51 anti-minority attacks rock Bangladesh ahead of polls

At least 51 incidents of violence against minority communities have been reported in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has said, expressing grave concern over a surge in communal attacks as the country approaches its 13th parliamentary election.

- SHIKHA SALARIA

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Council said minorities are increasingly apprehensive about their ability to vote freely and without intimidation in the upcoming polls. It alleged that communal miscreants are carrying out coordinated attacks across the country to the violence.

The Council urged the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus and the Election Commission of Bangladesh to take immediate and effective steps to halt forcibly prevent minorities from voting for candidates of their choice.

According to the Council, the 51 reported cases include 10 murders, 10 incidents of theft and robbery, 23 cases of occupation, looting and arson involving homes, businesses, temples and land, four cases of detention and torture on false charges of religious blasphemy and alleged links with India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), one attempted rape, and three incidents of physical assault.