Civic group concern over the govt’s move to establish a BGB camp in Bandarban by acquiring indigenous people’s farm lands and a crematorium

Source: Kapaeeng Foundation

Civic rights group expressed concern over the government’s move to establish a Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) sector headquarters at Rawangchari upazila in Bandarban by acquiring indigenous Jumma people’s farm lands and a crematorium. They demanded immediate cancellation of establishment of BGB sector Headquarters.

Civic rights group raised the demand in a press conference held on 28^th October 2014 at 11:00 am at Reporters Unity in Dhaka. The conference was held after the on-site inquiry of the grabbing of farm land and cremation ground by the BGB for the establishment of BGB sector headquarters in Kraikhyong-Hangsama Para in between Bandarban sadar and Rowangchari upazila in Bandarban district.

Mr. Dipayan Khisha an indigenous rights activist facilitated the conference while eminent columnist and researcher Saiyod Abul Maksud, Trustee of Liberation War Museum Zia Uddin Tarik Ali, associate professor of Mass Communication and Journalism Department of Dhaka University Robayet Ferdous, Human Rights Activist Advocate Nilufar Banu, Film Director Rashed Ryan and Executive Director of Kapaeeng Foundation Pallab Chakma were present among others. Rajib Mir, associate professor of Mass Communication and Journalism Department of Jagannath University read out main script of the press conference on behalf of the visiting team.

Eminent Columnist and researcher Mr. Syed Abul Maksud said that this issue should be raised in the Parliament and the establishment of the BGB sector Headquarter should be suspended until the issue is dissolved. He said this is a violation of the rights of indigenous peoples. The state is not discharging its responsibilities properly. He said that the government should immediately suspend the project.

Mr. Robayet Ferdous said that, militarization in CHT is still prevailing and there are 6 cantonment in 3 hill districts. The State doesn’t consider the indigenous people as its own people. That’s why indigenous peoples’ ancestral land has been grabbed violating the CHT Accord of 1997 and the provisions of CHT Regulation of 1900 and without any discussion with the concerned Circle Chief, Headmen, and Karbaries. There is no freedom of thoughts under military rule. He opined that by any means, the rights of the indigenous people and their lands should be protected.

Mr. Rajib Mir stated in his written statement that, they (BGB) have put up fence in a vast area without any beforehand notification. There is complains that the disadvantage indigenous people have lost almost everything they have to the land grabbers. Recently, the land grabbing for establishing of the BGB sector headquarters in the Khraikhyong-Hangsha Para of Rowangchari upazila it’s a new addition. It’s a questionable act when there is no discussion with the local leaders and the local people. Land grabbing would lead to the fear of eviction of indigenous villagers as well as demographic destruction of the region. He said that livelihoods of at least 300 families would be affected if the farm lands were was acquired for the paramilitary establishment.

The following recommendations have been proposed on behalf of the civic group that have visited the spot recently in the Press Conference:

1. Grabbing of lands for building BGB sector Headquarter without the recommendation of Bohmang Circle Chief, Mouza Headman is a clear violation of the rules of the traditional land management of Chittagong Hill Tracts.
2. Steps should be taken for proper discussion of the issue with CHT Regional Council, Bohmang Chief Circle, Mouza Headman, and the local dwellers.
3. There should be a time frame with road map of the full implementation of the CHT Peace Accord of 1997.

It is mentionable that the local indigenous Marma villagers submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister of the Government of Bangladesh on 29 October 2014 demanding cancellation of land acquisition for BGB camp. They mentioned in the memorandum that Only 450 acres of land are currently available for traditional Jum cultivation for 500 landless families in 11 villages of the mouza. Out of the 7,000 acres of land under the mouza, 4,550 acres had been acquired by the forest department, 1,000 acres are unarable land and 1,000 acres belong to individual owners. At least 2,000 acres of arable land are required for the sustenance of 1,500 families who live in the mouza.

More than a month ago, the home ministry gave its approval to acquire 34 acres of land for building the headquarters along the Bandarban-Rowangchhari road in Bandarban Sadar upazila. Inhabitants of two indigenous Marma villages claimed that the community land, which provided them with a livelihood and a cremation ground, fall within the area earmarked for the headquarters. The area was sealed off with a barbed wire fence by the BGB a month ago.

Please find full press statement of civic rights group in Bangla attached herewith and visit following links for media reports:

http://www.thedailystar.net/100-indigenous-families-at-a-loss-47869

http://newagebd.net/61851/rights-group-concerned-over-land-acquisition-for-bgb-at-rawangchari/#sthash.87rj3hk7.xCAe6ipo.dpbs

http://www.thedailysangbad.com/index.php?ref=MjBfMTBfMjlfMTRfMV8xNF8xXzE2ODE1NQ%3D%3D

Idols vandalised in districts

Source: Dhaka Tribune

No one was arrested even though the police had been informed of the matter instantly

 
 

  The idols are suspected to be vandalised in the middle of the night. Photo- Dhaka Tribune 

 

Some miscreants damaged five idols at three temples at Shologhar Palpara and Senpara under Srinagar upazila in Munshiganj early yesterday.

Bijoy Chakrabarty, president of Srinagar Puja Celebration Committee, and Lakshman Sen, secretary of the organisation, said no one was arrested until the night even though the police had been informed of the matter instantly.

The idols are suspected to be vandalised in the middle of the night. Local MP Suranjit Sen Ghosh condemned the attack and asked the officials concerned to take legal action against the miscreants.

Officer-in-Charge of Srinagar police station Sheikh Mahabubur Rahman said they were trying to arrest the miscreants, reports our correspondent.

In another incident in Madaripur, miscreants looted money and other materials from Pronobmoth temple early yesterday.

Contacted, Madaripur sadar OC Mofazzal Hossain said the police had started investigation into the matter which they found to be mysterious, reports our correspondent.

No one was arrested even though the police had been informed of the matter instantly

• The idols are suspected to be vandalised in the middle of the night 
  Photo- Dhaka Tribune

Some miscreants damaged five idols at three temples at Shologhar Palpara and Senpara under Srinagar upazila in Munshiganj early yesterday.
Bijoy Chakrabarty, president of Srinagar Puja Celebration Committee, and Lakshman Sen, secretary of the organisation, said no one was arrested until the night even though the police had been informed of the matter instantly.
The idols are suspected to be vandalised in the middle of the night. Local MP Suranjit Sen Ghosh condemned the attack and asked the officials concerned to take legal action against the miscreants.
Officer-in-Charge of Srinagar police station Sheikh Mahabubur Rahman said they were trying to arrest the miscreants, reports our correspondent.
In another incident in Madaripur, miscreants looted money and other materials from Pronobmoth temple early yesterday.
Contacted, Madaripur sadar OC Mofazzal Hossain said the police had started investigation into the matter which they found to be mysterious, reports our correspondent.

- See more at: http://www.dhakatribune.com/crime/2014/jan/26/idols-vandalised-dists#sthash.n4ll5kqw.dpuf

No one was arrested even though the police had been informed of the matter instantly

• The idols are suspected to be vandalised in the middle of the night 
  Photo- Dhaka Tribune

Some miscreants damaged five idols at three temples at Shologhar Palpara and Senpara under Srinagar upazila in Munshiganj early yesterday.
Bijoy Chakrabarty, president of Srinagar Puja Celebration Committee, and Lakshman Sen, secretary of the organisation, said no one was arrested until the night even though the police had been informed of the matter instantly.
The idols are suspected to be vandalised in the middle of the night. Local MP Suranjit Sen Ghosh condemned the attack and asked the officials concerned to take legal action against the miscreants.
Officer-in-Charge of Srinagar police station Sheikh Mahabubur Rahman said they were trying to arrest the miscreants, reports our correspondent.
In another incident in Madaripur, miscreants looted money and other materials from Pronobmoth temple early yesterday.
Contacted, Madaripur sadar OC Mofazzal Hossain said the police had started investigation into the matter which they found to be mysterious, reports our correspondent.

- See more at: http://www.dhakatribune.com/crime/2014/jan/26/idols-vandalised-dists#sthash.n4ll5kqw.dpuf

Human Chain for sexual assaultation of a Buddhist monk by Bangladesh Army personnels.

Source: CHT-Jummaland


On Thursday (January 16th, 2014), a Buddhist monk was sexually assaulted by a army personnel and a member of Ansar Battalion in Bilaichuri under the sub-district of Rangamati (Bangladesh).
It is learned that on January 16th, 2014 two law enforcers entered the Vihar (temple), sexually assaulted and tortured the monk and absconded with money and others valuable. Due to indignity and fear of further assault, the monk did not disclose such matters to others immediately after the attack. A similar incident occurred once again and this time the monk compelled to disclose it. In protest of this incident, Parbotto Bikkhu Sangha and Buddho Jono Sadharon have arranged a peaceful demonstration forming “human chain” in front of D.C office of Rangamati.

Hindu people living in anxiety in Gaibandha

Source: Dhaka Tribune

Many families have already taken shelter at their relative houses to save their lives plus honour

Fearing further attacks by anti-liberation forces, people of Hindu community have been living life with grave anxiety.

Male persons of Hindu families have started patrolling villages with lethal weapons to protect themselves from Jamaat-Shibir attacks, locals said.

Many families have already taken shelter at their relative houses to save their lives plus honour. 

Principal Paresh Chandra Saha, president of the Bangladesh Hindu, Boudha, Khristan Oikya Parishad, said the miscreants also continued issuing threat to the minority families of Sundarganj, Sadullapur, Palashbari and Gobindaganj upazilas so that they could not dare to go to polling centres during re-elections scheduled to be held on January 16.

A Hindu man was killed and 28 incidence of violence had taken place in Sadar, Sundarganj, Sadullapur, Palashbari and Gobindaganj upazilas of the district during pre and post-poll violence, says a press release issued by Bangladesh Hindu, Boudha, Khristan Oikya Parishad, district unit.

The miscreants allegedly belong to anti-liberation Jamaat-Shibir conducted their destructive activities through attacking the Hindu families, vandalising their houses and furniture, looting properties and setting fire to it during the period, leaving the minorities panicked.

The anti-liberation forces also beat two presiding officers, Kanti Bhuson Barmon and Mukul Chandra Borman, while they were going to polling centres with electoral materials the day before election.

Now, they are undergoing treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.

Besides, the fanatics also exploded two crude bombs at the homesteads of two minority families on the Election Day in a bid to create panic among Hindus, said the release.

Apart from it, Satendranath Borman of Kachdaha village under Ramjibon union of Sundarganj upazila was beaten to death allegedly by Jamaat-Shibir men after the January-5 election.

Hindu people urged the government to take immediate measures to protect the Hindus and their properties by taking stern actions against the people involved in the attacks without any delay.

Meanwhile, cultural activists formed a human chain on Town Hall premises in Mymensingh town yesterday morning, protesting communal violence on Hindus across the country. Mymensingh Theatre Association organised the event.

They also demanded immediate arrest of the attackers to bring them to book.

Convener of Mymensingh Theatre Association and Secretary of Bahurupi Natya Sangstha Shahadat Hossain Khan Hilu, among others, addressed the programme.

Many families have already taken shelter at their relative houses to save their lives plus honour

Fearing further attacks by anti-liberation forces, people of Hindu community have been living life with grave anxiety.
Male persons of Hindu families have started patrolling villages with lethal weapons to protect themselves from Jamaat-Shibir attacks, locals said.
Many families have already taken shelter at their relative houses to save their lives plus honour.
Principal Paresh Chandra Saha, president of the Bangladesh Hindu, Boudha, Khristan Oikya Parishad, said the miscreants also continued issuing threat to the minority families of Sundarganj, Sadullapur, Palashbari and Gobindaganj upazilas so that they could not dare to go to polling centres during re-elections scheduled to be held on January 16.
A Hindu man was killed and 28 incidence of violence had taken place in Sadar, Sundarganj, Sadullapur, Palashbari and Gobindaganj upazilas of the district during pre and post-poll violence, says a press release issued by Bangladesh Hindu, Boudha, Khristan Oikya Parishad, district unit.
The miscreants allegedly belong to anti-liberation Jamaat-Shibir conducted their destructive activities through attacking the Hindu families, vandalising their houses and furniture, looting properties and setting fire to it during the period, leaving the minorities panicked.
The anti-liberation forces also beat two presiding officers, Kanti Bhuson Barmon and Mukul Chandra Borman, while they were going to polling centres with electoral materials the day before election.
Now, they are undergoing treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.
Besides, the fanatics also exploded two crude bombs at the homesteads of two minority families on the Election Day in a bid to create panic among Hindus, said the release.
Apart from it, Satendranath Borman of Kachdaha village under Ramjibon union of Sundarganj upazila was beaten to death allegedly by Jamaat-Shibir men after the January-5 election.
Hindu people urged the government to take immediate measures to protect the Hindus and their properties by taking stern actions against the people involved in the attacks without any delay.
Meanwhile, cultural activists formed a human chain on Town Hall premises in Mymensingh town yesterday morning, protesting communal violence on Hindus across the country. Mymensingh Theatre Association organised the event.
They also demanded immediate arrest of the attackers to bring them to book.
Convener of Mymensingh Theatre Association and Secretary of Bahurupi Natya Sangstha Shahadat Hossain Khan Hilu, among others, addressed the programme.

- See more at: http://www.dhakatribune.com/law-amp-rights/2014/jan/14/hindu-people-living-anxiety-gaibandha#sthash.myi51hkR.dpuf

AHRC Press Release - BANGLADESH: Attacks on non-Muslims must stop now, forever

Source: Asian Human Rights Commission

Shame shadows Bangladesh again. Numerous attacks have been waged on the Hindu community across Bangladesh in the wake of the January 5^th general 'election'. Houses and business establishments owned by Hindus have been targeted. Other ethnic and non-Muslim communities have also been attacked. Temples and religious sites have not been spared. Few hundred Hindu families have lost their property and savings in acts of vandalism, loot, and arson. Numerous women and children from minority communities, have fled their homes, and are in hiding in fear of further attacks. Their homes destroyed, some sleep under the open sky in the cold air of winter nights. Neither the state nor humanitarian organizations have responded with adequate food and shelter for the victims.
Thousands of Joint Forces troops, comprising the police, Rapid Action Battalion, and Border Guards, have remained deployed for tightening 'election period' security. The Bangladesh Army has also been on the street to 'aid' the government since December 2013. All these swarming forces have failed to prevent the attacks and protect the minority population.
This is, of course, not the first such series of attacks; it is only the latest instance in a litany of shameful attacks on the dwindling minority population of Bangladesh. Attacking minorities has become an election tradition in the country. Whether real or fake, rigged or boycotted, no election appears to be complete without literal minority bashing. It is time Bangla literature updates its historical reference to there being only 6 seasons in the land. The election period is now akin to a separate season in itself, one in which vandalism, loot, arson, and attack on minority establishments is a key feature.
How long can the non-Muslim communities sustain such barbarity?
Targeting of non-Muslims for political gains is done by both parties that win and parties that lose elections. Of course, many Muslims also fall victim to the seasonal violence of elections; at least five lives have been lost in post election violence this year, not to mention over a hundred killed in the lead-up to the election. Apart from political gains, such attacks, orchestrated by powerful people, linked to the ruling or opposition parties, are often undertaken for grabbing land and assets. The attacks on Hindus, in particular, also open undue opportunities to politicians beyond borders, for earning 'extra' benefits, again, at the cost of the dignity and interests of the people of Bangladesh.
Following this latest rounds of attacks on minorities, the government has hurled accusations on opposition political parties. The pro-government media and civil society has echoed the story of the attacks having been undertaken by the opposition. The police, virtually across the country, have registered complaints maintaining the position of the pro-ruling party, holding the opposition responsible. The chief opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and its ally, Bangladesh Jamaat-E-Islami (BJI), have, in turn, blamed the ruling party, the Bangladesh Awami League (BAL), for the attacks.
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has had the opportunity to enquire after the well-being of victims in Chapatala village, Avoynagar, in Jessore district. The victims' version of events contradicts the government's take. Residents of Chapatala state the following:
They say Mr. Ranjit Kumar Roy, a ruling party candidate, a Hindu, won the election. Cadres of the defeated candidate, Mr. Abdul Wahab – who was a leader of the Bangladesh Awami League until he was denied a ticket by the party this election – led the attacks. Supporters of few other political parties, those with links to the attack leaders, and local 'petty criminals', thieves and muggers, jointly committed the crimes. Around seventy lower caste Hindu families lost most of their assets as a result. Their houses and shops have been looted, belongings burnt.
It must be noted that Abdul Wahab also happens to be a Whip in the yet to be dissolved 9^th Parliament. On December 28, 2013, Wahab held an election campaign meeting at Sundali Primary School ground adjacent to Chapatala village. In that meeting Wahab allegedly threatened Hindu families with dire consequences if he were to lose the election to his Hindu counterpart. The Hindu inhabitants of Chapatala village did not imagine that the victory of Mr. Ranjeet Kumar Roy would cause them so much misery. The case of Chapatala makes it clear that politicians of all hues are behind such dastardly violence.
The AHRC has learned that local administrations in some districts have provided relief and remuneration to some victims. While adequate relief is essential, and must cover all the affected, what is really required is 'justice' for the victims. To ensure justice, the institution of a judicial probe commission is the need of the hour, to investigate and prosecute perpetrators regardless of their political or religious identity. However, if history is any indicator, AHRC is well aware that even if such a commission were to be instituted, something highly unlikely, the incumbent regime would only go so far as to abuse it. Such criminal investigations surrounding the communal attacks will only likely end up as another tool for those in power to further corner political opposition.
The AHRC notes the statement of Mr. Subrata Chowdhury, President of Bangladesh Hindu Buddha Christian Oikkya Parishad and a Supreme Court lawyer. BBC Bangla Service news has recorded him stating that "now, it has been accused that Jamaat-Shibir committed the attacks. It is made to be a slogan. In reality, it has been seen that it is not the Jamaat-Shibir who have attacked in all the cases. We have found that in many places the Awami Leaguers are involved too. If Jamaat-Shibir have committed these, then why the government is not bring them to the book and why actions are not being taken against the public officials for failing to prevent such incidents?" Mr. Chowdhury asked.
The realities are truly unfortunate, as Bangladesh has a long and commendable history of communal harmony, unlike neighbouring nations. The people, regardless of their religious background, fought for the country's independence in 1971. Together, they sacrificed lives on the battle field. If any roadside tea-stall plays a song such as "Mora Ekti Fulkey Bachabo Boley Juddho Kori" [We struggle for protecting each and every flower], any Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, and ethnic community member will sing along in chorus. Ordinary citizens of Bangladesh have deep bonds beyond their communal identities. It is, however, the shamelessly dirty politics atop the nation, and the unforgivable failure of the civil and police administration to prevent attacks on non-Muslims, that has butchered the people's history.
The people must unite again to prevent the politics of communal violence. It is not merely a loss for the minorities, in terms of their houses, businesses, and valuables. Trust and respect in society, which money cannot buy, is lost in such attacks. The social fabric of Bangladesh is rent asunder. The country's image and, in particular, that of the Muslim majoritarian community is besmirched internationally. The historic fraternity of the people must resurface, stronger, to sideline those paralyzed by greed. The parties that fail to end such bloody politics must be relegated to the bin of history. Communal violence must be stopped now and forever.

Document Type :

Statement

Document ID :

AHRC-STM-014-2014

Hindu Farmer Murdered in Bangladesh, Houses Burnt

Source: Indian Express

By IANS - DHAKA

Published: 12th January 2014 04:43 PM

Last Updated: 12th January 2014 04:44 PM 

A Hindu farmer was stabbed to death while his wife and relative were injured Sunday by a masked assailant in Natore district of Bangladesh.
In a separate incident, the rioters Saturday tried to burn two Hindu houses in Jhalokathi's Nolchiti area. The fire damaged a temple in one of the houses, reported bdnews24.com.
Police said Haripad Mondol, 50, and his wife Bishaka Rani, 45, were attacked in their house in Bagdome Mondolparha area.
Mondol died on his way to a hospital while Rani was admitted to the hospital.
The assailant also stabbed Mita Rani, Mondol's niece.
Md Ibrahim, officer-in-charge of Barhaigram police station, said police were trying to ascertain the motive behind the murder.
Meanwhile, Dilip Shil of Abhoynil village said he saw the temple's terrace on fire in Jhalokathi's Nolchiti area.
A.F.M. Anwar Hossain, district assistant Superintendent of police, told bdnews24.com that Abhoynil and Fulhori villages were also attacked Saturday in separate incidents.
Meanwhile, families of two Hindu women in Jessore, who were reportedly raped during the riots after the parliamentary elections Jan 5 in the country, have fled their village after filing a case with police.
On Jan 7, rioters attacked the Hindus at Hajrail village in the district. A family member of one of the women said that the rioters broke their door and asked if they participated in the polls.

String of attacks rattles Bangladesh's Hindus

Source: IBN Live

Bangladesh's Hindus have been rattled by a string of attacks linked to the recent controversial general election, with leaders of the minority community saying such violence can be stopped only if the government takes stern action against perpetrators.
Activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami were blamed for attacks on the Hindus, who were accused of backing the Awami League which won the January 5 polls despite a boycott by the opposition.
The activists torched, vandalised and looted homes, shops and businesses establishments of Hindus in the northwestern districts of Dinajpur, Lalmonirhat and Thakurgaon and at Noapara in western Jessore district, which was the worst affected area. According to statistics from the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council (HBCUC), 485 households and 578 shops owned by Hindus in 32 districts were vandalised since the election schedule was announced on November 25.

String of attacks rattles Bangladesh's Hindus

During this period, 152 temples were also damaged. "It appeared that the state has failed to take adequate steps to protect the minority community," said Mizanur Rahman Khan, chairman of the statutory Bangladesh Human Rights Commission.
Hindu community leaders have cautiously welcomed government actions to prevent attacks on minorities, including a decision last week to set up special tribunals under an anti-terror law to punish those responsible for violence. "We see the situation is improving with no major attacks or intimidation if Hindus in the past two days thanks to growing social resistance and government action," Kajal Debnath, presidium member of the HBCUC, told.
But the community leaders feared the improvement could be a short-lived phenomenon if culprits were not brought to justice quickly and given stern punishment like life sentence. "The most important deterrent could be making a provision under which lawmakers of a (violence-affected) constituency will be held liable along with ensuring the accountability of the local administration and police for any attacks or intimidation," Debnath said.
Information Minister Hassanul Haq Inu reiterated the government s "zero tolerance" policy for communal intimidation as announced by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He told PTI that steps were being taken for "stern punitive actions" against culprits.
"But first of all, let me tell you this is not any communal violence. The attacks were carried out with a political motive to create instability and affect our relations with regional nations," Inu said. He said dozens of culprits had been detained as part of a massive clampdown and the situation would improve further after the new Awami League government assumes office.
Lawmakers would go their respective areas and oversee an anti-communal campaign after the government is installed. The HBCUC staged a nationwide black flag protest over the attacks on Saturday, with the main protest held in Dhaka, where activists demanded the enactment of tougher laws to prosecute culprits in fast tracks courts and compensate victims.
Hundreds of youths carrying banners of the Ganojagaran Mancha or "mass upsurge movement" joined a march towards Jessore, where Hindus were the worst victims of violence. Government officials said the attacks on Hindus would be categorised as acts of "terrorism". Shafique Ahmed, the Prime Minister's law affairs adviser, said a process has been initiated to try the culprits under the Terrorism Prevention Act.
The Law Ministry has already taken the initiative of forming tribunals in consultation with the Supreme Court. Home Secretary C Q Moshtaque said the paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh was kept in place despite the end of their election duties to asked to prevent fresh attacks on Hindus. Action had also been taken against several deputy commissioners and police superintendents for their failure to prevent attacks, he said.
Government-sponsored social committees had been revived to protect minorities and the districts administrations were asked to reach out to Hindus to give them moral support.
The mass circulation Prothom Alo reported that one Hindu died in panic of a heart attack after some persons set on fire hay stashed in his backyard in northwestern Joypurhat. Premier Sheikh Hasina blamed her arch-rival BNP chief Khaleda Zia for the violence. She promised strict action against the culprits, saying: "Everyone responsible for attacks on the minority community will face stern punishment."
In many places, opposition activists attacked both Hindus and supporters of the AL for defying an opposition call to boycott the polls which the BNP described as "farcical". But the BNP said in a statement that attacks on Hindus were being carried out at the government's instigation to divert people's attention from massive criticism of the polls.
BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who issued the statement, asked opposition leaders and activists to take effective steps to protect minorities. Minorities account for 9.7 per cent of Bangladesh's population of 150 million and, according to the last census, Hindus make up about 8.4 per cent of the populace.