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Brutalised villagers in Bhola yet to be rehabilitated
The government did not come forward to rehabilitate the poor, brutalised villagers of Annada Prashad, Bhola, even one and a half years after incidents of post-election violence.
A gang attacked villagers after the last general election in October 2001. The gangsters destroyed over 200 houses, raped women and children and looted valuables. The Hindus of the village were the worst victims.
Only the Nagarik Odhikar Sangrakkhan O Samprodaikata Protirodh Committee in association with Proshika, a non-governmental organisation, has extended help to the victims. It gives a monthly stipend of Tk 400 to 21 female students each.
The committee built 30 houses for as many families and gave Tk 7,000 to each of them on March 10 for rehabilitation.
The local Union Parishad chairman, Dayal Haridas Prashad, said the committee's initiative is commendable but not sufficient. "Proper rehabilitation is not possible without government initiatives," he says.
Fifteen cases were filed against the gangsters and police arrested 30 people, including the main accused Belal.
The villagers fear fresh attacks by the gangsters, who have been released from jail on bail. Belal is accused of raping three women after his release.
Many villagers said they are selling land and property out in fear of reprisal.
The district administration has set up a temporary police outpost in the village to provide security to the villagers.
But police protection does not seem effective, as the gang intimidates the villagers to withdraw the cases.
The 17-member outpost is now a burden on the poor villagers, as they have to supply food to policemen. Every villager gives the outpost five to 20 kilogram of rice each month, locals said.
The deputy commissioner of Bhola, Kabir Md Ashraful Alam, wonders why the villagers supply rice and says food supply for the policemen is sufficient.
The villagers say they need a permanent police camp in Annada Prashad.
A permanent police camp is necessary
for the village but the administration is not able to set up any camp right
now because of administrative complications, says the deputy commissioner.
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