[Note from Hindu Vivek Kendra: These attacks have been going on for more than two years. And this is the first time that the media has recognised the gravity. Of course, the Indian and foreign media has chosen to be silent on the subject.]
A leading Bangladeshi newspaper on Monday criticised the government for failing to protect the minorities and said that attacks, like the one against Hindu families last week, would give the impression that the majority population is intolerant of minorities.
The Daily Star, in an editorial, said that the government cannot afford to take the issue lightly, particularly because the attack was allegedly carried out by activists of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
The paper noted that the attackers torched 22 houses belonging to Hindus in Rangpur village on Aug 23, injured many villagers and looted their cash, crops and cattle.
The paper said the attacks had drawn national attention for two reasons. "Firstly, it most alarmingly reminds us the vulnerability of the minority community in the country; and secondly, it clearly tells us about the intolerance that has crept into our society."
Hindus account for 10 percent of Bangladesh's 133 million population.
It said the attackers could carry out their plan "because they knew the hands of the law were not that long, at least for them."
The paper said the real intention of the attackers was to evict the families and grab their lands illegally. "That's why we feel the government has failed to protect the lawful rights of the minorities.
"It is the duty, both moral and bounden, of the government to not only protect the interests of the minorities, but also make them feel safe and secure in similar situations.
"But it is rather difficult to expect safe environments for the minorities to prevail when it is the ruling party activists who are allegedly responsible for the attacks."
The paper said the government must realise that such incidents only project an impression of the majority population being intolerant and hostile towards the minorities.
"Our constitution guarantees the
fundamental rights of all citizens irrespective of their religion, race,
caste and creed. We have been witnessing with grave concern that not just
the Hindus, other minorities have also been victims of repeated aggression
by the majority in recent times."