DHAKA: Unidentified culprits set houses of Hindus on fire, and damaged two temples in central Brahmanbarhia district in Bangladesh. "They fled the scene immediately after torching the houses and two small temples were also damaged," said a police officer. Several Hindu families have left their houses amidst the attacks and taken refuge in other areas.
Tensions grew in the neighbourhood soon after the fresh assault. Making overnight drives, the police detained 33 persons for their alleged involvement in the synchronised attacks on Hindus in Brahmanbaria on October 30. The reactions come after an "offensive" Facebook post appeared that hurt Muslim sentiments in the country. A total of 44 people have been detained until now in connection with the attacks. Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters rallied in the capital demanding strict action against perpetrators of attacks on Hindus. Over hundred Hindu youths joined by Muslims staged a protest at central Dhaka's Shahbagh Square. They enforced a blockade for more than half an hour, forcing ruling Awami League's joint general secretary Mahbul Alam Hanif to get out of his car and express solidarity with them.
Political and rights groups held another rally in front of the National Press Club, calling for immediate actions against the culprits. Protesters also demanded resignation of a minister who had earlier accused journalists of "exaggerating" the Nasirnagar attacks. General Secretary of Bangladesh Puja Celebrations Committee said, "Livestock Minister Muhammed Sayedul Haque was in the area just few days after the attacks while a fresh attack took place after he visited the scene."
In light of the escalating situation, Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport Minister Obaidul Quader reiterated the government's tougher stance against the culprits and promised to bring them to justice quickly. "Stern punitive actions await the attackers as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina-led government has taken a tough position to this end." He urged the Hindus to not consider themselves as a minority group. "The government is with you," he said.
