According to HRFB, fear and insecurity is increasing among other minority communities including Ahmadiyya community, which is gross violation of human rights and constitutional right
Human Rights Forum Bangladesh demands fair investigation during the conference at the National Press Club on Monday Bangla Tribune
March 13, 2023
Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB) has demanded a fair investigation and trial in the attack on the Ahmadiyya community in Panchagarh.
The demands were made in a conference at the National Press Club on Monday.
According to HRFB, fear and insecurity is increasing among other minority communities including Ahmadiyya community, which is gross violation of human rights and constitutional rights.
HRFB Convener and member of Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) Tamanna Haque Riti said in a written statement at the press conference: “It is clear to the Human Rights Forum from various media reports, fact-finding and discussions with various parties that it is pre-planned and organized around the jalsa of the Ahmadiyya community. Local administration and law enforcement agencies have not taken proper action in this regard. We strongly protest this incident.”
Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Dr Iftekharuzzaman said: “The administration was informed in advance on behalf of the organizers about the event by the Ahmadiyya community. However, why preventive measures were not taken by the administration – this question naturally arises in the minds of the countrymen.”
“This matter worries us. This incident is completely against the basic principles of our constitution. Through this, the constitutional spirit and the spirit of freedom are being trampled,” he added.
Sara Hossain, honorary executive director of Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), said: “There has been an attack on the Ahmadiyya community, there has been an attack on women. We want to know whether everything that needs to be done has been done about these issues.”
Human Rights Forum raised several demands in this incident. These include identifying those involved in the attack and ensuring prompt legal action and justice, investigating the role of the local administration and law enforcement in ensuring the security of the Ahmadiyya community and the proper environment for holding jalsa despite the threat of attacks and ensure accountability in this regard, ensuring proper security of the Ahmadiyya community as well as ensuring adequate compensation and rehabilitation for all affected including women, men and children, inform the public about the legal action taken against individuals or groups who are spreading hatred against the Ahmadiyya community online and offline and inciting attacks on the community, to publicize the progress of the trial process of the cases filed in connection with the previous attacks, and at the same time complete the trial process expeditiously.
Ranjan Karmakar, executive director of Steps Towards Development, Nur Khan, executive director of Ain o Salish Kendra, were present, among others.