Govt rejects minority groups’ claims over communal killings

Banglapress Published: 23 September 2025, 10:25 AM

Govt rejects minority groups’ claims over communal killings

Bangla Press Desk: Responding to claims made by minority groups, the interim government on Tuesday said police are investigating each reported incident with utmost diligence and seriousness, following the facts wherever they lead. “So far, no evidence of communal violence has been found; only individual acts of aggression. Rest assured, the police remain committed to safeguarding the safety and security of all citizens, institutions, and religious establishments in Bangladesh,” said the Chief Adviser’s press wing referring to the police headquarters. At a press conference held on 10 July, representatives of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and the Minority Unity Alliance alleged that 27 people had been killed and over 2,400 incidents of communal violence had occurred in the last 11 months. Following a thorough review, the Bangladesh Police have stated that none of the 27 deaths were related to communal violence. Among them, 22 were recorded as standard murder cases, while five were classified as unnatural deaths. The police said the causes ranged from land and financial disputes to robberies, personal quarrels, and suicides. Eleven of the cases remain under investigation, but no evidence has so far suggested communal motives.

Authorities have arrested 48 individuals in connection with these deaths, while 15 others have surrendered. Eighteen suspects have made confessional statements under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Investigators have confirmed that the violence stemmed from personal or criminal disputes, not from religious or communal tensions. The minority organisations also pointed to 20 reported cases of sexual harassment, rape, or gang rape. Police said they had filed cases in 16 of these, arresting 25 people. In one high-profile case in Rajshahi involving an indigenous woman, police found no evidence of rape, instead linking the complaint to a prior personal dispute.

Another reported gang rape in Magura could not be substantiated, and no complaint was lodged. Regarding a large number of incidents said to have taken place in August 2024, police acknowledged 1,457 verified cases out of 2,010 reported between 4 and 20 August. Most of these incidents, particularly on 5 August, were linked to political unrest. Of the 1,769 alleged communal attacks, 62 were registered as formal cases, and 951 were noted as general diary (GD) entries. Police confirmed 35 arrests linked to these incidents. Investigations showed that 1,234 of the events were politically motivated. Out of 127 incidents involving puja mandaps from August 2024 to January 2025, 66 cases were filed and 61 noted as GDs. These led to 64 arrests.

The press conference also highlighted 60 alleged cases of theft, vandalism, arson, land grabbing, and eviction from religious sites. Police said 14 cases and five GDs were filed over thefts involving idols and donation boxes. In 24 vandalism incidents, 18 were formally filed and four recorded as GDs. Police made 15 arrests, and 10 people surrendered. Some claims, including one theft and two cases of vandalism, were later found to be false. Two of four reported arson incidents were not considered sabotage after police enquiry. Local mediation resolved some land and boundary disputes, while investigations found no evidence for six land grabbing claims. One specific case in Khilkhet involved the removal of a temporary puja mandap built on railway land. This was carried out by joint forces from the railway department, police, army, and magistrates. In Bogura, a cremation ground damaged by a contractor was later rebuilt by local authorities. The Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council said they would share further information in due course.

Police stated that they would review any additional evidence presented and continue to update the public. Bangladesh Police emphasised their commitment to investigating every case thoroughly and fairly. So far, they maintain there is no indication that the reported incidents were driven by communal hatred. Rather, they appear to involve personal, political, or criminal motivations. Authorities reaffirmed their duty to protect all citizens and religious communities across the country. This article was originally published on Daily Sun. [Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.] BP/ZE

[Bangla Press is a global platform for free thought. It provides impartial news, analysis, and commentary for independent-minded individuals. Our goal is to bring about positive change, which is more important today than ever before.]

Govt rejects minority groups’ claims over communal killings

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