Bangladesh
Fabricated Stories Stories of minority rape and death being spread to embarrass government: Abdul Momen
Dhaka, October 29: Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said there had been no rapes in the recent communal violence and no temples had been set on fire or destroyed. He said some section of the media and individuals are spreading stories of rape and death of minority minorities to embarrass the government.
The foreign minister made the remarks in a statement sent to the media on Thursday (October 28) evening. After the news of 'insulting the Quran' at a Hindu marquee in Comilla on October 13 spread, communal attacks took place in several parts of the country, including Chandpur, Rangpur, Feni and Noakhali. Most of those involved in the incidents have been arrested by law enforcement.
"Six people have been killed so far in the recent religious violence," the Foreign Minister said in a statement. "Among them were four Muslims- who were shot dead by police- for attempt to attack a Hindu installation. In addition, two more Hindus died, one of them died of natural causes and the other drowned. No one was raped and not a single temple was set on fire or destroyed."
However, acknowledging that some of the idols had been vandalized, the lawmaker said, "All the culprits have been arrested and are now in police custody. The houses of one and a half dozen helpless people have been rebuilt and all have been compensated. Unfortunately, some enthusiastic media and individuals are spreading stories of the death and rape of religious minorities to embarrass Sheikh Hasina's government, which is committed to religious harmony."
Dr Momen said, "In recent years, the number of marquees have increased, even in some homes. The government is coming up with money for each mandapa. However, there is not enough police force to monitor the puja mandapa 24 hours a day for seven days. To avoid such incidents, the marquees should not be left completely empty."
Referring to the case of Iqbal Hossain keeping the Qur'an in the mandapa in Comilla, the foreign minister said, "Taking advantage of the fact that there was no worshiper or organizer in the mandapa, a drug addict left the Holy Quran Sharif at the feet of an idol. This has led to outrage, which has led to vandalism and looting."
