On Saturday (21st October 2023) Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, strongly emphasized the swift resolution of the trial for those implicated in the arson incident. Expressing her frustration at the trial’s delay regarding the individuals responsible for the BNP-Jamaat arson attack, she called for the immediate prosecution of those who engaged in arson, inflicting harm on people through fire. These cases have already been registered within the district, and she urged the legal representatives to expedite the trial process.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of conducting the trial for arson perpetrators within Bangladesh, emphasizing that this is a crucial step in eliminating the culture of impunity. She underscored their commitment to ensuring that the people of the country receive justice and the rule of law prevails.
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Furthermore, the Prime Minister mentioned that the culture of injustice and vote rigging was introduced by Zia, the founder of the BNP, by disregarding rules and employing yes-no voting techniques. She added that her government, the Awami League, is dedicated to upholding the principles of the rule of law and justice for all citizens.
Sheikh Hasina highlighted the fact that Bangladesh’s judicial system was established by the efforts of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who tirelessly worked for human rights, justice, agriculture, industry, and healthcare. She expressed her admiration for his numerous achievements within a single lifetime, remarking that the Father of the Nation’s vision for freedom has been realized since her party came into power.
Since 2009, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), along with its extremist allies, Jamaat E Islami and its student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, has been engaged in a form of politics characterized by highly aggressive street protests targeting civilians and law enforcement officials, sporadic violence against religious minorities, and the assassination of political rivals. Starting in 2013, a new type of violence emerged involving petrol bomb and Molotov cocktail attacks on passengers in public transportation. This summary highlights the unsettling situation created by the BNP-Jamaat alliance since 2001.
BNP and Jamaat’s Recent Violence Activities
In August 2023, “political violence” incidents led to six deaths and 878 injuries in 74 events, per a report by the Human Rights Support Society on September 2nd. Most casualties occurred during clashes surrounding the BNP’s rally, while conflicts at the funeral of Jamaat leader Delwar Hossain Saeedi resulted in one fatality and numerous injuries and arrests, with clashes between Awami League, police, and Saidi’s supporters in multiple districts. Dhaka Metropolitan Police aimed to convict BNP and Jamaat figures for arson and violence since 2013, but pending cases increased due to many fugitive suspects. At least 5,000 BNP and Jamaat activists tied to various crimes remained at large. These incidents related to efforts to disrupt the 11th National Parliamentary election and war criminals’ trial process in 2013 and 2014, orchestrated by BNP, Jamaat, and their allies, both domestic and international, through widespread arson, terrorism, and vandalism.
Violence Centered on the 10th General Election (2014 & 2015)
The 10th General Election, which was held 2014, was marred by a significant amount of violence. This violence encompassed various aspects, from pre-election clashes to post-election turmoil, casting a dark shadow over the democratic process.
During the election itself, instances of violence, voter intimidation, and electoral malpractice were disturbingly prevalent By BNP and Jamaat. This created an environment of fear and uncertainty, impeding the citizens’ ability to exercise their democratic rights freely and fairly. Furthermore, the post-election period was fraught with violence as well, with protests, conflicts, and allegations of fraud intensifying the crisis.
The consequences of this election-centered violence were far-reaching, affecting the stability of the nation, the economy, and the lives of its people. It undermined trust in the democratic system and deepened political divides. In sum, the violence by BNP and jamaat that surrounded the 10th General Election of 2014 and 2015 left an indelible mark on the nation’s political landscape, highlighting the need for reforms to ensure a more peaceful and democratic electoral process in the future.
Jamaat-Shibir Violence for Opposing the War Crimes Trials (2013)
In 2013, violence erupted in Bangladesh as Jamaat-Shibir, backed by the BNP, opposed the war crimes trials conducted by the domestic tribunal to address atrocities committed during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Over the course of that year, 492 individuals lost their lives, with 2,200 others sustaining injuries in 419 significant incidents of political violence, mainly orchestrated by Jamaat-Shibir.
The violence was triggered by various events, including the sentencing of war crimes convicts, such as Quader Mollah and Delwar Hossain Sayedee. Their verdicts led to protests and strikes (hartals) resulting in several fatalities and injuries across the country. The violence particularly targeted the Hindu community, resulting in physical harm, property damage, looting, and arson.
The clashes continued with Jamaat-Shibir enforcing nationwide shutdowns (hartals), leading to additional casualties and extensive property damage. There were instances of lethal attacks on individuals, including key witnesses and prominent figures associated with the International Crimes Tribunal. This period was marked by significant unrest and conflict in Bangladesh.
Attacks on Awami League in 2001
During the period after the 2001 general elections in Bangladesh, the BNP-Jamaat alliance engaged in what can be described as “terror-politics.” They were responsible for the killings of 26,000 Awami League workers and leaders, including notable figures like former Finance Minister Shah A M S Kibria and former MP Ahsanullah Master. Awami League President and current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina faced 18 assassination attempts during this time. One notable incident was a grenade attack orchestrated by Tarique Rahman, a future BNP-Jamaat leader, during an Awami League rally, resulting in the deaths of 24 leaders and 300 activists. Among the victims was Ivy Rahman, the then Mohila AL president and the wife of late president Zillur Rahman.
Violence against Minorities in 2001
After the October 2001 elections in Bangladesh, a series of attacks targeted the Hindu community, orchestrated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat E Islami. These attacks began even before the elections, as members of the BNP-led alliance threatened Hindus not to vote, fearing they would support the Awami League. Following the elections, the attacks became systematic and severe, affecting areas such as Barisal, Bhola, Pirojpur, Khulna, and others. Perpetrators entered Hindu homes, assaulted family members, looted property, and subjected Hindu women to rape.
Rape was a primary tool for violence and intimidation during this period, with over 100 women believed to be victims. Reports consistently pointed to the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami as the main perpetrators, and Hindu girls were reportedly abducted. Hindu places of worship also came under attack.
Multiple sources, including Amnesty International, the Research Directorate of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board, and the US Department of State, documented these incidents. The BNP activists were frequently identified as the aggressors. According to a Judicial Commission in Bangladesh, established by the Supreme Court, 26,352 BNP and Jamaat E Islami leaders and supporters, including 26 ministers and lawmakers, were involved in these crimes. The revelations underscore the gravity of the situation, shedding light on the systematic violence and intimidation against the Hindu minority during this period.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent emphatic call for the swift resolution of trials related to the BNP-Jamaat arson attacks highlights the government’s commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law in Bangladesh. The historical context of political violence and systematic attacks underscores the urgency of ensuring accountability for past atrocities and preventing future incidents. Sheikh Hasina’s determination to eliminate the culture of impunity and her dedication to her country’s founding principles of justice and human rights are vital steps towards a more peaceful and democratic future for Bangladesh.
