The Bangladesh government has began investigation into large-scale oppression and harassment of hundreds of minorities taken place in the past two weeks across the country. The directives for urgent probe into reports of harassment of minorities was given last night following hue and cry raised by political circles, human rights and minority organisations.
District chiefs have been asked to investigate and report on each specific case within the next 48 hours, official news agency BSS said.
Begum Khaleda Zia's four-day-old government also ordered stern action against offenders and special support for the Hindu community to celebrate Durga Puja with enthusiasm. The government directions followed an announcement by minority leaders in Bangladesh to abstain from festivities during the coming Durga Puja in the backdrop of attacks on their community. BNP secretary general and senior minister Abdul Mannan Bhuyian in a statement called upon the minority population to perform the Puja festival with due fanfare and without fear.
The law-enforcing agencies have been ordered to take stringent action against those intimidating the minorities.
Press reports spoke about widespread harassment of minorities even after Bangladesh President Shahabuddin Ahmed assured them security and Prime Minister Begum Zia's directed special administrative steps for the Puja festivals.
The situation is emerging as the first major challenge for the new government despite its efforts to play down the problem.
Bureau Report