Dhaka: Bangladesh`s High Court on Wednesday ordered the government to provide adequate protection to Hindus after widespread attacks on the minority community during and after the January 5 general election.
The court also sought a report from authorities about the damage caused by the attacks against the community.
A two-member bench comprising justices Quazi Reza-Ul Hoque and ABM Altaf Hossain sought answers as to why an order will not be issued to stop oppression of minorities and that the attackers to be brought to justice.
Suspected opposition activists attacked Hindus at several districts, accusing them of backing the Awami League which swept the polls following a boycott by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party.
The home secretary, inspector general of police and the deputy commissioners of affected districts were asked to come up with answers within two weeks as the court issued the "suo-moto" rule after a lawyer drew its attention to newspaper reports on the attacks on Hindus.
"We welcome the orders...We hope this will pave the way to bring culprits to justice and help end the culture of impunity," Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council general secretary and lawyer Rana Dasgupta said.
He, however, acknowledged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her new government took with "due importance" the issue of attacks but reiterated the community`s demand to try the culprits to fast track special courts.
According to a report prepared by the Unity Council, 495 Hindu homes were damaged, 585 shops were attacked or looted and 169 temples were vandalised since November. "During this period nearly 2,500 Hindu families are affected," Dasgupta said.
The financial loss of Hindu property and resources were worth Taka 28 lakh (USD 1 = Taka 80) in between January 5 to 12, a police report said.
Hasina has promised stern action against those responsible for attacks on minorities. She has also blamed her arch-rival BNP chief Khaleda Zia for the violence against Hindus.
Last week, the government decided to set up special tribunals under an anti-terrorism law to punish the perpetrators of violence against Hindus.
The BNP, however, alleged that attacks on Hindus were being carried out under the government instigation to divert people`s attention from the "farcical" election.
According to the 2012 census, Hindus constitute 8.4 per cent of Bangladesh`s total population.
