The Rights and Risk Analysis Group (RRAG) has lodged a formal complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Bangladesh, calling for an inquiry into the widespread destruction of at least 1,090 homes, business establishments, and places of worship belonging to minority communities.
The attacks, occurring between 5 and 20 August 2024, followed the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, as reported by The Prothom Alo on 12 September 2024. The newspaper recorded at least 1,090 incidents, including damage to 1,068 homes and businesses and 22 places of worship. Tragically, two members of the minority community were also killed during this period.
According to The Prothom Alo, the attacks were concentrated in the southwestern division of Khulna, where at least 295 minority-owned properties were destroyed. Other regions affected included Rangpur with 219 incidents, Mymensingh with 183, Rajshahi with 155, Dhaka with 79, Barishal with 68, Chattogram with 45, and Sylhet with 25. In some locations, the damage was extensive, while in others it was less severe.
In terms of the loss of life, the report noted the murders of two Hindus. Mrinal Kanti Chatterjee, a retired school teacher, was beaten and hacked to death in his home in Chhoto Paikpara village, Bagerhat Sadar, on 5 August. His wife and daughter were also injured in the attack. Another victim, Swapan Kumar Biswas from Paikgachha, Khulna, was tortured and killed on 8 August while returning home.
The Prothom Alo further documented attacks on other religious and ethnic minorities, including Christians, Ahmadiyyas, and indigenous groups. Christian institutions were targeted, such as the Church of Bangladesh in Naogaon, the Evangelical Holiness Church in Dinajpur, and the collection booth of the Christian Cooperative Credit Union in Madanpur, Narayanganj. Additionally, several Christian homes in Gournadi (Barishal), Khulna city, Halwaghat (Mymensingh), and Parbatipur were attacked. In one particularly disturbing incident, a statue of Mother Mary was damaged at the Nijpara Mission in Thakurgaon. Numerous missionary schools and colleges also faced threats and attempts of assault.
โThese serious violations of human rights demand immediate action under Section 12(a) of the National Human Rights Commission Act of 2009 in Bangladesh. The NHRC must investigate these grave violations to ensure accountability, provide reparations to the victims, and prevent future attacks,โ said Suhas Chakma, Director of RRAG.
The RRAG has urged the NHRC of Bangladesh to officially register the complaint and issue directives under Section 14 of the National Human Rights Commission Act of 2009. Their recommendations include filing First Information Reports (FIRs) for each case, ensuring witness protection during trials, and assessing the damages suffered by each victim. RRAG has also called for compensation to be provided, including a payment of Taka 10 lakh to the families of the deceased, Mrinal Kanti Chatterjee and Swapan Kumar Biswas. Additionally, they suggested that the NHRC of Bangladesh seek technical assistance from the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) or other relevant NHRIs in the region.
