Citizens Decry Failure to Protect Minorities

Thirty-two prominent citizens have issued a strongly worded joint statement condemning a recent surge in targeted killings, arson attacks, and organised violence across the country, particularly against religious and ethnic minorities. The signatories accuse the government of repeatedly failing to ensure swift investigations and effective prosecution of those responsible, thereby allowing a culture of impunity to take root at a critical political moment.

In the statement, released to the media on Saturday, the citizens highlight that in the weeks leading up to the forthcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, the country has witnessed a disturbing pattern of premeditated murders and attacks. Members of minority communities have reportedly been killed, their family homes vandalised or set ablaze, and entire neighbourhoods left in fear. According to the signatories, these incidents are widely perceived by the public as deliberate attempts to destabilise the nation and undermine the electoral process.

The statement emphasises that communal harmony and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths have long been defining features of the country’s social fabric. Those responsible for the violence, the citizens argue, represent only a small but dangerous minority driven by extremist communal ideologies and narrow political interests. Such groups, they warn, are intent on eroding social cohesion for short-term political gain.

The signatories further express concern that both domestic and foreign instigators may be providing encouragement, resources, or ideological support to these acts of violence. “We observe with astonishment and anger that the government has repeatedly failed to conduct prompt investigations and to bring perpetrators of killings, arson, and sabotage before the courts,” the statement reads. This perceived inaction, they say, has deepened insecurity among minority populations and shaken public confidence in the rule of law.

Several recent incidents are cited to illustrate the gravity of the situation. Among those killed are Dipu Das in Bhaluka, Mymensingh; Rana Pratap Bairagi in Jashore; and Sarat Chakraborty Moni in Narsingdi. In another particularly harrowing incident in Raozan, Chattogram, homes belonging to minority families were reportedly locked from the outside and set on fire. The signatories condemn these acts in the strongest possible terms.

The citizens have outlined four key demands, summarised below:

Beyond law enforcement, the statement urges the interim government to issue special instructions to the administration to strengthen protection for all religious and ethnic minorities, including Hindus and others. It also calls on all mainstream political parties to work collectively to prevent communal violence, urging party leaders to ensure discipline among their supporters and to mobilise citizens against hatred and intimidation.

The statement is signed by a wide cross-section of respected figures from civil society, including Sultana Kamal, Khushi Kabir, Rasheda K Chowdhury, Z I Khan Panna, Iftekharuzzaman, Anu Muhammad, Shaheen Anam, and many others. Together, they warn that without immediate and decisive action to protect minorities and uphold justice, both democratic credibility and long-standing communal harmony will remain under serious threat.