
A witness of abduction case of a minority adolescent girl of Mehediganj upazila of Barisal district beaten (The Daily Janakantha, 17th June 07): From Our Correspondent: BARISAL, June 17: Incident of beating a witness of the abduction case of a minority adolescent girl of Mehediganj upazila of Barisal district took place on Friday evening. It was learnt according to the local source that Sumon Choukidar of village west Ratanpur abducted Toru Rani, daughter of Jagadish Chandra Haowladar of the same village last year. Jagadish Howladar lodged an abduction case in this connection accusing many persons including Sumon Choukidar. Accused Bazlur Rahman went to the house of Jagadish Howladar on Friday evening and gave pressure to withdraw the case.
Attempt to rape a minority adolescent girl in Bhola district, terrorist Mamun arrested (The Daily Janakantha, 19th June 07): From Our Correspondent:     BHOLA, June 19: Many incidents of minority repression in Bhola district, an isolated island took place during the five years regime of the alliance government but at present even after in emergency period the incidents of repression on the minorities didn’t came to a halt. The minorities of north Charnoabad of Bhola municipality are hostage at the oppression and repression of Mamun alias kutti Mamun, a terrorist. The joint force at last arrested him on Saturday night after 10 days of an incident of attempting to rape a minority girl behind the police line and the prison. Earlier, the family of the minority girl took shelter for last some days somewhere else after they were repressed and threatened. It was learnt that the minority family had been living on a portion of land behind the police line owned by someone else at very low rent for the last seven years. Abala Rani, the mistress of the house doesn’t have husband. Abala Rani somehow maintained her family of 4 daughters and 2 sons. It was learnt according to the source of the case that Mamun, son of Abdul Gani kutti who is a commissioner of ward no. 4 of Bhola municipality area and also a member of drug syndicate entered into the house of Abala Rani at 12 pm on June 7. At that time there was nobody in the house. Finding Abala’s daughter alone in the home, Mamun attempted to rape her and he also looted money and ransacked the furniture of the house of Abala Rani. Not only that, Mamun also threatened the minority family not to tell anyone about the incident and he also admitted the minority girl in Sadar (town) hospital where the girl was given treatment for three days and Mamun bore the expense of the treatment. Later when the minority girl after getting well got back home, she could not stay at the threat of Mamun. Mamun gave ten thousand taka to the helpless family and forced the family to leave the village. Later the minority family leaving their house took shelter somewhere else. Police produced Mamun before the court on Sunday.
Sathi Rani Majumdar, a minority girl of Sitakundu Upazila of Chittagong district not rescued even in two months after her abduction (The Daily Samokal, 20th June 07): From Our Correspondent: CHITTAGONG, June 20: Police could not rescue Sathi Rani Majumdar, a minority school going girl of Barobkundu area under Sitakundu upazila of Chittagong district even after two months of her abduction. Though Shah Ali police station of Dhaka district at the directive of Chittagong District Women and Children Repression Prevention Special Court conducted a drive in a house of city’s Mirpur area but police could not rescue Sathi. In accordance with the complaint of Shipra Rani Majumdar, mother of the abducted girl Shah Ali police conducted a search drive in the house of Narayan Chandra Das, a relative of Sathi Rani Majumdar. Earlier when Sathi Rani was confined in Dhaka after her abduction last year, Tejgaon police rescued her. Shipra Rani Majumdar is moving at the door in Dhaka in order to rescue her daughter. Shipra Rani lodged a case with Chittagong Women and Children Repression Prevention Special Court complaining that her daughter Sathi Rani was abducted on April 10, 2007. It was complained in the case that Sathi was confined in the colony of Narayan Chandra located in city’s Mirpur area.
Shipra Rani came to the office of the daily Samokal yesterday and told that some perpetrators led by her relative Narayan Chandra abducted her only one daughter Sathi Rani on March 23, 2006. After lodging a case with the court in this connection, police of Dhaka district’s Tejgaon thana (police station) rescued Sathi Rani from the captivity of Asim Kumar Dhupa and Narayan Chandra Das of Barobkundu area under Satikundu police station. After that incident, Sathi apprehending her abduction again lodged a general diary with the police station against them. It was mentioned in the general diary that the accused were threatening her mother to withdraw the case lodged against them.
A minority family of Lama Upazila of Bandarban district attacked and looted, land grabbed (The Daily Sangbad, 23rd June 07): From Our Correspondent: LAMA (BANDARBAN), June 23: Some local BNP cadres carried an attack on a minority family of Lama upazila of Bandarban district in order to evict the family from their home and the cadres also ransacked the house and shops, looted trees worth about taka 2 lakh (million) and also grabbed 4 acres property of the minority family. The minority family is now passing days in panic after local BNP president gave them an ultimatum to go somewhere else leaving the village. The minority family seeking security made a complaint at Lama Army camp on May 29 last. Babul Kumar Saha became the owner of the house and the property in 1982-82 according to Rehabilatation Settlement regulation. Babul Kumar Saha built an orchard and also a shop on 20 acres of land. Mizanur Rahman, member of ward no. 5, Ranjida Begumj, a member of ward no. 4, 5, 6 of the same area and Abul Kalam Azad, president of Gazalia Union BNP carried an attack in the morning on May 28 and ransacked the shop and grabbed the house and they also gave Babul Kumar Saha and his wife Gita Rani Saha a good beating and also gave an ultimatum to leave the property. Babul Kumar Saha as a complainant lodged two different cases with Lama upazila Magistrate court and the magistrate sent the cases to the OC of Lama police station directing him to take action on the basis of investigations. The repressed minority family expected the interference of the concerned authorities in case of taking actions against the influential persons.
Terrorists stopped the cultivation of an Adibashi (aboriginal) family of Madhupur Upazila of Tangail district in demand of extortion (The Daily Sangbad, 23rd June 07): From Our Correspondent: TANGAIL, June 23: Influence of BNP cadres Zinnah-Mathafola-Zinen is not over as yet in hilly area of Madhupur upazila. Recently, in demand of extortion of taka 1 lakh (million), they didn’t let a widow named Sabitri Hagidak of village Bagadoba under Sonakuri Union of Madhupur forest area cultivate her own land. The cadres also threatened Sabitri that if she doesn’t give them extortion, she and her children would have to pay for it. Locals of Bagadoba area of Madhupur upazila told that during the regime of BNP-Jamaat government, Zinen, Zinnah, Mathafola Antony, Nakin, Mithun, Rasel, Dolon, Mirani and Rafin started terrorist activities and extortion in an unresisting speed after they joined BNP. These terrorists looted various crops of the garden of Sabitri including potato, turmeric, ginger and pineapple worth about taka 4 lakh (million) since August, 2004. They also cut away paddy of 10 bighas (a measurement of land) of land of Sabitri’s family in last 3 years.  These terrorists during the 5 years regime of alliance government cut away the trees of this Adibashi family worth about taka 5 lakh (million). Though the BNP government handed over power to the caretaker government but these terrorists are still repressing the Adibashis with their influence. Now the3 cadres are resisting Sabitri from cultivating her land for not fulfilling their demand of extortion. Victim of the repression Sabitri told the daily Sangbad that BNP terrorists Zinen, Zinnah and Mathafola didn’t let her cultivate her own land as she didn’t give them extortion of taka 1 lakh. They declared that they would make a sports ground on the land and they also threatened her family members to death.
An attack carried on the house of a minority widow of Agoiljhara Upazila of Barisal district: ten persons injured (The Daily Jugantar, 25th June 07): From Our Correspondent: BARISAL, June 25: House of a minority widow of Agoiljhara upazila came under attack and her house was also ransacked and more than 1 lakh (million) taka was looted centering the grabbing of a piece of land allotted in name of a college. About 10 persons including 4 women were injured in the incident took place on Sunday afternoon. The victimized family held Abdul Latif Mollah, Upazila Executive Officer, more than 200 students and the members of the managing committee of Shahid Abdur Raub Sernabiat Degree College responsible for the incident. Kallayani Chatterji went to India after her husband Surendranath Chatterji, a resident of the Upazila was shot dead in 1971 by Pakistani military. Later, the government declared her husband’s 3 acres and 45 decimals of land as Vested Property. Kallyani Chatterji came back to the country after many years and lodged a case with the assistant judge court of Barisal district and got back the proprietorship of the property. Neglecting the court order, Upazila Executive Officer Abdul Latif gave lease of some portion of the property some months earlier in name of local Shahid Abdur Raub Serniabat Degree College. Kallyani lodged a court contempt case against the UNO in this connection.
Two minority students shot in city’s R. K. Mission road, their mobile phones snatched (The Daily Janakantha, 25th June 07): Staff Reporter: Some snatchers at city’s R. K. Mission road shot and knifed two minority students and also snatched away their mobile phone sets. The incident took place at 8 pm on Sunday night. The name of the victims are: Amiya Kumar Saha (25) and Kanai Lal Ghosh(27). The relatives of the injured students told that two friends Amiya Kumara Saha and Kanai Lal Ghosh went outside from their 20/1 Samibagh house on Sunday night. Two friends prayed in a temple of R. K. Mission road in hope of getting a job. When they came outside of the temple at about 8 pm, some 3-4 snatchers snatched away mobile phone set and money from their possession. At one stage of scuffle, the snatchers shot at Amiya Kumar Saha’s leg and also knifed on the mouth of Kanai Lal Ghosh and then they fled away. The locals rescued them at about 9 pm and then admitted them into Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Terrorist attack in Dhobawara Upazila of Mymensingh district. Two Adibashi (aboriginals) injured (The Daily Janakantha, 25th June 07): From Our Correspondent: MYMENSINGH, June 25: A clash erupted between Adibashi and local terrorists in village Bedikura under Dhobawara upazila centering the catching the fish of a fishery. At that time, the terrorists seriously hacked to injury two Adibashis named Bimal and Bablu. They were admitted into local health centre in critical condition on Sunday morning. According to a source, a group of terrorists led by Nazim and Hashim, sons of Shamser Ali wanted to catch fish forcibly from the fishery of Adibashi Sulta Remar on Saturday at 10 pm. When the Adibashi resisted them, Nazim and Hashim along with other 50 terrorists equipped with large chopper carried an attack on the Adibashi. Dhobawara police were informed of the incident.
A minority businessman abducted in Bajitpur Upazila of Kishoreganj district, taka 2 crore (billion) demanded as ransom (The Daily Prothom Alo, 28th June 07): From Our Correspondent: KISHOREGANJ, June 28: A group of perpetrators abducted a minority businessman named Sunil Saha (65) of Hillchia bazaar under Bajitpur upazila from his house. The abductors abducted him on Tuesday at 1:30 am and they on Wednesday demanded taka 2 crore as ransom over phone. On information, Mojammel Haque, OC of Bajitpur police station visited the spot. Police conducted rescue drive in 3-4 villages of Bajitpur and Nikali yesterday afternoon to rescue Sunil Saha. A case is under process with Bajitpur police station in this connection. OC Mojammel Haque told that police arrested Jewel Saha (28) in this connection on suspicion of his involvement with the abduction. Police are trying their best to rescue abducted Sunil Saha.
Locals told that some 7-8 unknown men went to Hillchia and looked for Sunil Saha in his house at the dead of night on Tuesday. Among them, at least seven men were dressed like the army soldiers and they were equipped with arms. They called Badal Krishna Saha (59), an employee of a rice mill and also Nur Islam and then along with them went to the house of Sunil Saha. Badal Krishna Saha told the Prothom Alo that they called Sunil Saha by him and Nur Islam and then they told Sunial Saha that his son Liton Saha (35) was involved in illegal businessman. So, Sunil Saha was being taken to interrogate in this connection. They went away along with Sunil Saha by a trawler anchored near a Haor.
Liton Saha, a businessman and younger son of Sunil Saha told that the abductors phoned him yesterday earlier morning and told him to pay taka 2 crore as ransom if he wanted get back his father alive. They also told that they would kill his father if the matter was leaked out. Earlier, a group of terrorists abducted Shambunath Saha, nephew of Sunil Saha on May 26, 2004. Later he was released after the abductors were given taka thirty thousand as ransom. Shambunath lodged a case in that connection with Bajitpur police station accusing 5 persons including Mohinur of village Gurui under Nikali upazila.
A minority family of Dhamrai under Savar Upazila fleeing away for fear of the terrorists: (The Daily Samokal, 30th June 07): From Our Correspondent: SAVAR, June 30: A minority family of village Baneshwar under Sombagh union of Dhamrai is fleeing away from home for fear of the terrorists. It was alleged tha even after so many attack incidents on that minority family in last one week, police didn’t record the complaint lodged by householder Gobinda Chandra Sannyasi as a case, and rather police recorded the complaint as a general diary.
According to police and the villagers, Raja, a local terrorist and his accomplices carried an attack on the house of Gobinda Chandra on Sunday morning. The terrorists also gave Poran Sannyasi, son of Gobinda Chandra a good beating and thus he was seriously injured. When Gobinda’s two daughters Sandhaya and Chaina resisted them, the terrorists also beat them and attempted to abduct them after spoiling their chastity. Later the terrorists went away in face of the resistance of the locals. When Gobinda Chandra on Monday went to Dhamrai police station to lodge a case against the terrorists in this connection, police didn’t record the complaint as a case and rather police mysteriously recorded the complaint as a general diary.
On the other hand, terrorist Raja after hearing that a compliant was lodged with the police station got agitated and carried an attack again on the house of Gobinda Chnadra and he also threatened the family of Gobinda to leave the house. At that time the terrorists beat up Ananda Sarkar, nephew of Gobinda Chandra Sannyasi. They also repressed Gobinda’s daughters and wife. It was alleged that though the OC of Dhamrai police station Iqbal Hossain was instantly informed of the incident, he didn’t take any legal action.
Idris Ali, local chairman in this connection told that Raja was a listed terrorist of the area. A case was lodged with the police station two years back in an incident of carrying an attack on the house of Gobinda Sannyasi. The attack was carried to force Gobinda to withdraw that case. On the other hand, the family of Gobinda is fleeing away for fear of their lives. Gobinda told that though he appealed RAB and the local administration seeking the security of his family but no steps were taken in this connection as yet.
                
April 2007
A youth arrested in accusation with gang raping a minority girl in Amtali Upazila of Barguna district: (The Daily Sangbad, 19th April 07)   From Our Correspondent:  KOLAPARA, April 19: A minority  Hindu girl of village south Toktabonia under Holdia union of Amtali in the district of Barguna got victim of gang rape on Friday night. Police arrested Abdul Malek (22) for his alleged involvement with the incident.      According to police and local source, some youths named Masud, Liton, Setu and Malek of the same village called out the girl of dead Mukundu Sarkar of village Toktabunia from her house of Amtali on Friday morning alluring her to give a job in Dhaka by taking her in a double Decker launch. The perpetrators revolved the girl whole Amtali town all day long and started for her house saying that there was no double Decker launch available. The perpetrators at about 10 pm at a silent place near an orphanage gang raped the girl and then fled way from the spot. The locals rescued the girl on Saturday morning and took her to Amtali police station. According to the statement of the victim, police instantly went to village Toktabunia and arrested the rapist Abdul Malek. Police told that Malek admitted that he raped the girl.          
A minority girl abducted from Kotalipara Upazila of Gopalganj district not rescued even after 17 days of her abduction: (The Daily Amar Desh, 14th April 07): From Our Correspondent: GOPALGANJ, April 14: A minority  Hindu school going student named Ms.Sushma Bala(14) of Kotalipara upazila was abducted. Abducted Sushma Bala could not be rescued as yet even after 17 days of her abduction. Sushil Bala, father of the abducted girl lodged a case with Gopalganj  under Women and Children Repression Prevention special tribunal court in this connection. It was learnt from the details of the case that Terrorist Poresh Baroy of village Dhara Basail under Kotalipara upazila abducted Sushma Bala on March 25. The terrorists kept Sushma Bala in an unknown place after the abduction. 
Abduction case of a college going student: (The Daily Samokal, 23rd April 07)     From Our Correspondent: BOALMARI (FARIDPUR), April 23: Boalmari upazila police arrested an Awami League leader in an abduction case of a  Hindu college going student. It was learnt according to the source of the police station that Abu Jafar Siddique (45), general secretary of Moyna Union Awami League and also Satoir Bazaar Trader Association and also a suspected accused in college going student Pinki Saha abduction case was called out in the police station for interrogation on Saturday. Later he was shown arrested in that abduction case and produced before the court on Sunday seeking 7 days remand. The court granted 1-day remand. It can be mentioned that Pinki Saha went to an excursion from college on March 29 and then she went missing from Kustia. An abduction case was lodged with Boalmari police station in this connection.
A minority school going student abducted in Sitakundu Upazila of Chittagong district, the abducted girl not traced even after three days of abduction: (The Daily Ittefaq, 14th April 07): From Our Correspondent: SITAKUNDU ( CHITTAGONG ), April 14: It was alleged that some perpetrators abducted a minority Hindu girl from Shitalpur area of Sitakundu upazila on her way to the school. The girl could not be traced even after three days from the abduction. The father of the abducted girl told that the abductors threatened him over mobile phone to give them taka 3 lakh (million) as ransom for the release of his girl. According to a source, Ms.Priyanka Das (13), a student of class 8 of Hafiz Jute Mills Little Sabuj Shikkayatan High School of Shitalpur area of Sitakundu upazila like all other days was going to school on April 11 last and a local boy named Ajay Pal and his accomplices abducted the girl on her way to the school and took her to an unknown place by CNG auto rickshaw. Bijoy Das, classmate of Priyanka Das informed the family of Priyanka of her abduction. The parents of the abducted girl complained that police of Sitakundu police didn’t take any step as yet to rescue their daughter even after the police was informed of the incident.   
An Adibashi (aboriginal) handicapped child raped in Panchori of Khagrachori district (The Daily Prothom Alo, 01st April 07):  PANCHORI, April 1: An Adibashi handicapped child (11) of Gonjopara, a nearby area of Khagrachori district was raped on Wednesday evening. Panchori police arrested a neighbor named Abdul Motaleb on Thursday last in this connection and sent him to prison. The child was admitted to Khagrachori Town Hospital in state of bleeding. Chaikhoay Marma, father of the victim told that his daughter was alone in the house and taking that opportunity Abdul Motaleb raped his daughter. Dr. Tojammel Hossain, resident doctor of the hospital told that all necessary medical tests were done. A case was lodged with Khagrachori town police station in this connection.
Houses two Hindu minorities in Kaliakoir Upazila of Gazipur district grabbed: (The Daily Jugantor, 01st April 07): GAZIPUR, April 1: According to an allegation, some perpetrators grabbed the houses of two minorities of Kaliakoir upazila of Gazipur district and evicted them from their houses. At present the families are living an inhuman life under the open sky. Mr. Prangopal lodged a general diary with Kalikoir police station in this connection.
Protection of Debottor (deity) property and temple from the hands of illegal land grabbers demanded (The Daily Prothom Alo, 01st April, 07): Bangladesh Minority Parishad placed 11 points demand to the present caretaker government for the protection of Debottor property, temple and also the property of cemetery. The demands were made at a press conference held on Friday last and the leaders of the organization told in the press conference that though they placed the same demands to the elected government at different times but they didn’t get any result. So, they expect a fair justice in connection with their demands from the present caretaker government. The press conference was held at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity on Friday last and Professor Ashok Toru, executive president of the organization Bangladesh Minority Parishad read out the written statement. General Secretary of the organization advocate Ashok Kumar Ghosh, Bimal Chandra Majumdar, general secretary of Sri Sri Ramkrishna Giridhari Bigraha Akhra (monastery of Vaish-nava monks) and Temple Gopal Krishna Das and priests of different temples and leaders of the temple committee were also present during the press conference. Among the 11 points demand placed in the press conference, declaration of Hindu, Buddhist and Christian religion as the state religion, three days government holidays on Durga Puja, implementation of Chittagong Hill Tracts treaty, about 20 percent quota in government job for the minorities, cancellation of Vested Property Act, formation of Debottor board and appointment of Hindu, Buddhist and Christian teachers in all government and non-government schools were mentionable.
A Hindu minority boy murdered by some wayward youths in Batiaghata Upazila of Khulna district (The Daily Prothom Alo, 03rd April 07): KHULNA, April 3: According to an allegation, a group of wayward youths murdered a minority boy named Ripon Rai (20) on Sunday last after giving him a good beating as Ripon Rai protested the incident of the wayward youths’ teasing his sister. The incident took in Batiaghati upazila of Khulna district. Police and locals told that Ripon Rai, son of Rampad Rai was returning home on Sunday night after listening to Kirtan (songs about the cycle of Radha and Krishna) in village Goriadanga under Batiaghata upazila. On Ripon’s way to the home at night, the wayward youths beat up and murdered him. Rampad Rai, father of Ripon Rai lodged a case with Batiaghati police station in this connection.
No need to change constitution to ensure the rights of Adibashi (aboriginal) (The Daily Samokal, 04th April 07): Eminent lawyer Dr. Kamal Hossain told that it was possible to ensure the rights of the Adibashi even without changing the constitution. The rights of the Adibashi were mentioned at section 28 and 29 of the constitution. In his speech as the chief guest, Dr. Kamal told this in the seminar organized on the occasion of Adibashi Drama Festival on Tuesday last. Dr. Kamal told, “It is possible to ensure the rights of the Adibashi even making no basic change to the constitution.” He told that nothing would work even after changing the constitution if ill politics could not be changed and also if morality could not be grown in men. The rights of the minorities would have to be established along with the majorities. The seminar was preside over by professor Dalem Chandra Barman and lieutenant col (retired) S.I.M. Nurunnobi Khan and Shoib Siddiqui, country director of Action Aid were also present in the seminar as special guests.        
Attempt to murder a minority youth in Agoiljhara Upazila of Barisal district alleged
(The Daily Sangbad, 04th April 07): AGOILJHARA, April 4: It was alleged that someone attempted to murder a minority youth of Agoiljhara upazila on Tuesday night. It was learnt that some youths named Kishor Majumdar, Profulla Majumdar, Srinibash Haldar and some other boys called out Dulal Haldar (20), son of Sudhir Ranjan Haldar of village Sarbari under Agoiljhara upazila on Tuesday night and when Dulal Haldar came out of the house, Dulal’s friends took him to other place in a lame excuse of watching a game. Dulal’s friends then forcibly made Dulal take some tablets and as a result Dulal got intoxicated and lost his sense and then the friends of Dulal left him near his house. Inmates of the house admitted Dulal at local heakth complex in dyeing state after they heard the groaning of Dulal at the dead of night. It was learnt that after the eviction of the shops from Sarbari bazaar, the evicted shop owners took share of some plots of Sarsabari bazaar’s nearby portion of land Sudhir Ranjan Haldar. The family members of Dulal told that those who didn’t get the plot, they could plot that conspiracy through the friends of Dulal. A tense situation was prevailing in the area over the incident. Dulal is still undergoing treatment in dyeing state.         
A minority college going girl abducted in Faridpur district not rescued as yet even after 24 days of her abduction (The Daily Samokal, 04th April 07): FARIDPUR, April 4: According to an allegation, Alhaz Fazle Rabbi Ali, a businessman of Chakbazaar area of Faridpur town abducted a minority college going girl Sathi Nath, daughter of Ranada Prasad Nath, a freedom fighter on March 20 last. Ranada Prasad lodged a general diary with local Kotwali police station in this connection on that very day and later he lodged a case under Women and Children Repression Prevention Act on March 30 last accusing abductor Fazle Rabbi and two others. Ranada Prasad told that late Sorowar Maih, father of Fazle Rabbi during the liberation war in 1971 grabbed his house and started bakery business. Illegal grabber Sorowar Miah was evicted after the independence. Ranada Prasad also told that Fazle Rabbi informed  wife of Ranada Prasad over mobile phone at night on March 20 that he abducted Sathi to take revenge of his father’s eviction after the liberation war.       
Eight cows worth about taka 1.5 lakh (million) of a minority family of Borolekha Upazila of Moulovibazaar district stolen (The Daily Banglabazaar Patrika, 04th April 07): BOROLEKHA (MOULOVIBAZAAR), April 4: Someone stolen away 8 cows of a minority family of Borolekha upazila worth about taka 1.5 lakh on Sunday night. The locals are very much panicked over the incident. It was learnt that 8 cows of Laxmi Kanta Das (58) of village Nijbahadupur of Borolekha upazila were stolen at night on Sunday last. After the incident, householder Laxmi Kanta Das and his family members became bewildered. On information, Jahangir Alam, SI of Borolekha police station visited the spot. Police told that no case was lodged with Borolekha police station in this connection till Tuesday last. But householder Laxmi Kanta Das told that he appealed to lodge a general diary in connection with the incident of stealing of the cows.    
Ms. Shukla Rani Singh (14) Minority Hindu girl kidnapped on 28th of March, 07 from Rajbari- Kotwali P.S. within Dinajpur District of Bangladesh (The daily Janamat dated 4th April, 2007): Mahammad Habib ( 28 ) son of Abdul Quium of Kotwali P.S. kidnapped a minor school girl – Ms. Shukla Rani Singh on way to her home on 28th March 2007 and kept her confined for forceful conversion.  Ms. Shlukla is minor daughter of Mohesh Chandra Singh (Father) and Ms. Shandhya Rani Singh (Mother). She was the student of Class IX. Her father and mother, known as very simple and law-abiding Hindu citizen of Bangladesh.  Father of the destitute victim lodged an F.I.R. at Kotwali police station at Dinajpur on 1st April 2007 against Mohammad Habib and Abdul Quium for alleged kidnapping.  As soon as the case has been started the perpetrators initiated threatening the guardian of the minority family to withdraw the case immediately.

March 2007

Kalpana Rani of Muktagacha Upazila of Mymensingh district demands justice of her son’s murder and also her security (The Daily Sangbad, 01st March 07):
MYMENSINGH, March 1: The terrorists threatened Kalpana Rani- a Hindu minority, the complainant of the case of her son Uttam Kar’s death who was murdered by some terrorists led by Mati, a local BNP leader of Muktagacha municipality area and also a municipality ward commissioner to withdraw the case. Kalpana Rani in a press conference held at Mymensingh Press Club yesterday appealed to the government for the judgment of her son’s murder and also for her security. Mrs. Kalpana also complained that the investigation officer submitted a charge sheet at the court accusing seven persons but dropping the name of main perpetrator from the charge sheet. She told that some terrorists led by ward commissioner Mati held Uttam Kumar (20), a tailor and son of Ratan Chandra Kar, a resident of College road of municipality area centering previous enmity and then the terrorists murdered Uttam by opening fire and also by injuring him with sharp weapons and then the terrorists left the dead body of Uttam down the culvert of nearby Kaondanga char on August 8, 2004. Mother of dead Uttam complained that before Uttam’s death, Uttam told his mother that ward commissioner Mati and his associates threatened him to death. Later mother of Uttam wanted to filed a case accusing commissioner Mati as main criminal but she could not file the case. Muktagacha police at the interference of former state minister of BNP A.K.M. Mosharaf Hossain made the statement of the incident concealing the actual incident of the murder and police also made commissioner Mati number four accused and then Mati’s signature was taken on the statement. Kalpana Rani also complained that Mosharaf Hossain also made the delay of the investigation of the case and transferred the case to CID to save his party cadres.
But there was no headway of the case even in two and half years. Already the investigation officer of the case was changed two times. Inspector Uttam Kumar Biswas was given the responsibility of the case at the second time. But Uttam Kumar even after one year in his duty made delay to submit the charge sheet. After the non-party caretaker government took power, the investigation officer submitted the charge sheet hurriedly but mysteriously the name of the main accused of the case Mati was dropped from the charge sheet. On the other hand, lawyer of the complainant told that the investigation officer not only dropped the name of commissioner Mati from the charge sheet but also he also tried to conceal the matter so that the complainant could not express her dissatisfaction at the court against the charge sheet. When contacted investigation officer Uttam Kumar, he told that a charge sheet in this connection accusing seven persons was submitted at the court on February 2. When asked why despite the complainant’s dissatisfaction, the name of the main accused commissioner Mati was not included in the charge sheet, the IO told that as no specific allegation was found against Mati, so the name of Mati was not included in the charge sheet.
Ariful, a BNP leader of Moulovibazaar district wanted to make Baganbari (Garden house) by occupying Debottor (Deity’s) property! (The Daily Prothom Alo, 01st March 07): SYLHET, March 1: Ariful Choudhury, an influential BNP leader of Moulovibazaar district wanted to build a garden house at Khadimnagar. Ariful occupied Debottor property to build a garden house on a small mound at Shaymalnagar of Khadimnagar far away from Sylhet town. He started off the construction work with goods of old circuit house of Sylhet district. It was known that Sri Sri Radhakrishna Star Tea Estate owned 2,096 decimals of lands. Ariful later occupied that portions of land and became the owner of the land. Some old men of nearby houses of Baganbari told that after four party government came to power in 2001, the land of Baganbari was grabbed. But they could not say anything so many days for fear of Ariful. Kamal(35) is taking care of Baganbari. Kamal claimed that Ariful Haque Choudhury was proprietor of Baganbari.
Abdul Kader, Assistant commissioner (Land) of Sylhet district told the daily Prothom Alo that the whole portion of land of Baganbari of Ariful was mentioned as Debottor property in the records of land office. But the mutation was not made in any of his relatives’ name. The matter of Baganbari came into a discussion after Ariful was arrested by combined force on Sunday last. Jamal Hossain Majumdar, Deputy Commissioner of Sylhet district told that there was no provision for selling Debottor property. Nobody can occupy Debottor property. The DC also told that he joined as DC of Sylhet district recently, so he didn’t know whether that portion of land was Debottor or not. If the portion of land is proved as Debottor property then the portion of land will be freed from grabbing.             
The Daily Prothom Alo’s correspondent of Nikali Upazila of Kishoreganj district threatened  (The Daily Prothom Alo, 01st March 07: KISHOREGANJ, March 1: Dilip Kumar Saha, correspondent of the daily Prothom Alo of Nikali Upazila of Kishoreganj district was threatened to cut away his legs and hands. Dilip Kumar lodged a general diary with Nikali police station in this connection on Tuesday night. Dilip told that Mohiuddin, Youth affairs secretary of Upazila BNP made a mobile call to Dilip and told not to go beyond the matter of tin and he also told him that he would file defamation case against Dilip and at last Mohiuddin also threatened Dilip to cut his legs and hands. Mohiuddin also challenged Dilip’s journalism profession. Dilip is suffering from insecurity at the threat of Mohiuddin. News on misusing of tin of government relief by BNP leaders of Nikali upazila was published on February 25 in the daily Prothom Alo. Later news of recovering relief tin from the house of a BNP leader of Nikali upazila was reported in the Prothom Alo on February 27. Just after the publication of this news, Dilip was threatened. Dilip informed Nikal Upazila Executive Officer Prodip Kumar Das, OC Sadekul Islam and some other people of the village of the matter of threat. OC of Nikali police station told Prothom Alo that he was aware of the matter and he was keeping a watch on the matter. BNP leader Mohiuddin is known as a cadre of Mojibur Rahman Manju, former controversial local BNP Member of Parliament.
A minority fisherman killed in Bagerhat district (The Daily Sangbad, 02nd March 07): BAGERHAT, March 2: A minority fisherman named Shet Sarkar(48) was killed in Jelepalli (fisherman village) of Dublachar of Sharankhola range of Bagerhat district of south Sundraban division on Tuesday night. Prince Sarkar, son of dead Shet Sarkar lodged a case in this connection with Sharankhola police station accusing 6 persons.
Police and fishermen told that Shet Sarkar maintained his family by catching fish from Dublachar fisherman area. On the day of occurrence, Kamal Uddin, vice president of Fishermen Group and 6-7 more fish traders beat up Shet Sarkar and his accomplice Liton Biswas in allegation of stealing. Later Shet Sarkar died on the spot. Police recovered the dead body and sent it to Bagerhat sadar (town) hospital.             
Attempt to grab Debottor (Deity’s) property in Faridpur district (The Daily Prothom Alo, 03rd March 07): FARIDPUR, March 3: According to an allegation, Halim Sheikh, an influential of nearby Alipur area is attempting to grab Debottor property of village Shovarampur under Ambikapur union of sadar (town) upazila of Faridpur district. It was told in the written allegation on Thursday last from on behalf of Jagannath Bigraha Temple Committee, in charge of caretaking the Debottor property that as Halim Sheikh failed to grab the Debottor property by making forged documents, he is now harassing people of the temple lodging false cases against them. But Halim Sheikh denied the allegation. It was told in the written allegation from on behalf of the temple committee that Halim Sheikh made forged document of about 32 decimals of land out off 3.01 acres of Debottor property of the temple of village Shovarampur in 1977. But later the forged document of Halim Sheikh was cancelled at the verdict of the high court. Even after the verdict of the court, Halim Sheikh held the possession of that Debottor property.
It was also told in the allegation that Shankar Kumar Saha lodged a case at district judge court in 2006 against Halim Sheikh to free the Debottor property from illegal grabbing of Halim Sheikh. Later, union assistant officer of land Sultan Uddin Ahmed at the directive of the court on February 4 inspected the Debottor property going on the spot and then he submitted his investigative report on February 18. It was told in the investigative report that Halim Sheikh was attempting to grab the property of the temple by showing forged papers. On the other hand, it was alleged that Halim Sheikh was harassing people of the temple protection committee by lodging false cases like stealing, robbery, snatching etc against them in association with some dishonest policemen. It was learnt according to the source of temple committee that so far Halim Sheikh and his accomplices lodged nine cases against the members of temple protection committee. But already four cases were cancelled among those nine cases. Asim Kumar Sarkar, member of ward no. 6 of Ambikapur union told that Halim Sheikh was a litigant. He started lodging false case one after another to grab the property of the temple. Saiful Islam Nilu, former chairman of Ambikapur union told that Halim Sheikh was land grabber. He was taking shelter of many tricks to grab the property of the temple. Shamsuddin, SI of Faridpur Kotwali police station told that the allegation that police were working in support of Halim Sheikh was not true. But Halim Sheikh claimed that he himself owned that portion of property. That portion of property was under his possession since 35 years. Halim alleged that some people of Hindu community led by former chairman Nilu were conspiring to evict him from that portion of property.
Charge sheet of sensational Turzo Ghosh murder case to be submitted within a day or two (The Daily Ajker Kagoj, 04th March 07): The charge sheet of sensational murders case of Turzo Ghosh, a minority gold trader is going to be submitted today or tomorrow. The Investigation Officer of the case told that the charge sheet was made against five persons including Turzo’s so called girl friend Sheuli and Liton alias lame Liton, the mastermind behind the murder. After the completion of the remaining procedure, the charge sheet will be submitted within a day or two. The other accused of the charge sheet are: Mamun, Abu Sayeed and Farhad Alam Hira. Among them Hira got bail from the court and since then he is absconding. The other accused are in the jail. According to a concerned source, the accused Mamun, Sheuli and Abu Sayeed gave confessional statement at the court under section 164. They admitted their involvement with the murder. DB inspector Nazrul Islam, Investigation Officer of the case told that the charge sheet was made against the accused as their involvement with the murder of Turzo was proved. Sheuli in her confessional statement told that Turzo proposed her to stay together as Turzo was in love with her. Sheuli accepted Turzo’s proposal and then they started living at house no 168/A of WAPDA road of Rampura area as husband and wife. Liton who was known to Sheuli from long ago planned to abduct Turzo for taka 1 crore (billion) as ransom as they knew that Turzo’s father was a rich man. According to that plan, Sheuli called Turzo at their Rampura house on October 29 and there they murdered Turzo by suffocation. The next day Liton introducing him as Robin called Turzo’s father and demanded taka 1 crore (billion) as ransom. After bargaining, Liton agreed to free Liton in exchange of taka 10 lakh (million) and 10 bhoris( a measurement of gold) of gold. Mamun in his confessional statement told that Liton and Sheuli in association with him brought the money of ransom from the spot. Earlier, all of them sliced the dead body of Turzo into pieces at the house of Rampura. After getting the money of ransom, they kept the sliced parts of the dead body of Turzo into two bags and later left the bags in two different places of Rampura area. Turzo’s family lodged an abduction case with Uttara police station on November 7, 2006 as the abductors didn’t free Turzo even after getting the money of ransom. Later, members of the intelligence team according to the call list of Turzo’s mobile arrested Liton, Sheuli, Mamun and Abu Sayeed. Later according to the statement of the accused police recovered one part of the dead body of Turzo including his head from a southward ditch of Power Station of WAPDA road of West Rampura area on December 11. Earlier, Khilgaon police station recovered sliced part of Turzo’s leg. Two mobile phone sets of Turzo were recovered from Liton and Sheuli. Ramna police recovered the motorcycle of Turzo from a nearby garage of Hira’s office. DB Inspector Nazrul Islam, investigation officer of the case told that though police arrested Hiura but before the mystery of the murder case was unearthed, Hira took bail from the court and went into hiding.
Attempt to rape an Adibashi (aboriginal) woman in Tanore Upazila of Rajsahi district, the victim in trouble after complaining to the chairman (The Daily Ajker Kagoj, 04th March 07): TANORE, March 4:  According to an allegation, someone attempted to rape an Adibashi woman in Tanore upazila of Rajsahi district. On the other hand, the victim is now into trouble after he complained to the chairman in this connection. Sohrab Ali of village Harishpur under Vadaer union of Tanore upazila failed in his attempt to rape an Adibashi woman of the same village. The incident took place on February 13 last. The victim submitted a written complaint to the chairman of Vadaer union in this connection on February 19. But Chairman Abul Kalam Azad even in 15 days could not do any fart justice to the incident.  The victim alleged that the chairman and another UP member of the village Ananda Mahator in collusion with Sohrab Ali were trying to conceal the matter. Chairman Abul Kalam Azad told in this connection that he got the complaint and Ananda mahator, UP member of village Harishpur was given the responsibility to look into the matter. But the chairman didn’t know anything about the progress of the matter. UP member of village Harishpur told, “After taking the responsibility, I tried to put a solution to the matter. But Sohrab denied the allegation and was not agreed to sit with us for solving the matter.”
A minority adolescent girl abducted in Chittagong district rescued (The Daily Jugantar, 05th March 07): CHITTAGONG, March 5: Police rescued a minority girl after five days of her abduction in Chittagong district. The name of the abducted girl was Chumki Ghosh (15). The abductor Sadhon Baidya was also arrested. On secret information from Ranirhat area of Rangunia upazila at 10:30pm on Saturday, police launched an operation and rescued abducted Chumki Ghosh. It was learnt that about 5-6 youths led by Sadhon Baidya abducted Chumki from Pathargatha area of the town at gun point when she was going to the house of a private tutor on February 27. Parents of Chumki Ghosh started finding her when Chumki didn’t reach home till night. The abductor Sadhon demanded taka 1 lakh(million) over mobile phone from the family Chumki Ghosh. Otherwise he would kill Chumki. The next day, mother of Chumki lodged a general diary with Kotwali police station. A team of police led by SI of Kotwali police station Abul Kalam Azad on secret information at 10:30pm rescued Cumki Ghosh from Ranirhat area of Rangunia upazila. Police also arrested abductor Sadhon at that time. Sensing the presence of police, accomplices of Sadhon managed to escape. An abduction case was lodged with Kotwali police in this connection.
An Adibashi (aboriginal) school girl abducted from Kamalganj Upazila of Moulovibazaar district rescued form Bhaluka of Mymensingh district after 14 days of her abduction, the abductor also held (The Daily Ajker Kagoj, 06th March 07):          KAMALGANJ (MOULOVIBAZAAR), March 6: An Adibashi school going girl abducted from Kamalganj of Moulovibazaar district was rescued from Bhaluka upazila of Mymensingh district after 14 days of her abduction. The abductor was also arrested at that time. The mother of the abducted girl told that the abductor abducted her girl named Ruma Manda of Garo community of Madhabpur union on February 19 last on her way to the school and then her mother, a UP member lodged an abduction case with Kamalganj police station on February 22 and the mother of the girl also sought legal help from BRAC’s human rights and legal assistance program. Since after the incident, BRAC Kamalganj area office and Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad of Sylhet division and also leaders of Puja Udjapan Parishad extended their helping help to Parul Koraish, mother of the abducted girl and also a UP member of Madhabpur union. As a result, the pressure mounted up the police of Kamalganj police station from higher authority to rescue the girl. Abdul Jabbar, the main investigation officer and SI of Kamalganj police station of the case was sent to village Khijilpur of Madhupur upazila of Tangail district, home of the abductor. Police didn’t find out the abductor there. At last, Md. Touhidul Islam Choudhury and SI Abdul Jabbar in association with local police rescued Ruma Manda(14) arrested the abductor Shahin Parvez from Bhaluka upazila of Mymensingh district after 14 days of Ruma’s abduction. The abducted school girl and the abductor were brought to Kamalganj police station yesterday afternoon. Touhidul Islam, OC of Kamalganj police station told this correspondent that they conducted their operation in all probable places of the country for last 14 days after the mother of the abducted girl lodged an abduction case with the police station.   
Face of a minority woman roasted by acid throwing in Batiaghata Upazila Khulna district (The Daily Manabjamin, 06th March 07): KHULNA, March 6: Face of Rita Mandal, abandoned by her husband roasted by acid throwing. She was admitted into Batiaghata health complex in critical condition. Police told that Kallal Rai of village Gopalkhali of Batiaghata upazila threw acid on Rita Mandal, abandoned wife of Rajkumar Mandal of the same village and as a result face of Rita totally roasted. Kallal threw acid on Rita at about 4:30 am when she was sleeping at the verandah of her house on Sunday night. Injured Rita told that she had a love affair with Kallal for three years. They even grew a physical relation and at one stage, Rita became pregnant. A dispute was going on between them for long time as Rita gave pressure to Kallal to marry her. The incident took place centering that. A case was lodged with Batiaghata police station in this connection.       
Terrorists in Chittagong district carried an attack and looted a shop of a minority not getting the amount of toll (The Daily Jugantar, 06th march 07):     CHITTAGONG, March 6: Some terrorists in Chandgaon police station area of the town beat up the manager and employee of a business institution as the terrorists were not given toll and it was also alleged that the terrorists also looted the shop. Rajib Das, owner of the shop and his family are now fleeing away from home for fear of the terrorists. It was learnt that Rajib Das has a grocery shop and a tea stall at Khaza road area under Chandgaon police station. Shahin alias Shibir Shahin and his accomplices had been demanding toll from that shop since long. As the terrorists were not given toll, so some terrorists led by Shahin on March 1 beat up manager of the shop Pankaz and another employee of the shop and they also looted the shop.
Kalachan Poddar, an income tax lawyer of Patuakhali district arrested for second time (The Daily Gonodabi, 07th March 07): Kalachan Poddar, an income tax lawyer of Patuakhali district was arrested for second time. Police arrested him on Monday dead of night from his own house of Mukul Cinema road. Police told that combined armed force arrested him a month ago in accusation with forcibly possessing the property of others and later sent him to the prison. After Kalachand Poddar was released on bail, members of combined force detained him again under public security act for the second time on Monday night for fear of violating peace. Later he was produced the court.         
Allegation of grabbing and selling the vested property in Manikganj district
(The Daily Banglabazaar Patrika, 07th March 07): MANIKGANJ, March 7: A circle of fraud is misappropriating movable and immovable property worth of taka crore (billion) of Dr. M. N. Nandi of Gheor upazila of Manikganj district by grabbing and selling the property. A question has risen in the minds of the people as the concerned authority remains silent. According to a source, Dr. M. N. Nandi, founder of Manikganj Samity(association) was forced to leave the country along with his family for the conpiration of Monayem Khan during a riot between Muslim and Hindu in 1965. Later the government of Monayem hurriedly declared Dr. Nandi’s all the property as the vested property. Later in 1968 government of Monayem Khan leased out all movable and immovable property of Dr. Nandi only in nominal price. The property of Dr. Nandi went out of possession only because of this irregularity, negligence and political vengeance caused by diplomatic complexity after the liberation of the country. The conscious people of the area urge the government to recover movable and immovable property of Nandi and use that portion of property for government and non-government development works.         
An influential quarter in Mithapukur Upazila of Rangpur district attempting to grab the land of Orao community (The Daily Ittefaq, 07th March 07): RANGPUR, March 7: It was alleged that some people lodged false cases against the people of Orao community of Mithapukur upazila of rangpur district to grab their lands. As a result, the families of Urao community have become panicked. About 400 Adibashi (aboriginal) men and women of Oraopara area of village Noupukur under Hazratpur union of Mithapukur upazila want to live in peace on their forefathers’ property. Golapi Orao, Somari Bala, Birsha Orao, Haridas Orao and some others alleged that an influential quarter of the area in order to grab their lands got involved in an attempt to snatch away their peace by marking them as terrorists and land grabbers. They also told that although they had been living on their forefathers’ property since long but an influential quarter lodged false cases against them in connection with the incident of purchasing their lands and the influential also threatened them to evict. Apart from this, that influential quarter regard them as land grabbers. As a result, the uneducated people of Orao community are at a loss. As they still can’t give their signature, some dishonest people make good relation with them and then simply taking their finger print on the papers, the dishonest people claim the Adibashis’ lands as theirs. About 10-12 cases were lodged against a destitute Orao family like that. But the verdicts of all the cases went to that Orao family. Saju Miah, an influential of that area lodged the case against that Orao family. He told that he purchased some portions of land from the father of Dhoneswar as per law. But as Saju Maih was not present on the day of hearing, so the court’s verdict went to that Orao family. But Dhoneswar told that his father didn’t sell any portion of land. He also told that they needed the approval of the government if they wanted to sell land to anybody. The papers in custody of Saju were all forged. Saju claimed the proprietorship by showing forged papers. On the other hand, it was alleged that Saju harassed former UP member Erfan Ali and others by lodging false cases as they helped Dhoneswar in connection with his property.
A Christian minority family demands exemplary punishment to the people involved in forging the papers of their land (The Daily Ajker Kagoj, 07th March 07): A Christian minority family demanded punishment to the people who forged the papers of their paternal property and they also demanded to recover the property. The demand was made from a press conference held at Dhaka Reporters Unity on Tuesday last. Ashu Patrick Gomez read out the written statement in the press conference. It was alleged in the written allegation that a vested quarter in association with Md. Kutub Uddin, protocol officer of land ministry of Bangladesh Secretariat grabbed their 10 acres parental property by forging the papers. Other accomplices of Kutub Uddin are: Major( retired) M. M. Mehbub Rahman, Shila Dewan, M.A. Taher, Md. Lokman Mahmud, Md. Alamgir Hossain, Abdul Jalil, Asma Begum, Rashida Begum. They forged the papers on May 27 in 2004. He also told that the present value of that portion of property was one hundred and fifty crore (billion). Patrick Gomez told that Kutub Uddin got very powerful as he served at the Secretariat for long time. He was a very rich man. Kutub Uddin’s home district was Faridpur. He also constructed a hotel on the grabbed land and the name of the hotel was Nur Hotel. It was alleged in the press conference that now a CNG conversion station would be built there after the demolition of the hotel. Asu Patric lodged a case with Tejgaon police station against nine persons including Kutub Uddin in connection with forgery. The family demanded to immediately recover their parental property and also exemplary punishment to the people involved. Among others Mackdelina Kosta Gomez, Pristina Gomez, Theufil Gomez and Jorge Gomez were also present in the press conference.
Family of a minority rape victim of Fakirhat Upazila of Bagerhat district became confined in face of the rapist’s threat (The Daily Banglabazaar Patrika, 08th March 07): BAGERHAT, March 8: Chaina Rani(19), a minority raped victim of Fakirhat upazila of Bagerhat district and her family became confined in face of the threat of the rapist. The victim managed to flee away after four days of the incident and then she submitted a written complaint to the Police Super of Bagerhat district on Tuesday last. After the Police Super received the written allegation of the rape victim, the Police Super then directed the OC of Fakirhat police station to take legal action in this connection. It was learnt that the influential family of the rapist was trying their best to manage the concerned authority to conceal the incident. According to local people and Chaina Rani, Ashis Rai Choudhury, son of Kaliprasad Rai Choudhury of village Piljanga under Fakirhat district had been repressing Chaina Rani, an unmarried daughter of late Nemai Raha of the same village sexually alluring that Ashis would marry Chaina Rani. When Chaina Rani gave pressure to Ashis to marry her then Ashis started showing excuses saying that he was trying to convince his family for this marriage. At one stage, the victim China Rani told Ashis not come to their home before Ashis could marry her. Though Asish didn’t want to marry Chaina but to satisfy his feelings of sex, he on the day of occurrence went to the house of Chaina Rani at about 8:30pm on Friday and tried to repress Chaina Rani sexually but Chaina Rani at that time tried to come outside of the house. But Asish at that time caught hold of Chaina Rani and raped her. Some neighbors of nearby houses after hearing the screaming of Chaina Rani came to her house and held the rapist. But at one stage of the scuffle, the rapist Asish managed to flee away by breaking the fence of the house. After the incident, Chaina Rani in order to fulfill the previous commitment given by Asish went to the house of the father of Asish. The next day, family of the rapist giving words to Chaina Rani to accept her as their daughter-in-law sent her to her father’s house and also told her not to lodge any case in this connection. But as Chaina Rani was not given social recognition on that day, so she again went to the house of Asish in the evening. At that time, Asish’s Brother Mukta Rai Choudhury, a police inspector and also Topu Choudhury carried physical repression on Chaina Rani and left her in state of bleeding. Local people rescued Chaina Rani. The victim after fleeing away submitted a written complaint to the district Police Super, District Commissioner and Inspector general of Police.
A minority in Muksudpur Upazila of Gopalganj district died in an attack of the opponents (The Daily Sangbad, 08th March 07): GOPALGANJ, March 8: A minority named Rabin Baidya(35) of village Ujani of Muksudpur upazila of Gopalganj district died in an attack of the opponents centering a previous enmity. It was learnt that Rabin involved in exchanging words with someone over giving water of the IRI (name of a ki9nd of rice) block of Biplab Mollah of the same village and at one stage of exchanging words, Bura Baroy, Krishnadhon Baroy and Bidhan Baroy of the same village together beat up Rabin randomly. The condition of Rabin deteriorated after his admission into Muksudpur hospital. The attackers in name of giving Rabin good treatment and financial help took him to house from the hospital. But they didn’t help Rabin Baidya. At one stage, Rabin’s condition got very critical and then he died on his way to the hospital. A murder case was lodged with Muksudpur police station in this connection accusing five persons including Bura Baroy.          
Perpetrators killed a minority child girl of Aatpara Upazila of Netrokona district
(The Daily Samokal, 08th March 07): NETROKONA, March 8: Some perpetrators killed Purnima(7), child of Bikas Das of village Ranigaon of Aatpara upazila of Netrokona district and then left the dead body of Purnima near a bamboo bush far from the house of Purnima. Purnima, a student of class one of Samaj government primary school went missing from the house on Monday last. On Tuesday evening, relatives of Purnima saw the dead body of Purnima near the bamboo bush. Fox and dogs ate different parts of Purnima’s dead body. But the marks of wound were found on her throat.
A minority housewife in Naria Upazila of Shariatpur district killed by her husband by suffocation (The Daily Janokontho, 10th March 07): SHARIATPUR, March 10: A doctor named Joy Gopal Das of nearby Mulfatganj bazaar under Naria upazila of Shariatpur district killed his wife Sritikona Mandal (40) by suffocation in a planned way on Thursday night. Later Joy Gopal Das hanged the dead body with a beam of the house with a scarf and proclaimed that her wife committed suicide. Naria upazila police recovered the dead body on Friday morning and sent it to Shariatpur Sadar (town) hospital for postmortem. Ashrukona Mandal, elder sister of the deceased told that Joy Mandal repressed her sister and then he killed Sritikona Mandal.
A minority man in Kaliganj Upazila of Gazipur district missing mysteriously (The Daily Sangbad, 10th March 07): KALIGANJ (GAZIPUR), March 10: Subrata (30), son of Shibeswar Das of village Baria under Joydevpur police station went to bazaar on Tuesday last and since then he didn’t return home. There was a marriage festival at Subrata’s home on Wednesday last. It was learnt that Subrata got married to Mitali, daughter of Noresh Das of village Barchala of Sripur upazila on March 5 and took Mitali to his home. After an hour, Subrata went to Pubail bazaar to buy some things for arranging the marriage festival and since then he went missing. According to Subrata’s family source, someone told Subrata’s family over a mobile phone (01713-538764) from Bhairab district on that day that Subrata was abducted and he was being taken to Sylhet district. The family of Subrata was also told that the abductors would not release Subrata before they were given taka 3 lakh (million) as ransom. The locals raised many questions over the matter that whether Subrata was really abducted or Subrata himself planned the abduction idea for any special reason.
BNP leader built a house grabbing the land of a Hindu family of Rajapur town of Jhalakathi district! (The Daily Prothom Alo, 11th March 07): JHALAKATHI, March 11: Dinesh (55) and Pankaj Ghorami (48) are two brothers. Once upon a time they had a business of cloths at Rajapur town of Jhalakathi district. But two sewing machines are their only support now. They protected 71 decimals of land which they got as successor facing so many troubles. But a BNP leader during the regime of four party alliance governments grabbed their 40 decimals of land and built a house there and now the BNP leader is living there. It was learnt after a conversation with the members of the destitute family that Dinesh and Pankaj, two tailors of Rajapur town of Jhalakathi district got 71 decimals of land behind Upazila Parishad quarter as successors. Abul Kalam Azad, general secretary of Rajapur Upazila BNP and also chairman of Sukragar Union Parishad along with his hired goons grabbed 40 decimals of land of Dinesh and Pankaj on April 18 2003. Nirodchandra Haldar, a retired teacher of Rajapur Pilot High School and also a neighbor of Ghorami family told that on the day occurrence, hired men of Abul Kalam Azad equipped with sticks at first created panic by setting the kitchen of Ghorami family on fire and then they started cutting the trees. Later the hired goons of Abul Kalam Azad started demolishing the house of Dinesh and Pankaj. Sufferer Pankaj told that they lodged a case in this connection accusing 27 persons including Abul Kalam Azad as accused no.1 and his wife Maksuda Akhthar as acused no.2. They grabbed their property by showing forged documents. Abul Kalam Azad could do so as only because of his being a BNP leader. Pankaj also told that beside the original case, they also lodged another case for a stay order on the grabbed land. Senior Assistant Judge of Rajapur court granted that. But neglecting the court order, Abul Kalam Azad started constructing a luxurious building on the grabbed land. At that time some lawyers submitted a report to the court in this connection. But contempt of court could not be stopped. As a result, they also lodged another case against Abul Kalam for violating the order of the court. That case is also pending. The construction work of Abul Kalam’s house ended at the end of 2006. At present he is living there. When this correspondent went to Kalam’s house to Kalam, his wife and a teacher of Panchapali Registered Primary School Maksuda Akhtar told that her husband went into hiding after members of combined force started conducting their operation. About the grabbed Maksuda told that they purchased that portion of land legally. When she was asked why they built a house there neglecting the court’s order, then Maksuda told that she didn’t know anything about that but she also told that the chairman never could do so. Amal Chandra Das, lawyer of the destitute told that Ghorami family had been enjoying the possession of the property since 1941. But the accused by taking shelter of forged documents of 1981 grabbed the property. On the other hand, Shahadat Hossain, lawyer of Abul Kalam Azad told that they had the original documents of the land and Abul Kalam was the proprietor of that property in a legal way. He also told that they didn’t violate any order of the court anyway. 
Family of Bidhu Bushan, a minority in Sunamganj district ostracized for 18 days, a case lodged against Panchait (village assembly of arbitrators) (The Daily Prothom Alo, 12th March 07): SUNAMGANJ, March 12: Panchait of village Natun Bhramangaon under Sadar (town) upazila of Sunamganj district ostracized a minority poor family in a room since February 21 last. Family members of day labor Bidhuvushan Das now can’t use water of the pond of the village and also water of the nearby river Surma. Even the grazing lands of the village were restricted for Bidhuvushan’s animals. The court issued show cause notice to the accused after the destitute family lodged a case in this connection. Neyati Das, complainant of the case and also the wife of Bidhuvushan told that some men including neighbors Khoka Das and Gopal Das carried an attack on her family on August 30 centering a quarrel among some children. Neyati and her husband were injured in the attack and then she lodged a case with the court in this connection accusing seven persons including Khoka Das. Centering this incident, Panchait of the village confined them in a room on February 21 last. The next day, Neyati Das lodged another case with the court accusing members of the Panchait Girindra Das, Chanchal Das, Gopal Das, Pinku Das, Raj Sen, Khoka Das, Kajol Das and Sushanta Rani. The court issued show cause notice to the accused. Admitting the expelling Bidhuvushan’s family from the society, Raj Sen told the daily Prothom Alo, “We decide not to mix with the family members of Bidhuvushan. We took the decision socially. But water of the village pond and river Surma was not banned for them.” Khoka Das told that the family neglecting the verdict of the Panchait lodged a case with the court. So they confined them in a room. They also told the villagers not to mix with the members of that family. Arti Talukdar Koli, leader of District Mahila (women) Parishad and also Commissioner of Sunamganj district municipality told, “We talked to the Panchait many times about ostracizing that poor family. But they were not helping us.” Day labor Bidhu Bushan Das who was outcaste told, “I am now helpless. I am not getting able to do any work. The members of the Panchait also threatened me not to go beyond the limit in this connection.”      
A husband held in Naria Upazila of Shariatpur district in accusation of murdering his wife (The Daily manabjamin, 12th March 07): SHARIATPUR, March 12: Naria thana (police station) arrested Dr. Joygopal Das, a medical officer Mulfatganj hospital for murdering his wife in a planned way. Joypal Das murdered his wife Sritikona Mandal, head mistress of Naria Model Primary Government School at his own residence on Friday last. Later to circulate the murder as a suicide, Joygopal hanged the dead body of his wife with a cross beam of the house wrapping a scurf round the neck of his wife. On the other hand, after getting the evidence of murder from the report of the post mortem, Naria police arrested Joygopal Das yesterday morning. Police told that Joygopal murdered his wife wounding Sritikona Mandal at her back, knee and also at different parts of the belly. To conceal the matter, Joygopal hanged the dead body with a cross beam of the house with a scurf.
Khukumoni murder case of Agoiljhara of Barisal district
No headway of the case even in nine months, no accused arrested as yet
(The Daily Sangbad, 13th March 07) From Our Correspondent: GOURONODI, March 13: There was no headway of the murder case of Khukumoni, daughter of a poor man named Debendra Nath Biswas of village Barthi under Gouronodi of Barisal district and also a mother of three children even in nine months. Police also didn’t arrest the accused for a mysterious reason. It was learnt from the allegation that Khukumoni was married off to one Ashis Baroy, son of Pulin Baroy of village east Bakal of Agoiljhara in 1992. Even after paying the amount of dowry demanded by the family of Ashis, just after the marriage, family of Ashis demanded a handsome amount of dowry from the family of Khukumoni. Father of Khukumoni, a day labor gave away some money of dowry to her daughter’s husband but later family members of Ashis gave Khukumoni pressure to bring money from her father’s house. Later at one stage of exchanging words over the matter, Khukumoni’s husband Ashis Baroy, his father Pulin Baroy, Ashis’s mother Promila and some other members of the house murdered Khukumoni by suffocation on July 15 2006and later poured poison into the mouth of Khukumoni to circulate that Khukumoni committed suicide. Family members of Ashis went into hiding after keeping Khukumoni in Goila hospital. Babul Biswas, brother of the deceased told that family members of Ashis even didn’t tell them about the death of Khukumoni. Babul Biswas heard the news from a youth of that area named Shahin and then he went to Goila hospital and found his sister’s dead body. Babul also told that Sagor, son of dead Khukumoni burst into tears after seeing the dead body of his mother and told that his father beat up his mother and then he took his mother to the hospital. Shefali, mother of dead Khukumoni as a complainant lodged a murder case with First Class Magistrate Court in this connection accusing three persons but police could not arrest the accused of the murder case even in nine months for a mysterious reason. Now the accused are threatening the complainant of the case to withdraw the case. The helpless family urged the concerned higher authority to arrest the accused immediately and give them exemplary punishment.
Press conference held at Reporters’ Unity of Gaibandha district in protest of repressing a minority family (The Daily Ittefaq, 13th March 07): GAIBANDHA, March 13: A press conference was held at the Reporters’ Unity of Gaibandha district protesting the repression on a minority family by an influential quarter. Sri Shapna Das, member of the minority family read out the written statement in the press conference. She told that centering a trifle matter, neighbor Md. Rafiqul Islam beat up her son Sri Krishna Das on December 24. After returning home, she saw her son her injured son and also protested the incident. At that time, both Rafiqul Islam and his wife Shirin Begum carried an attack on Shapna Das. Shapna Das lodged a case with Gaibandha district court in this connection. But now some unknown persons are threatening her at different times.
A UP chairman in Keshabpur Upazila of Jessore district beats up the headmaster of a school (The Daily Amar Desh, 14th March 07): KESHABPUR (JESSORE), March 14: A UP chairman beat up the headmaster of Pajia High School in a bazaar on Monday evening and as a result, the headmaster sustained injury. Ranajit Kumar Mandal (50) injured headmaster Pajia High School told that two and half metric tons rice were allotted from the government for Rojipur Radha Gobinda Orphanage. Akhter Hossain Mintu, chairman of Manaharpur union fixed the market price of the rice at taka 13. At that time headmaster Ranajit Kumar Mandal protested it and told that he wanted to buy per Kilogram rice at taka 18. At this, the chairman felt insulted. When the headmaster reached at Kopalia bazaar on Monday evening, the chairman injured the headmaster by beating randomly. A tense grief is prevailing in the area over the incident.
Mystery of the murder of Bakul Rani Das of Hathazari Upazila of Chittagong district not unearthed even in 5 years (The Daily Sangbad, 15th March 07):        CHITTAGONG, March 15: Police could not unearth the mystery of the murder of Bakul D Rani Das (40), an assistant caretaker of Farhadabad Sishu (children) Sadan (house) under Hathazari upazila of Chittagong district even in five years after the murder. No witness and evidence of this murder were available. Nine Investigation Officers tried to submit final report of the murder case so far mentioning the murder an incident. Advocate Kafil Uddin, Public Prosecutor of Chittagong district differed with Tonmoy, last investigation officer of Bakul murder case and also an SI of district intelligence department when he making the same kind of report went to PP advocate Kafil Uddin on Monday last for his opinion. PP Advocate Kafil Uddin in his comment told that a group of terrorists after raping Bakul Rani Das murdered her by hacking with a chopper just to conceal the incident and the evidence of which was available from the post mortem report of the dead body of Bakul Rani Das. Beside this, three youths named Emran, Munir and Helal were arrested in accusation of their involvement with the murder of Bakul Rani Das. Those three youths were released on bail and since then they went into hiding. PP Advocate Kafil Uddin commenting in the new Memorandum of Evidence (ME) made by the last investigation officer gave back the report for submitting another report after more investigation of the sensational Bakul Rani murder case. It can be mentioned that the terrorists at first tied up Bakul’s mouth with a cloth, then raped her and finally they murdered Bakul at Sishu Sadan Quarter by hacking her with a chopper on March 4, 2002. The murder of Bauk Rani at that time created sensation in Chittagong district.                
President of Hindu Parishad demands recovery of Chandranath Mohatirtha from the illegal land grabbers (The Daily Sangbad, 15th March 07): Prem Ranjan Dev, president of National Hindu Parishad demanded recovery of Chandranath Mohatirtha, a holy place of Hindu community situated in Sitakunda upazila of Chittagong district from the possession of illegal land grabbers. He also demanded exemplary punishment to the land grabbers. Premranjan demanded this in a statement released on Wednesday last. He told in the statement that Chandranath Mohatirtha is a Debottor (deity’s) property. But the illegal land grabbers grabbed hundred and hundred acres of land of this holy place at different times. The Dobottor property was dispossessed for a misleading survey which was later passed into the ledger.   
A leader of Puja Udjapon Parishad of Netrokona district harassed by Officer in Charge Complaint made to Inspector general of Police (The Daily Ajker Kagoj, 16th March 07): From Our Correspondent:  NETROKONA, March 16: Keshab Ranjan Sarkar, a leader of Netrokona district Puja Udjapon Parishad by Ziaul Haque, officer in charge of Aatpara police station of Netrokona district in presence of ASP of Barhatta Circle when Keshab Ranjan went to talk over a dispute created centering the grabbing of crops of the land of a minority family. The incident took place on March 10 last.      Keshab Ranjan Srakar in a complaint letter submitted to IGP on March 13 last told that after the four party government came into power in 2001, some unknown BNP terrorists grabbed 19.80 acres of land of Madan Gopal Saha of village Sarmushia under Aatpara upazila. Madan Gopal appealed to the Police Super on March 5 to take steps for the recovery of his property and then the Police Super directed ASP of Barhatta Circle to take necessary steps in this connection. As a result, ASP Akhtaruzzaman sent a notice to the complainant Madan Gopal to be present on March 10 at 10 am at the office of ASP, Barhatta of Netrokona district. But ASP told Madan Gopal at 10 am on that day that the place was changed to the Aatpara police station and he also told Madan Gopal to be present there. Keshab Ranjan Sarkar in his complaint mentioned that when he along with the complainant Madan Gopal Saha, Madan’s son Manik Rai, professor of Aatpara College and Professor Niranjan Pal, president of Aatpara Puja Udjapon Parishad entered into the room of OC, the OC came forward to beat Keshab Ranjan also started scolding him. At that time ASP Akhtaruzzaman was sitting like a silent spectator beside the OC Ziaul Haque. Keshab Ranjan requested the IGP of police to take necessary actions against the OC of Aatpara police station.        
Terrorists’ attack on a religious meeting of Hindu community in Madhabpur Upazila of Habiganj district (The Daily Ajker Kagoj, 17th March 07): From Our Correspondent: MADHABPUR, March 17: About three persons were injured on Thursday night in a terrorist attack carried on a religious meeting of Hindu community of village Surma under Madhabpur upazila of habiganj district. A case was lodged with the local police station in this connection. A tense situation is prevailing in the area. According to eye witnesses and police, a religious meeting was organized at the house Jitendra Shil of village Surma at night on that day. Suddenly, a group of youths led by Badsha Miah, son of late Azam Uddin of the same village carried an attack there. At that time, the terrorists also dragged the young girls and also made them half naked. Many people were injured in the attack. The injured persons were: Nipendra Shil (30), Sahabudddin (40), Ali Ahmed (35). On information, a contingent of police led by SI Joynal Abedin who was also in charge of Teleapara police box brought the situation under control. Jitendra Shil as a complainant lodged a case with the police station in this connection.     
A minority housewife raped at Adamdighi hospital Ward boy and sweeper arrested
(The Daily Ajker Kagoj, 17th March 07): From Our Correspondent:        ADAMDIGHI, March 17: A housewife accompanied by a patient was raped at Adamdighi Health Complex. Bappi, a ward boy and sweeper Narayan Chandra raped the housewife. They forcibly took the housewife from beside the patient into the room of a physician at the dead of night on Thursday and raped her there. Police arrested the two persons. It was learnt that the housewife of Pallapara of Adamdighi upazila took her mother in law at the health complex for treatment. Ward boy Bappi and sweeper Narayan Chandra forcibly took her into the room of a physician at about 1 am on Thursday night and then raped her. At that time, the housewife in fear of shame didn’t tell anything to anybody and then from there she went to the police station in the morning and lodged a case. Police arrested Bappi and Narayan for their involvement with the incident.Mohammad Esteham, OC of Adamdighi police station told in this connection that a case was lodged in connection with the rape incident and two persons were arrested.   

22 acres of land of a minority family grabbed in a Palli (village) of Rangpur district
(The Daily Ajker Kagoj, 17th March 07): From Our Correspondent:        RANGPUR, March 17: Two influential families grabbed 22 acres of land of a minority family in Rangpur Palli. The minority family could not take the possession of the property since 20 years even after they won the case over the property. The members of the minority family expressed their sorrow in a press conference held at Rangpur press club yesterday. Mukul, a member of the family told that two influential families of Md. Tobarak Ali and Ahmed Ali, two persons of the same area had been enjoying possession of the property since long.
Anil Chandra Rai, Proful Kumar Rai, Dilip Kumar Rai, Bivuti Kumar Rai and Milon Kumar Rai, five sons of late Naresh Chandra Rai of village Borobari under Satgara union of Ranpur Sadar(town) upazila became poor after running the case of their property for long time. After the minority family got the verdict over the case of their property, the illegal grabbers by forging the papers again appealed to the court but in spite of that, the court’s order went to the minority family. Md. Ataur Rahman, additional and session judge of Rangpur district gave the last verdict on September 21, 2000. But in spite of getting that verdict, the minority family could not take the possession of that property till date.           
Terrorists carried attack in minority Palli (village) of Parbatipur of Dinajpur district, shallow machine looted and 20 injured (The Daily Ajker Kagoj, 18th March 07): From Our Correspondent: PARBATIPUR, March 18: About 20 persons including children and women were injured in an attack of the terrorists in Parbatipur of Dinajpur district on March 12 over the incident of giving and taking diesel for shallow machine. The injured persons were: Dipak (9), Kumad (45), Anukul (35), Ramanath (46), Koushala (55), Prema (20), Joyanta (15), Archana (32), Josna (30), Maya (28), Falguni (45) and Mahesh Dhamalu (40). The condition of five of them stated to be critical.
It was learnt that Mojibur Rahman and Tohubur Rahman of nearby village took water for their lands from Anukul Chandra Rai, of Mommothpur union and owner of the shallow machine in contract of filling up the tank of shallow machine. As Mojibur and Tohubur didn’t give diesel according to the contract and so at one stage of exchanging words, they started beating Anukul and his accomplices. Later people of Kumarpara came and rescued Anukul in state of injury.  When family members of Anukul protested the incident then perpetrators led by Mojibur and Tohubur giving slogan like “Finish off Hindus and send them to India” swooped on them. The perpetrators carried the attack in the area for about 4 hours. The perpetrators also looted shallow machine and other tools of irrigation of Anukul. Hindus of three villages lodged a case with the local police station in this connection on March 13 last. At present a tense situation is prevailing in the area.
An Adibashi (aboriginal) leader of Madupur Upazila of Tangail district dies in custody of law and order protecting agency (The Daily Prothom Alo, 20th March 07)
From Our Correspondent: TANGAIL, March 20: Cholesh Risil, an Adibashi leader died in custody of the law protecting agency in Madupur upazila of Tangail district. The family of Risil held law protecting agency and officials of the forest department responsible for the death of Risil. The Adibashi people gave a memorandum to the District Commissioner demanding punishment of the perpetrators involved. But police told that Risil, an accused of many cases filed by the forest department tried to flee away when the law and order protecting team went to arrest him. At one stage, when he was held after a chase, Risil at that time lost sense. Later he was taken to a hospital but there he died. The family members of Risil told that Risil, his sister’s husband Protap Simsang and bridegroom Tuhin Hadima and his father Piren Simsang were returning to Madhupur by a microbus after attending a marriage ceremony on Sunday afternoon. When the microbus reached near Kalibari bus stand of Muktagacha upazila, police at that time arrested them and took them to Kakrayed camp of Madupur upazila but later police released Tuhin and Piren in the evening keeping Risil and Protap in their custody.
Rani Simsang, first wife of Risil told that members of law protecting agency left Protap in state of serious injury in his house at about 11 pm on Sunday night. He was admitted into Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. She also told that they got the news of death of Risil through Protap. Satjina Nokrek, second wife of Risil complained that after hearing the news of the arrest of Risil, she went to the camp of law protecting team but there she was threatened. Our correspondent from Mymensingh told that Protap was seen under treatment at the orthopedics department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital yesterday. He hails from kalmakanda upazila of Netrokopna district. He married in Madhupur upazila. Protap complained that police wanted know from him about illegal arms in Risil’s possession. Protap told that at that time he was beaten. He was taken to Madhupur Hospital at 8 pm. Later he was dropped at his house of Beribad at 11 pm. He complained that Risil was beaten and repressed. Moazzem Hossain, Assistant Police Super and Riaz Hossain, OC of Madhupur police station denied the death of Risil after repression and also told Risil was an accused of about 30 cases filed by the forest department. Police claimed that when police went to arrest him, Risil tried to flee away and then after running away a little far distant, Risil fell on the road and lost his sense and then he was admitted into Madhupur Upazila Health Complex where he died at about 8:30 pm. The Adibashi people gathered on Tangail- Mymensingh high way yesterday morning after they heard about the death of Risil. A huge contingent of police was deployed there to keep the situation under control. A representative team of Adibashi at 11 am submitted a memorandum to the DC through Dr. A. M. Parvez, Madhupur Upazila Executive Officer for the dismissal of those members of law protecting agency involved in the death of Risil and they also demanded a fair justice to the death of Risil. UNO admitted receiving the memorandum and told that he would send it to the right place as soon as possible. The dead body of Risil was handed over at the church of Jolchatra in the afternoon. Later Adibashi with a silent procession took his dead body to Risil’s village home Magantinagar. OC Riaz told that an unnatural death case was lodged in this connection.  Risil was a strong organizer of the movement waged to protect the right of the Adibashi of Madhupr after the forest department took a decision to make Eco Park in the forest of Madhupur.
Police didn’t record the statement of the wife of Risil, an Adibashi (aboriginal) leader of Madupur Upazila of Tangail district (The Daily Prothom Alo, 21st March 07): From Our Correspondent: TANGAIL, March 21: Cholesh Risil, an Adibashi leader of Tangail district who died in custody of law protecting agency was buried at Pagantinagar on Tuesday afternoon. Earlier, wife of Risil submiited as a complainant submitted a statement to Madupur police station in the morning. But police didn’t record the statement. Different organizations condemned and protested the death of Risil. People in hundred wearing black badges started gathering at the house of Risil in village Pagantinagar from yesterday morning. There the Adibashi leaders told that they would hoist black flag on Wednesday at the top of the houses of all Adibashi of Madhupur in protest of Risil’s death in custody of police.
Ajay A. Mri, president of Joyensahi Adibashi Unnayon Parishad told, “ we will not sit with the administration for a discussion before any action is taken against responsible officials of the forest department and also against the members of law protecting team.” He also told that the officials of the forest department gave wrong information to the police and as a result Risil was murdered. Utin Nafre, president of Madhupur Tribal Welfare Association told that Risil was always alert against the misdeeds of the officials of the forest department. He was also a strong organizer of anti-eco park movement. So, officials of the forest department lodged cases against him at different times.
Wife of Risil submitted a statement to the Madhupur police station in the morning but police didn’t record her statement. Riaz Hossain, OC of Madhupur police station told that even though the statement was not recorded but the statement was accepted as per law. They will take next steps after getting the report of the post mortem. The family of Risil complained that members of law protecting agency on Monday took Risil and tow others to their camp. Risil died that very night there as he was repressed at the camp. But police denied the allegation of repression and told that Risil got injured when he started running to flee away and then he was taken to a hospital where he died. Leaders of Bangladesh Adibashi Odhikar Andolan condemned and protested the death of Risil. It was alleged in a statement signed by Kerima Hasda, general secretary of the organization and Rakhi Mrong, publication secretary of the organization that Risil was murdered in a planned way and they also demanded a fair justice to the murder of Risil.                      
A minority adolescent girl was raped in Satkhira district. Case lodged against seven persons including lawyers (The Daily Janokontho, 21st march 07): From Our Correspondent: SATKHIRA, March 21: A case was lodged against seven persons including four members of Satkhira district Lawyers Association in allegation of assisting to abduct and rape a Hindu minority adolescent girl. Laxmirani, mother of the raped girl as a complainant lodged the case with Satkhira Sadar (town) police station on Monday night. The medical test of the victim was completed on Tuesday. Another allegation of conversion of religion after abducting the girl was also brought against them. It was learnt that Haidar Ali and tow of his associates abducted the minority girl Babita alias Usharani Haidar (15) of village Babulia under Sadar upazila of Satkhira district on March 13 last. Later the girl was taken to the court area where through Notary Public she was converted to Islam religion and given another name Aeysha Khatun and by another affidavit Haidar Ali got the girl married. As advocate Asraful Islam Siddiqui, advocate Sirajul Islam, advocate Rezauddola Bacchu and advocate Azharul Islam were involved in making the affidavit, so they were also made accused in the case along with the abductors Haidar, Emon and Ziarul. Under Women and Children Repression Prevention law allegation of abduction, rape and for assisting in these misdeeds were brought against them.
     
Allegation made in press conference
Death of Cholesh Risil, an Adibashi (aboriginal) leader of Madhupur Upazila of Tangail district was not normal (The Daily Prothom Alo, 22nd March 07) Staff Reporter:  ‘How long will we be oppressed in name of the forest? Cholesh Risil could have punished as per law if he were an accused. But you can not murder him’. These passionate sentences were uttered by Ajay A. Mri, president of Joyensahi Adibashi Parishad of Madhupur upazila of Tangail district. Ajay expressed this in a press conference organized on the death of Risil who died in custody of law protecting agency.
It was told in the press conference held at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity that the administration dissembled with the death of Risil. The death of Risil was no way a normal death. Marks of injury were found on Risil’s back, foot and some other parts of his body and that proved that Risil was murdered by repression. Whoever were involved in this murder, they must have to be punished in due time. The rule of law about which the present caretaker government is very alert will never be implemented if the incident of this kind of murder continues. Non-government development and human rights organization Odhikar, Ain O Salish Kendra, Association of Land Reform and Development (ALRD), Action Aid Bangladesh, Bangladesh Paribesh Ainbid Samity, Nijera Kori, Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), Centre for Sustainable Development (CFSD), Society for Environment and Human Development (SED) and Bangladesh Paribesh Sangbadik Forum jointly organized the press conference. Advocate Sultana Kamal, president of Ain O Salish Kendra told in the press conference that the government should investigate the death of Cholesh and punish the perpetrators involved with the murder of Cholesh.  Khusi Kabir, coordinator of Nijera Kori told that the death of Cholesh was never a normal death. All of us who went to Madhupur from Dhaka found marks of wounds on the body of Cholesh Risil. Nasiruddin Mahmud of BLAST, advocate Saidur Rahman of Odhikar, Manjur Rashid of Action Aid Bangladesh, Rezwana Hassan of BELA, Shamsul Huda of ALRD were also present in the press conference.
Attempt to convert an abducted minority boy – Noyan Nath Das of Ullapara Upazila of Sirajganj district into other religion, one held (The Daily Samokal, 22nd March 07). From Our Correspondent. SIRAJGANJ, March 22: It was alleged that some perpetrators abducted a teenager boy of a minority family of a remote village of Ullapara upazila of Sirajganj district also attempted to convert the boy into Islam religion. The father of the teenager boy lodged a case with Salanga police station in this connection and then police after three days from filing the case rescued the boy when the boy was being circumcised and police at that time also a local named Shamsul Islam Talukdar. On the other hand, a question was raised over the role of police in connection with the investigation of the case. It was learnt that Noyon Nath Das (9), son of Gouronath Tarani Das, a boatman of village Kashinathpur under Salanga police station was abducted on Sunday last. Later after filing a case in this connection with the police station, police in association with local chairman rescued Noyon on Wednesday evening after three days of his abduction. Police rescued Noyon, a student of class of five of local Kashinathpur Government Primary School in state of Noyon’s being circumcised and then police sent Noyon to the office of district civil surgeon for medical test. In the meantime police completed medical test of the minority boy for two times.
On the other hand, poor and landless Gouronath Tarani Das is now in problem after filing the case. His earning stopped as he had to spend time with his son for the completion of legal procedures. Apart from this, he was also threatened to withdraw the case. At present he is so much panicked that he now even doesn’t want to give any information in this connection to the police. He told that his family was only one minority family in that area. Long time ago, villagers managed a small portion of land in the village for him to live. Many villagers didn’t take filing of the case easily.
Allegation of threatening to murder Madhab Bhatyachariya, a minority of Aatpara Upazila of Netrokona district (The Daily Ittefaq, 22nd March 07) From Our Correspondent: NETROKONA, March 22: It was alleged that terrorists threatened to murder Madhab Bhatyachariya, a minority of village Badaura under Aatpara upazila of Netrokona district. He told in a written complaint that Fazal Karim, Bakul Miah and Abdul Kadir Gong grabbed his 14 acres of land on May 2005 and they also cut away the ripe paddy of his land. The Police Super directed to investigate the incident when Madhab complained to the Police Super in this connection. It was proved in the investigation that the terrorists grabbed Madhab’s land and cut away the paddy of his land and then the terrorists also told the Investigation Officer of the case that they would return Madhab’s land and paddy but later they didn’t give either Madhab’s land or the paddy of his land. Later, Madhab lodged a case in this connection and the terrorists were also arrested but they were released on bail. Madhab told that now the terrorists were threatening him to death. On the other hand, the same terrorists again demanded toll from Madhab on February 13 and also threatened to murder him. He lodged a case with the court for fear of life and later after an investigation a charge sheet was submitted against the terrorists. Madhab in a written complaint told that the terrorists were giving him pressure to withdraw the case.
Taka 5 lakh (million) demanded as ransom
Sanjay, a minority teenager of Manda Upazila of Naogaon district not rescued as yet even after two and half months of his abduction (The Daily Samokal, 23rd March 07)
From Our Correspondent: NAOGAON, March 23: Naogaon police could not rescue a teenager Sanjay Kumar Mandal (15), a student of class ten of Bogra North West Residential School and son of Khudiram Chandra Mandal, assistant professor of Momen Sahan Degree College of Manda upazila even after two and half months of Sanjay’s abduction. Recently the abductors over some mobile phones demanded ransom from the parents of Sanjay. But the abductors didn’t say anything about where and when the ransom would be paid. The abductors also threatened Sanjay’s parents to kill Sanjay if the matter of ransom was leaked out. As a result, the whole family of Sanjay is now passing days in panic. Mother of Sanjay fell sick thinking whether at last his son would come back or not.
It was learnt that Sanjay came to his own village home of Alaipur under Naogaon Sadar (town) upazila on December last for to enjoy his vacation. On other hand, to continue his study during the vacation period, Sanjay again took admission in Dhamerhat Chakmoirom High School. Sanjay went missing from December 28 on which day he left home for Dhamerhat School. Later, the family members of Sanjay went to school to find him but someone in school told them that Sanjay didn’t go to school that day.
Since then Sanjay could not be found even after two and half months. But on February 23 someone from a mobile (01715833236) called Sanjay’s father Khudiram and told that his son was fine and the caller also demanded taka five lakh as ransom. From the very same number (mobile), the abductors also contacted the family of Sanjay on February 24, 28 and March 1. Later the abductors stopped contacting Sanjay’s family for last 15 days. Father of the abducted teenager told that the abductors called him from different mobile numbers and told him to pay the money of ransom. Father of Sanjay lodged a general diary with Naogaon Sadar (town) police station in this connection. Father of Sanjay had been moving to the door of the police station everyday for the last two and half months but police could not take any step in this connection as yet.             
Land of an Adibashi (aboriginal) of Tarash Upazila of Sirajganj district dispossessed (The Daily Samokal, 23rd March 07 & The Daily Khabar, 24th March 07). From Our Correspondent: SIRAJGANJ, March 23: An influential of village Brogunili under Tarash upazila of Sirajganj district along with his hired terrorists demolished the house of an Adibashi and also grabbed the Adibashi’s house. At present the Adibashi family is living an inhuman life under the open sky. Ahmed Ali, an influential of the area along with his hired terrorists carried an attck on the house of Adibashi Roghunath on Tueday night. Later the terrorists demolished the house of Roghunath and also grabbed the house. Ahmed Ali claimed that he purchased that portion of land from Rama Charan, son of Roghunath Sarkar in 1990. But it was learnt according to a source that 17 years ago Rama Charan was only six years old. Abdul Gafur, manager of an N.G.O. MAMATA of the area told that all the papers of Ahmed in relation with purchasing the land were forged. Though there was a reaction in the minds of all the locals over the incident but OC of Tarash police station told that he didn’t know anything about this. But later he assured that he would take necessary steps in this connection.       
Ten bighas (a measurement of land) of land in Ullapara Upazila of Sirajganj district grabbed by forged papers The complainant panicked for continuous threat
(The Daily Ajker Kagoj, 24th March 07): From Our Correspondent:       ULLAPARA, March 24: A minority grabbed about 10 bighas of land of his own brother of Ullapara upazila by showing a donor who went missing 36 years ago and also by showing forged documents and papers. Paritosh Rai in connection with that forgery took place 7 years ago lodged a case accusing his own younger brother. But now the complainant Paritosh Rai after lodging the case against his younger brother is passing days in panic after being threatened by his younger brother. Again, Paritosh Rai was given pressure to withdraw the case. It was learnt that Parotosh Rai and Ashutosh Rai were two sons of Dinesh Rai of village Borohor Khamar Para under Ullapara upazila. Younger brother Ashuttosh Rai is working as a clerk in Sirajganj Government College. Paritosh Rai is a businessman. The Pakistani army held Pranesh Rai, brother of Dinesh Rai in 1971 during the liberation war and the Pakistani army also took away Pranesh Rai and since then Pranesh Rai didn’t return till date. Pranesh Rai was unmarried. Paritosh Rai and Ashutosh Rai, two sons of Dinesh Rai were enjoying the possession of Pranesh Rai’s 11 bighas of land as the heirs. According to some papers completed on November 25,1999, Ashutosh Rai became proprietor of 3.37 decimals of land out of 11 bighas of land. According to an allegation, Ashutosh Rai introducing an unknown man as his uncle Pranesh Rai and presenting that unknown man as a donor made the forged papers of the land. But Ashutosh Rai concealed the matter of that paper. After the demise of his father Dinesh Rai, Asutosh Rai by showing that forged papers forcibly grabbed the land claiming him the sole proprietor of the land. Parotish Rai in this connection lodged a case against Brother Ashutosh Rai. But just after lodging the case, Asutosh Rai started threatening Parotish Rai to withdraw the case and so Paritosh Rai became panicked.        
                 

A minority family of Louhojong Upazila of Munshiganj district entrapped by a fraud (The Daily Janokontho, 24th March 07): From Our Correspondent:        MUNSHIGANJ, March 24: A fraud entered into the house of Manindra Chandra Sikdar of village Nagerhat under Louhojong upazila of Munshiganj district on Wednesday night and looted everything through fraudulence. The householder Manindra Chandra Sikdar (75), wife Chinu Rani Sikdar (40), son Kala Chand Sikdar (40), daughter-in-law Alo Rani Sikdar (32) were fighting with lives in Louhojong Upazila Health Complex after they ate Prosad (food offered to god or goddess) and cigarette given by the fraud.  It was learnt that someone in disguise of Loknath Baba, a god of Hindu religion knocked at the door of Manindra at 11 pm on Wednesday night. Kala Chand opened the door and then Lokhnath Baba wanted to have some food. Righteous Alo Rani Sikdar, wife of Kala Chand gave some rice and water to Loknath Baba. But at one stage Loknath Baba suddenly excited and told that he would not have food in Kala Chand’s house. He also told that their food was not pure. At that time the color of the rice changed to red color and fire broke out in the water. The family members of Manindra after seeing this got very weak toward Baba and they begged pardon of Baba and again requested Baba to have food. Later Baba gave cigarette to the male members and Prosad to female members of the house saying that Manindra’s food was pure. After taking Prosad and smoking, the members of the house lost their senses. Taking this opportunity, Loknath Baba left the house taking away cash 75 thousand taka, 6 bhoris (a measurement of gold) of gold and other valuable goods of the house. Later, the neighbors found everything of the house of Manindra in disorder and they also found the family members of Manindra in state of senseless and later the neighbors rescued them and admitted them into Upazila Health Complex. The fraud Loknath Baba could not be traced as yet.
Eight persons injured in a terrorists’ attack carried on Puja Mandop(pavilion) in Bajitpur Upazila of Kishoreganj district, five persons held
(The Daily Prothom Alo, 27th March 07) From Our Correspondent:       KISHOREGANJ, March 27: Terrorists carried an attack on the Puja Mandop of Noagaon Jele Palii (village) of the bank of the river Ghorautra under Bajitpur upazila of Kishoreganj district on Sunday night and destroyed the Puja festival. The terrorists at that time stole a finger of Kali temple and also vandalized a Mandop. About 8 persons including women were injured in the attack. Police arrested five persons in this connection. The fishermen of village Noagaon gathered in a meeting at Hindu orphanage of Bajitpur municipality town on Monday last and demanded justice into the incident. The leaders of Hindu Buddhist Christian Kallayan (welfare) Front demanded immediate arrest of the perpetrators. According to the fishermen, about six persons including Mosaddek Miah (30), Toyeb Ali (34), Kabir Miah (26) and Kachu Miah (55) of village nearby Patuli carried an attack on the Puja Mandop at 1 am on Sunday. The terrorists beat up Nilesh Das (34), Shaymal Das (20) and Utpal Das (28) when they went to protest the incident. The terrorists also carried an attack in village Noagaon for the second time in the early morning yesterday. The terrorists went to the house of Nilesh, vandalized the door of his house and then the terrorists dragged Nilesh outside of the house and gave him a good beating. The terrorists also beat up Nilesh’s brother and mother Sushila Rani Das (60) when they went to save Nilesh from the hands of terrorists.          

Setting up of an office of BNP on the land of a minority businessman in Durgapur Upazila of Netrokona district alleged (The Daily Jugantor, 27th March 07) From Our Correspondent: NETROKONA, March 27: A written complaint made to the District Commissioner for the eviction of the office of upazila BNP which was constructed on the land of a minority businessman of Durgapur upazila Sudarshan Saha after grabbing forcibly. After BNP came into power, local Member of Parliament M.A. Karim along with his cadres grabbed the land and also built a room of 40 feet in length and 13 feet in width and since then he used that room as his office. As the present caretaker government waged a war against the corrupt people and terrorists, so Sudarshan Saha in hope of getting back his property submitted a written complaint to the DC of Netrokona.    
Adibashis (aboriginal) of Naikhengchori Upazila of Bandarban district in panic ahead eviction drive (The Daily Bhorer Kagoj, 28th March 07). From Our Correspondent: BANDARBAN, March 28: A competition of grabbing hundred and hundred acres land of the hilly area in name of making rubber forest started by the influential of Baishari union under Naikhengchori upazila of Bandarban district. As a result many Bengali Adibashi families living in the hilly area of Bandarban district are now very much panicked ahead of their eviction. The Adibashis led by Nroholamong, a local Adibashi submitted a memorandum to the District Commissioner, army and Police Super on March 21 last seeking a remedy to the incident. Adibashi leader Nrohomalong Marma told that though helpless and simple Bengali Adibashi had been living in the hilly area over years but they didn’t feel the necessity of the settlement of the land. Taking this opportunity, some influential people led by Mirza Abbas, a minister of the last BNP government started grabbing the lands of local Adibashis in name of making rubber forest in the hilly area. Nroholamong also told that even business tycoon, actors, former ministers, MPs and some diplomats were also among the illegal land grabbers. Dungsign and Mongshahachak, members of Baishari union told that the land grabbers were illegally grabbing the lands of Maddhya Chakpara, Upor Chakpara, and Headman Chakpara of Baishari union. As a result the Adibashis of the area are very much afraid of their being evicted. Chingholamongchak, an Adibashi leader told that situation was getting out of control day by day. The Adibashis are landless. The Adibashis urged the combined force to take immediate steps for a fair investigation in this connection.
A minority gold trader of Jikargacha Upazila of Jessore district committed suicide after he was ruined by the political perpetrators (The Daily Samokal, 28th March 07). From Our Correspondent: JIKARGACHA (JESSORE), March 28: Pijush Kanti Ghosh (27), a gold trader had to leave the world after he was looted by the political perpetrators. Pijush committed suicide by taking mulberry on Tuesday night as he failed to return the deposits of the customers. It was learnt that cadres of two political parties carried destruction in Jikargacha bazaar on October 28, 2006 after the four party governments handed over power. At that time taking the opportunity, Jubo Dal (youth front of BNP) leaders Mithu, Mintu and Chatra Dal (student front of BNP) leader Sohag along with their accomplices looted some shops including a jewelry shop named Shornolota Jewelers. Pijush Kanti Ghosh was the proprietor of Shornolota Jewelers. The family of Pijush claimed that the perpetrators looted ornaments deposited by the customers from the shop on that day. As a result Pijush was undone. But the customers started creating pressure on Pijush to return their ornaments they kept with him. Finding no other alternative and to get relief from huge amount of debt, Pijush at last committed suicide.        
Confessional statement
Kidneys of school going student Taposh Biswas of Tala Upazila of Satkhira district trafficked after he was murdered (The Daily Jugantor, 28th March 07 & The Daily Banglabazaar Patrika, 28th March 07) From Our Correspondent: SATKHIRA, March 28: An organized killer group at first murdered Taposh Biswas (11), a school going student of Satkhira district and then the murderers trafficked the kidneys and some other parts of Taposh’s body to the abroad. The same professional group also trafficked the kidneys of two children to abroad in the past. Tupol Biswas, a member of the killer group gave police this information after some dogs dragged out Taposh’s dead body which was buried earlier. It was learnt that Taposh went missing on March 17 from his house. The family members of Taposh were finding him at different places for some days. Later, some locals on Monday saw a hand of Taposh whose dead body was buried in the field and then the locals informed the police.Later police recovered the dead body of Taposh from there. Police told that Taposh might have been murdered by suffocation.
Two Hindu minorities of Bajitpur Upazila of Kishoreganj district make an appeal to the authority for the recovery of their lands from a local named Angur Maih
(The Daily Prothom Alo, 29th March 07). From Our Correspondent:       KISHOREGANJ, March 29: Fishermen made an appeal to the authority to recover their about 15 acres of land grabbed by Angur Maih, cousin of Mojibur Rahman, former MP of Nikoli- Bajitpur constituency of Kishoreganj district. Gourilal Das (55), a fisherman of Asanpur area of Jele(fisherman) Palli(village) of the bank of the river Ghorautra under Bajitpur upazila and his uncle Makhonlal Das (60) submitted written application to the Captain of Bajitpur army camp, Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) and the OC of Bajitpur police station and expected their interference  to recover their property. They also attached the necessary papers of their property with the application.  It was told in the application that in 2002 during the regime of BNP government, Angur Maih, cousin of former MP Mojibur Rahman cut away about 800 maunds of paddy from their about 11 acres of lands and also grabbed their property. Gourilal Das owned 58 decimals of land and his uncle makhonlal Das owned 2 cares and ninety five decimals of land off the total 11 acres of land and the rest of 94 decimals of land they took on lease and were cultivating on that portion of land.  
Makhonlal Das told this correspondent that Angur Miah grabbed his 2.95 acres of land. On the other hand, hired perpetrators of Angur Miah evicted him from his house as he didn’t cast his vote for Angur Maih’s elder brother who contested Union Parishad election held in 2003. After the incident, Makhonlal Das had been living with his family at his mother-in-law’s house in village Mosjidjam for three years. In an application he submitted to the administration, he made an appeal to recover his property and house. The villagers complained that Angur Miah and his accomplices grabbed about 3.11acres of land of poor fishermen of the village Ujjal Das, Norendrachandra Das, Gostholal Das and Birlal Das and Angur Maih had also been enjoying the possession of 3 more acres of land of Amar Das, Satish Das, Poresh Das and Romesh Das for about four years.
Amin Mohammad Farook, chairman of Dighirpar Union Parishad told that the allegation of Gourilal Das and Makhonlal Das was true. UNO Md. Shafiqur Reza Biswas told that he received the allegation of the fishermen. The UNO also told that the administration would take legal action after verifying the allegation. Goutom Rai, Sub-Inspector of Bajitpur police station told that they will take necessary action after an enquiry of the allegation. As Angur was behind the bar and former MP Mojibur Rahman went into hiding so actions could not be taken against them.        
Attempt to grab the land of a Hindu minority of Ashulia police station under Savar Upazila of Dhaka district (The Daily Janokontho, 29th March 07). From Our Correspondent: SAVAR, March 29: A quarter is attempting to grab the property of a Hindu minority of Bypail area under Ashulia police station of Savar upazila. The quarter of illegal grabbers didn’t care at all even after lodging many complaints with the police station in this connection. Rather, the grabbers are now threatening that they would grab the property by hook or by crook. As a result, the family of the Hindu minority is now very much panicked over the matter. A written complainant was submitted to the Captain of Savar upazila army camp in this connection. The army members assured the minority family of any kind of help in this connection.
A dacoity (robbery) committed in the house of a minority in Trishal Upazila of Mymensingh district (The Daily Ajker Kagoj, 30th March 07): From Our Correspondent: TRISHAL, March 30: A dacoity took place in the house of a minority in Trishal upazila of Mymensingh district on March 22. At that time, the bandits looted goods worth about taka 1.5 lakh (million) including 6 bhoris (a measurement of gold) of gold. Two persons including a woman were injured as the bandits gave them a good beating. According to local people, a group of bandits numbering 10-12 entered into the houses of Narayan Chandra Karmaka, Ratan Chandra Karmakar and Sumon Chandra Karmakar at about 1 am on March 22 and the bandits also looted goods worth about taka 1.5 lakh including 6 bhoris of gold. The bandits also beat up Sri Ruma Rani and Sumon Chandra Karmakar when they went to resist the bandits and as a result, they got injured.  A minority housewife of Baufol Upazila of Patuakhali district threatens to commit suicide for the slang language of Sub-Inspector of Baufol police station
(The Daily Janokontho, 31st March 07). From Our Correspondent. BAUFOL, March 31: Robiul Islam, the SI of Baufol police station threatened a minority housewife to drive in a stick into the vagina of that housewife in front of her son and then the SI would revolve her into the village. The housewife became mentally upset for that kind of indecent behavior and so the housewife threatened to commit suicide. Making the allegation against the SI of Baufol police station, the housewife threatened to commit suicide in front of some journalists and UNO of Baufol at the local guesthouse on Friday afternoon. Housewife Kanon Bala complained that she submitted a statement against her opponent Roghunath Gong of village Kuripaika under Boga Union Parishad to the local police station on Monday in connection with the incident of beating and looting. Robiul Islam went to the house of Kanon Bala for the investigation. At that time people of the opponent group also accompanied the SI. The SI in name of the investigation took the support of the opponent and started abusing Kanon Bala in slang language in front of her son Nirmal Kumar and her other relatives and the SI also told Kanon Bala to settle the matter sitting with her opponent group in a day or two and also to withdraw the allegation, otherwise the SI would revolve her into the village driving in a stick into her vagina. UNO Sanchoy Kumar after hearing the incident became very much upset and then he immediately informed Mizanur Rahman, OC of Baufol police station of the incident and then the OC changed the SI Robiul Islam and lodged a case with the police station in this connection.                    
A minority housewife of Mithapukur Upazila of Rangpur district murdered by her nephew (The Daily Samokal, 31st March 07). From Our Correspondent:       MITHAPUKUR (RANGPUR), March 31: A nephew in Mithapukur upazila of Rangpur district murdered his own aunty by hacking. The incident took place in Mithapukur Upazila of Rangpur district at night on Thursday last. The locals held the murdered and handed over him to the police. It was learnt according to the source of the case that Mridul Kumar, professor of Mithapukur College of village Chitli along with his wife Anita Rai went to visit the house of Bimal Kumar Sarkar, former principal of Mithapukur College of the same village on Thursday night. There Bapon Kumar Sarkar (25), son of Bimal Kumar at one stage of gossiping started hacking Anita Rai with chopper from backward. Anita Rai was immediately taken into Mithapukur hospital but there the on duty doctor declared her dead.  Just after the incident the locals held Bapon Kumar Sarkar and later handed over him to the police. Nipun Kumar, elder son of the deceased lodged a case with the local police station in this connection on Thursday last. But Bimal Kumar told that his son Bapon Kumar was a mental patient.       
Housewife gang raped in Keraniganj (The Daily Bangladesh Observer, 31st March 07). From Our Correspondent KERANIGANJ, March 31: A housewife was gang raped at Bamonsur village here on Thursday midnight. Local sources said, the victim, aged about 22, along with her husband and brother-in-law went to the house of Khalek Dewan at Bamonsur village from Faridpur district at night to attend a religious program.
But in the midst of the program, a group of miscreants picked up the housewife at gunpoint and took her to Panchdona High School ground. They later gang raped her.
Being informed by the victim’s husband, police rushed to the scene and rescued the victim in an unconscious state. She was admitted to Mitford Hospital.
Minority Sangram Parishad demands reservation of 75 seats in the National Parliament for the minorities. (The Daily Ittefaq, 31st March 07). Staff Reporter.            Minority Sangram Parishad placed 11 point demands including the formation of Debottor (deities) board and the reservation of 75 seats in the national parliament for the minorities. In a press conference held yesterday, the leaders of the organization lauded the steps taken by the present caretaker government and also placed their 11 point demands. Advocate Ashok Kumar Ghosh, president of the organization read out the written statement in the press conference held at Dhaka reporters’ Unity auditorium on Friday last. Professor Ashok Toru, executive president of the organization, vice president Bimal Krishan Majumdar, Arunchandra Das, SK Badal, Dula Saha answered the questions. The demands were as follows: justice of al the incidents of murder, arson and toll collection, to reserve 75 seats in the parliament for the minorities, to reserve 20 percent quota in all fields including the government’s job for the minorities, cancellation of Vested Property Act forever, return of 2.22 acres of land of Ramna Kali temple, to bring back all the Hindus who left the country, to recover the property of the minorities grabbed by illegal grabbers, formation of Christian and Buddhist board, formation of foundation board for Hindu, Christian and Buddhist, declaration of Hindu, Christian and Buddhist religion as the state religion, appointment of religious teachers in all government and non-government high schools, three day holiday on Durga Puja and also implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts treaty immediately.