Hindus in Bangladesh baffled by motive behind Muslim mob attacks

Terror has spread among the Hindus in Brahmanbarhia's Nasirnagar after Muslim mobs turned on them twice in five days amidst so-called tight security following a Facebook post allegedly insulting Islam.

The rampaging, arson and looting were initially said to be related to 'communal hatred', but the temporary expulsion of ruling Awami League's three local leaders over the attacks has brought the political connection to the incidents to the fore.

Rajib Deb, a resident of Nasirnagar's Banikparha, says whatever the reason behind the attacks, the Hindus in the area are feeling helpless.

"Some say there is a political reason. Whatever it is, what is our crime?" he asked. "We are in great panic."

Dakkhinparha housewife Pranati Sarker saw a portion of her home torched in the latest attack on Friday. "We don't know who set the fire. We are in fear of what will happen now. We don't understand what is happening and why it is happening," she said.   

Protests erupted across the country, including the capital, after the first attack on Oct 30. At least 15 temples and hundreds of houses were vandalised and looted that day. Earlier on Friday, several houses and a temple were torched amid 'tight security'.   

The protesters are demanding removal of local MP and Fisheries and Livestock Minister Sayedul Hoque. The three expelled Awami League leaders are known to be his followers.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has asked the people from minority groups to 'overcome fear', saying the government is 'not unmoved' by the attacks.

Speaking at a programme on Friday afternoon, he said there was 'nothing to worry' when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is by their side.

The authorities said security was heightened in the area after the attacks. Nasirnagar OC Abdul Kader, who delivered speech at a rally by Islamists protesting the Facebook post, has been withdrawn for alleged negligence of duty.

Protesters are also demanding that Upazila Nirbahi Officer Chowdhury Muazzem Hossain, who also spoke at the rally on Oct 30, removed. The speeches delivered at the rally, following which the attacks were carried out, were provocative, the victims alleged.

Asked how the arson attacks took place even after deployment of additional law enforcers, Brahmanbarhia Assistant Superintendent of Police Abdul Karim told bdnews24.com, "Police were on guard round the clock. But they couldn't see the arson attacks as they were carried out inside the houses."   

He said police were trying to arrest those involved with the arson attacks.