Nasirnagar returning to normal as fear of attacks subside

Three weeks after the attacks on Hindu homes and temples in Nasirnagar, victims say they feel secure.

Hindus have begun to rebuild damaged homes amid security measures that includes installation of CCTV cameras in important locations.

On Oct 30, a claim that a resident of Brahmanbarhia’s Nasirnagar insulted Islam in a Facebook post led to attacks on  at least 15 Hindu temples and over 100 Hindu homes in the area.

After nearly two weeks of fear and tension, the situation seems to have settled.

“Only a few days ago we were afraid of more attacks,” said local resident Amulya Das. “But much of that fear has dissipated. We are now working to repair our vandalised homes.”

Various public and private organisations have donated three bundles of tin and Tk 21,000 in cash for repair efforts, said Kashiparha victim Bimul Bihari Chowdhury. He is using them to rebuild his home.

“We are no longer afraid,” says carpenter Liton Sutradhar. “Everyone is busy with repairs. We have a lot of work to do.”

According to Nasirnagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Liakat Ali, the situation has returned to normal.

“We have made a list of over 100 affected families and have provided them with financial aid,” he said. “The government has provided Tk 600,000 for rebuilding. We have also collected Tk 900,000 and 114 bundles of tin sheets.”

More aid would be provided to the victims in the future, he said.

The district’s Additional Superintendent of Police Md Iqbal Hossain said that over 300 police, including plainclothes officers, had been deployed in Nasirnagar and the surrounding area to ensure security.

Nasirnagar’s security situation is now under control, he said.

Security forces also held a conference at the Sarail Police Station premises on Monday evening to discuss efforts to improve communal harmony.

Brahmanbaria-2 MP Ziaul Haque Mridha was the chief guest at the conference. The programme was moderated by Superintendent of Police Md Mizanur Rahman.

The speakers discussed the attacks on Hindus as a violation of Bangladesh’s secular spirit and said they would take necessary steps to promote communal harmony.