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Islamic Militants Unleash terrors on minorities in Nowagaon, Bangladesh:

Vicious attack on minorities: Habitats destroyed: Hundreds are displaced


Photo (courtesy HRCBM-Dhaka): A trail of destructions at Laksmi Khola, Rani Nagar PS of Nowgaon district that still bears the scar of nightmare unleashed by an Islamic Militants group namely "JMJB".  

Note: To download the complete Report in Adobe PDF format please click this url http://www.hrtribune.com/JMJB/banglabhai_nowagaon-05-0704.pdf .


About the Islamic Militants of ill known JMJB:

 JMJB or “Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh” is one of the many hidden Islamic militant groups in Bangladesh who just recently sway into actions in various north western districts of Bangladesh. It is alleged that the group is being patronized by leaders of political parties who are allegedly linked to ruling party and hold offices in the government. The activities of this ill-known Islamic Militant group have been widely unearthed and publicized in all progressive news dailies of Bangladesh. Despite the effort of Bangladesh newspapers to publicize the activities of JMJB or its notorious leader namely "Bangla Bhai", no definitive action is taken by government to apprehend the criminals who are running training camps in various northwestern districts of Bangladesh.

Our observer and local communities of all those districts as well newspaper reports alleged that the group is running a parallel government in the villages. They lynched and extort people at will and issue fatwas for women to use veil at all times and man to use bears.
The critics explain the similarity of these fatwas with those issued by Talibans in Afghanistan. Some critics even alleged that the group is perhaps a conglomeration of HUJI-B (Harkat-ul-Jihad Al-Islami-Bangladesh) and “Harkat-Ul Mujahidin” (HUM) groups that are black listed by USA for having links to worldwide terrors and suspects of having connection to Al-Qaeda.

A report was written by Mr. B. Raman for SAAG (South Asia Analysis Group) which is available at http://www.saag.org/papers9/paper887.html explains the details about the group mentioned and their activities in Bangladesh.

According to the chief of the ill-known group JMJB, the group is working to annihilate activists “Purba Banglar Communist Party” (PBCP), an underground party in Bangladesh. The PBCP is also ill-known for their rein of terrors in those districts.
Those in the ruling party patronized self-styled Islamist group JMJB argues that it is necessary to use JMJB to annihilate PBCP as police and paramilitary are unable to do so.

Some of the leading newspaper in Bangladesh argued that no sovereign country can afford to use fundamentalist militia to control underground parties.
The world has observed with disgust the situation of Darfur, Sudan where Arab militia went on rampage killing, raping and terrorizing minority Christian population in the country and created world’s one of the worst man made disaster in the recent era.

Well, the JMJB style of lynching and terrorizing the local community is no worst than the style of terror unleashed in Darfur, Sudan. Except, incase of Darfur, Sudan the action of Islamic militia was massive and in Bangladesh it is growing yet concealed.  


Photo (courtesy-HRCBM-Dhaka): The picture shows one of the PBCP activist who was lynched to death by alleged JMJB cadres. The killing as such was then publicized to warn the community. Now, the fatwa of JMJB has become the law at some of the remote villages of north western districts of Bangladesh.  In other words, the JMJB runs a parallel government on those districts of Bangladesh.

Recently, a group of personnel from some of the foreign Embassies in Bangladesh were invited by the Bangladesh government for a guided tour in the Rajshahi district to depict that there exist no JMJB or their alleged leader "Bangla Bhai".


Photo (Courtesy HRCBM-Dhaka): On the left, A lynched body of an ill fated victim. Right, the cadres of JMJB perform their daily training and exercises at the locality in broad day light.

The irony is that those officials were presented with cadres of JMJB and right wing Islamists groups in the disguise of general public who denied the allegation of the existence of JMJB. While, JMJB rules clearly in those districts as you will find their rain of terror on minority community in this report, the question still remain whether or not government is truly interested to interdict those Islamists groups? So far, no effective government effort to rein in JMJB like groups in the country has been observed.
Henceforth, it can be argued that another Darfur like situation may become reality in Bangladesh.
We all know the agony of the world community for the failure to protect thousands of people in Darfur and perhaps there would be another failure on its part to protect minorities in Bangladesh despite being notified for years.


Photo (courtesy HRCBM-Dhaka): From left the meeting of JMJB, middle, sworn in ceremony and in the right, gatherings before trainings.

This Report is submitted by HRCBM-Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dated July 16th, 2004.

The Report

I, Adv.Rabindra Ghosh along with Ms.Biva Rani Biswas on behalf of HRCBM-Dhaka rushed to Nowgaon district Laksmi Khola village on 14th of July, 260 kilometers from Dhaka by bus on hearing the news of atrocities against Adhibashi Minorities published in different newspapers of Bangladesh and reached there on 15th of July, 04.

Background Information:

Nowgaon is western district of Bangladesh nearer to Rajshahi district popularly known for cultivation of paddy crops. Near about 10% minorities live in this district and their livelihood depends on agriculture and small businesses. Rani Nagar and Atrai are the two police stations where reports of atrocities against minorities along with other communities are still continuing in the name of "Sarbahara". 

Photo (courtesy HRCBM-Dhaka): HRCBM-Dhaka's human rights defenders are on the way to the remote villages of Nowagaon where minorities are living in nightmare.

Sarbahara (the activists of PBCP) are treated as terrorists in Bangladesh. Recently the government took initiative to take drastic action against Sarbahara. But in the name of combating crime "Bangla Bhai" and Jagrata Muslim Janata (JMJ) has been formed with a view to catch Sarbahara. And accordingly 45 persons have either been killed or abducted for illegal gain in the name of Sarbahara. It has been reported that even dead bodies are hang in the trees as punishment by Bangla Bhai and JMJ. And there is practically no law and order situation in those areas. As a result a great number of religious, ethnic and Adhibashi minorities have become the victim of circumstances to a great extent. HRCBM-Dhaka have been informed that 8 Adhibashi families 50 in number have been tortured, evicted and their houses have been damaged, their fishes from the pond, tins, books, furniture and belongings from the houses have been looted. And they have been branded as "Sarbahara" or terrorists by JMJ and continuous threat upon them going on.


Photo (courtesy HRCBM-Dhaka): HRCBM's human rights defender adv. Rabindra Ghosh is talking with Superintendent of Nowagaon Police at the police HQ.  in the middle, a police officer is deniying to be phtographed while HRCBM's advocate is examining FIR (First Information Reports) filed by local minorities. The District Commissioner of Nowagaon is seen here interviewing to HRCBM's human rights defenders.

Before proceeding towards Nowgaon we informed the D.C. and S.P. Nowgaon for their necessary assistance in imparting humanitarian and legal help to the victims. After reaching Nowgaon we got several instances of atrocities against following minorities from different sources, although the victims are reluctant to disclose their sorrows/pain due to fear of further atrocities against them.
1)One Dipankar Nath (21) son of Dwijendra Nath of Kasiabari Bazar, Atrai PS, Dist.Nowgaon was brutally killed on 27/4/04 by some miscreants. Un natural Death case No.10/04 dated 27.4.04 has been started at Atrai PS. But a regular case has been started at Bagmara PS within the district of Rajshahi. No miscreants have yet been arrested by police. Nobody is interested to talk to us because of further atrocities.

2) One Dilip Kumar Mondal (32) of village Tilabaduri P.O. Bhopara, P.S.Atrai, Nowgaon was attacked on 2nd of July,04 as he did not pay zizia tax (infidel protection tax)  to the miscreants. His right leg has been broken seriously and he is not in a position to go to police as the miscreants again threatened him if he lodges any complain in the police station. He is now in a rented house at Nowgaon District and is under treatment in disguise. HRCBM-Dhaka talked with him and he refused to take any legal action due to fear of further atrocities. All his oral statements have been videotaped. We went to Atrai PS and talked with the "in charge" of Atrai PS. He told us that he is not aware of any such incident, we showed his picture of broken leg then he told us that if the victim comes to PS they will take up the case.

Picture (courtesy HRCBM-Dhaka): On the left, seriously injured Dilip kumar Mondol explaining the attacks on him and showing up his broken leg. Right, a victim discussing with Advocate Rabindra Ghosh of HRCBM-Dhaka and showing evidences of zizia tax.

3) One Zeaul Hoque son of Md.Kabez Uddin of Bhopara within Atrai PS went to collect zizia tax on 26th May,04 from Krishna son of Chandi charan and others of same village. Zeaul Hoque was caught red handed and beaten by public, as he is renowned as veteran criminal of the locality. As a result miscreants numbering about 12-15 jumped over Krishna and other minorities and assaulted them severely. Zeal Hoque did not allow Krishna to lodge any FIR in the Atrai P.S. But on the contrary Zeaul Hoque on false plea lodged FIR against 12 minority members in Atrai PS which has been recorded as Atrai PS case No.4 dated 26th May, 04. The minority victims are now absconding for fear of life and arrest by police. Atrai Police was interviewed on this incident. They told HRCBM-Dhaka that nobody came forward to lodge any complains against Zeaul Hoque and as such no case has been recorded.

The following minorities are either missing or killed within last 3 months:

1.Uttam of Noldhighi within Rani Nagar PS
2.Dilip of Tilabaduri of Atrai PS
3.Pradwip Sarkar of Khasgar of Rani Nagar PS
4.Jaganath of Bargacha within Rani Nagar PS
5.Shyma Prasad Sanyal of Bisha within Atrai PS
6.Goutam Chairman Raninagar Bargacha UP within Rani nagar PS
7.Akhil of Bhatak within Raninagar PS
8.Biren Member of Khasgar within Rani Nagar PS
9.Satyen of Dewla within Rani Nagar PS
10.Dulal of Dewla within Rani Nagar PS
11.Sreenath of Dewla within Rani Nagar PS
12.Bhodhan of Dewla within Rani Nagar PS
13.Atul chandra of Bhatak within Rani Nagar PS
14.Biswanath Sanyal of Dewla within Raninagar PS
15.Sawpan Member of Kashia Bari of Atrai PS
16.Susanta of Chamta within Rani Nagar PS
17.Supaul of Chamta within Rani nagar PS
18.Sadhan of Khasgar of Rani Nagar .

We went to the office of Mr.Md.Golam Mortuza, D.C. of Nowgaon (Tel. 0741-52222 and 52323) and talked with him and requested him to accord necessary assistance to help destitute minorities in his jurisdiction. We also found Mr.Fazlur Rahaman, S.P. of Nowgaon ( Tel. 0741-52220 and 52110) in the office of D.C. and appraised the prevailing situation and he replied that everywhere in the world human right violation is going on and even the USA Govt. is also violating the human rights. Both of administrative officers are of the opinion that not only minorities are oppressed but the majorities Muslims are also in great distress.

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Photo (courtesy HRCBM-Dhaka): A copy of the FIR (first Information Report) depicting the incident of Laksmi Khola village, Nowagaon.

HRCBM-Dhaka reached Atrai Police station on 16th of July, 04 at about 4 p.m., talked with Upazilla Nirbahi Officer {UNO} and also In charge of Atrai PS but he did not encourage us to visit the places of occurrence. Besides there was no good communication facilities to reach to the victims due to continuous rain fall. We then reached Rani Nagar P.S. on the same day 30 miles away from Atrai and stayed at small rest house at night and requested the O.C. Rani Nagar to accompany us during our visit to a particular village Laksmikola. We got information that in Laksmikola 8 Adhibashi families numbering about 50 were subjected to torture/intimidation/forceful eviction/looting of their belongings even the tin sheds by some miscreants known as JMJ on 20th of June,04. The In Charge of Rani Nagar Md.Mafizul Hoque handed over us a copy of FIR lodged by one victim Nagen Muddy son of late Balaram Muddy dated 7th of July,04. Occurrence of looting and arson took place on 20th June, 04 but FIR was filed on 7th of July, 04 in police station. During this period no Adhibasi members dared to proceed Police station to lodge FIR in time as the miscreants threatened them repeatedly not to proceed to Police. We found that the police also felt embarrassed in taking the case. However, ultimately Rani Nagar PS. case No.2 dated 07/07/04 under section 143/447/448/427/279 of B.Penal code filed by Nagen Muddy against 13 accused namely : 1. Ranga (45) 2. Aktar (38), 3. Altaf (40) all sons of late Ayes uddin 4. Siraj {35} 5. Zakir Hossain {26} son of Abdul Gafur 6. Firoz {40} 7. Mokles {38}8. Ferdous {35} 9. Dulal {32} 10. Belal Hossain son of Feroz 11. Sehab {20} son of Altab Hossain 12. Abser {35} son of Abdul Mondal 13. Ismail{ 42} son of late Faizuddin all of Laksmikhola, P.S. Raninagar, Dist. Nowgaon and more 20/25 unknown persons. But it is strange no accused named in the FIR was arrested till writing of this report.

Picture (courtesy HRCBM-Dhaka): HRCBM accompanied police officers to the village where JMJB cadres unleashed terrors. Journalist, local leaders and villagers are presented before the investigating police officers to impart them details of the nightmares.


Photo (courtesy HRCBM-Dhaka): When HRCBM reached at the spot, it finds the entire community in ruins. The trail of destruction is everywhere. The picture shows some minority houses that being destroyed by JMJB cadres and whose household valuables are looted as well.
Photo (courtesy HRCBM-Dhaka): Despite being serveral days after the rampage, none of the local NGOs went to provide shelters and food to those lost everything since the attacks by the JMJB cadres. Loosing the homstead, the destitute minority families are still living under the open sky.

We along with Md.Khairul Islam, S.I. of Police reached the place of occurrence from Rani Nagar PS by pedal rickshaw and by foot with muddy water 16 kilometers away. We started walking with muddy water with continuous rain with confidence that the services of HRCBM –Dhaka would be fruitful. We found the victims including children/women living under the sky despite continuous rain. We found that all the six houses of Adhibashis erected by soil and two houses of Muslim family have been badly damaged due to looting of tins and shades and in the meantime all the houses collapsed due to continuous rainfall. We talked with the following victims and they started crying for justice:

1}Ms.Matali Muddy {24} wife of Krishna Muddy
2} Ms. Dipali Tuddu {20}
3} Ms. Minati Tuddu {25}
2} Bimal Kumar Muddy {14}
3} Bipul Kumar Muddy {13}
4} Ms.Moina Tuddu {20}
5} Krishna Muddy {35}
6} Sajan Beshra {30}
7} Milan Muddy {22}
8} Anil Beshra {25}
9} Sukumar Saren {24}
10}Krishta Murmu {20}

Adhibashis are not safe despite converted to Christianity four months ago:

The above victims one after another complaining to us that the Catholic Missionary from Natore District Moipara Mission approached them to be converted to Christianity for good life four months ago and accordingly in good faith they have been converted to Christianity. Catholic Mission Father Julian and Mr.Harun Bangalee swore in about 50 Adhibasis of this “Banpukur Adhibashi Pally.” But irony of fate is that no Catholic Missionary came forward for their safety and security during their discomfort till our investigation starts in Laksmikhola village. They also complained in writing to us that originally they were devotee of Durga Devi and used to worship Durga in the month of Ashwin. Even Durga Devi could not save them from man made disorderly environment. Police came to their devastated house two times after the incident of repression and torture but police did not arrest the persons responsible for the offence nor they could help recovering their belongings and tins. They also complained that the persons stated in the FIR have looted the fishes from their pond and took away shallow machine. It is also reported that the Adhbibashi families took lease from the government and accordingly they were cultivating fish in the ponds for their livelihood as per prevailing law of the land. But in the meantime the miscreants declared that the tins and others belongings looted by them would be auction sale very soon. Ms. Jaleswari Muddy wife of Ananda Muddy complained us that their daughters studying in Class X would be kidnapped and raped by them and as such they have been compelled to shift their girls in an unknown place for chastity and security. All their statements have been videotaped. Bimal Muddy complained us that he is student of Class IIX and first boy of his school and during looting his all books either has been looted and some have been toned out. They also complained to us that the miscreants wanted to brand them as “Sarbahara” and it is their opinion that Sarbahara is the real terrorists in the area. We talked with other witnesses present there and the police officer regarding this issue whether the victims are/were in the list of Sarbahara. The Police also did not find any name of those victims in the list of Sarbahara. So in the name of Sarbahara those destitute Adhibashi Christian were forced to leave the village by the local Muslim people.

Photo (courtesy HRCBM-Dhaka): Left, A lady cries out to HRCBM's rights advocates Ms. Biva Biswas while explaining their situation where JMJB rules. Right, Local minority community finds HRCBM as the last resort to explain their plights. Bottom, An Indigenous "Adhibashi" stands in front of their destroyed homestead while expressing their nightmares.

Ten Bundles of tins have been recovered by HRCBM-Dhaka with the help of Police:

HRCBM-Dhaka informed the police that the Adhibashi victims Laksmikola has been passing their days under the sky and their houses made by soil have already been destroyed due to continuous rainfall. At least their tins /shades should be returned to the respective family for their existence; otherwise their children’s livelihood might be in great jeopardy and they would be rendered homeless. Md. Mafizul Hoque, S.I of police took initiative and put pressure on the miscreants and recovered 10 bundles of tins on the spot from a mosque kept for auction. But when the S.I wanted to arrest accused No. 3 Altaf the accused instantly fled away as the S.I. could not bring more police personnel during his visit with us in the spot.


Photo (courtesy HRCBM-Dhaka): Recovered tins are being handed over to destitute victims.

In the meantime one Ex. U.P. Member Berajul Islam {reportedly a Member of JMJ} approached us on behalf of accused and insisting us to withdraw the case against the accused responsible for the offence. We requested him to return all their belongings with compensation then we would refer the matter to the Administration for consideration. The dailies of Bangladesh focused this news in different media.

Photo (courtesy HRCBM-Dhaka): Left, Standing at their destroyed homesteads Indigenous "Adhibashi" (tribal) women explains the attacks on them. Right,  Some women explains their agony to advocate Ghosh.

We have been given to understand by the local people and reliable source that the local Member of Parliament, Md. Alamgir Kabir , now Deputy Minister for Housing ,Govt. of Bangladesh is the head of administration in Nowgaon District and with his full initiative the so-called Bangla Bhai or Jagrata Muslim Janata (JMJ) was formed and accordingly training camps have been established for giving punishment to the “Sarbahara” and for their total elimination from the society. But practically what happening in the name of Sarbahara some law-abiding and peace loving citizen of the area have become the victims of circumstances and the law and order situation worsened to a great extent rendering them in a great distress.


Photo (courtesy HRCBM-Dhaka): Loosing all her earthly belongings, an elderly woman sits in desperation in front of her destroyed homestead.

Conclusion:

HRCBM-Dhaka is worried about the present situation in Nowgaon and its adjoining places. We are getting constant messages of religiously motivated torture, intimidation, forceful eviction, killing, abduction and kidnapping of ethnic, religious and Adhibashi Minorities of those areas. This process of continuous repression should be stopped immediately. Rights of Minorities should be protected. The prevention of Discrimination and protection of Minorities in its resolution 1994/4 of 19th August 1994 authorized by the Commission on Human Rights in its resolution 1995/24 of 3rd March 1995 should be upheld and adhered to. In the meantime Adhibashi families of Banpukur Adhibashi Pally at Rani Nagar PS should be honorably rehabilitated, their belongings should be returned forthwith and necessary police protection should be made. Other 18 missing religious Minorities noted above should be produced before the court for their safety and security. Congenial atmosphere should be brought back in the locality and their lives and properties should be protected. The persons responsible for such offence should be punished as per law of the land.


Pictures (courtesy HRCBM-Dhaka): An heartfelt appeal from Indigenous Tribal belonging to country's Christian community who have lost everything in the rain of terror that is unleashed upon them by JMJB, beg before International community for help and Justice.

We came back from Banpukur Adhibashi Pally to Rani Nagar P.S. and reported the matter to Md. Mofiqul Hoque now In-Charge of P.S. and thereafter came to Nowgaon town on 17th July, 04 on the way to Khulna by train.