Bangladesh
Communal Violence Arson attack: 584 arrested, govt. extends aid to Hindu community
Dhaka, October 23: The government and the ruling Awami League have taken massive steps to rehabilitate the victims of the recent violence, ensure their safety and boost the confidence of the affected Hindu community.
According to official figures, a total of 102 cases have been filed against the actrocities commited against the Hindu community so far, accusing 20,619 people of carrying out the violence. Of these, 584 have been arrested so far and operations are underway to arrest others.
The government and the Awami League have provided cash assistance, food, clothing, other daily necessities and housing materials to the affected families of the minority community.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday announced that houses would be built for the victims of the violence. "Steps have already been taken in this regard," she said at a function at her official residence in Gonobhaban.
A Home Ministry spokesman said the government had announced a "zero tolerance" policy against those responsible for destroying communal harmony in Bangladesh. Surveillance of law enforcement agencies across the country has been intensified with the aim of boosting the confidence and security of the minority Hindu community, with leaders and activists of the ruling party assisting them.
Home Ministry officials said a total of 117 platoon paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh members have been deployed in 37 districts and three metros, while police are patrolling the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and white-clad law enforcement around the clock.
On the other hand, Barrister Biplab Barua, office secretary of the ruling party, said the Awami League had directed their units across the country to remain vigilant and help law enforcement to prevent any communal chaos. The party has already conducted communal harmony meetings across the country on Tuesday in protest of the heinous violence.
In the last few days, a number of ministers, senior Awami League leaders, members of parliament and law enforcement officials have visited the affected areas on the instructions of the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said the concerned ministry is monitoring the situation round the clock on the instructions of the Prime Minister. He added, "Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony and no one will be allowed to undermine it."
Social media and online media are being monitored regularly, and more than two dozen people, including an assistant professor at Begum Badrunnesa Government Women's College, have been arrested for spreading rumors, police headquarters said.
