The Bangladesh NHRC investigation into the riots in Lohagara, where Hindu homes and shops were attacked, will also explore negligence on the part of the administration. Investigation will also probe why the police failed to prevent the attacks.
Bangladesh’s principal human rights body, the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh (NHRC) has ordered an investigation into the recent rioting and attack on the houses and business establishment of Hindus at Digholia village of Narail’s Lohagara upazila.
Several houses, shops and temples of the Hindu community were attacked and set on fire over a Facebook post allegedly insulting Prophet Muhammad at Digholia village of Narail’s Lohagara upazila on Friday.
The NHRC investigation will also explore the negligence on the part of the administration. Investigation will also be conducted to find why the local police failed to prevent attacks, arson, looting of temples and houses of the Hindu community and legal action will be taken accordingly.
A victim from the village in Narail told mediapersons that an atmosphere of fear continues to prevail in the village after the attack and they are still getting threats but the administration has not taken any action. He demanded action by the government to ensure the safety of the people in the area.
An agitated mob vandalised and looted six shops in a local market and set fire to a temple. Besides, four houses were vandalised and looted, according to the affected families.
Several houses, shops and temples of the Hindu community were attacked and set on fire over a Facebook post allegedly insulting Prophet Muhammad at Digholia village of Narail’s Lohagara upazila on Friday.
Freedom fighters protest
Condemning the attacks on the homes and business establishment of the country’s minority religious community, the commission’s chairperson, Nachima Begum said that such communal violence was unacceptable in Bangladesh. She said that no one has a right to insult other religions in the name of freedom of expression and the person making the derogatory comment has been quickly arrested. At the same time, she said, nobody has a right to take law into their own hands to attack, burn and loot houses and temples.
On Sunday, the Muktijoddha Manch, and organisation of the country’s liberation war fighters protested the incident and its members conducted a protest march on the streets of Dhaka and formed a human chain.
Muktijoddha Manch general secretary, Al Mamun demanded setting up of a judicial commission of inquiry to punish all those involved in the incidents of violence. The organisation’s president, Aminul Islam Bulbul called upon the government to deal with the communal forces with a firm hand.
