Abrar Hussain of DOT
Minorities Rights Forum Bangladesh (MRFB) urged the government yesterday to ensure standard living, rights and safety for the minorities of the country as well as equal rights in social, economic and political sectors.
Leaders and members of MRFB along with representatives of different indigenous rights groups participated at a round-table conference titled ‘National Parliament Election and Minority Rights’ at the Jatiya Press Club in the capital where they made the request.
Pankaj Bhattacharya, President of Oikya NAP said violation of minority rights is a national issue where the state remains unconcerned. Freedom fighter and MRF trustee Ashalata Baiddya stressed on the importance of forming a ministry of minority saying in absence of it, no minority community will exist in future.
He claimed that a total of 8000 incidents of aggression are yet to put on trial whereas 20000 marked criminals responsible for those are roaming freely.
“State has obtained the role of oppressor. Violence against minorities of Nasirnagar was committed under the nose of UNO and other government officials, they cannot deny the liabilities of the crime,” said the Oikya NAP chief, according to a report by UNB.
He also said ‘flexing muscles’ is still is the decider of nomination from parties which will in future lead to consequences.
Pankaj Bhattacharya further questioned the legality of participation of Jamaat-e-Islami in the national election and remarked that state can never be safe for the minorities if such a party exists and ever comes to power.
“Why a pro-liberation war government is giving floor to such a party?” he asked.
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