Victims yet to regain sense of security

The people of Hindu community in Bonogram of Santhia upazila under the district are still to be free from security concerns as the alleged perpetrators of a massive attack on them two years ago are moving freely in the area.

Several groups attacked on the houses, shops and temples of Hindus in three villages of Bonogram on November 2 in 2013, alleging that a Facebook page of a local Hindu youth maligned Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).

The attackers totally damaged 33 houses, 10 shops and seven temples in three villages of Bonogram.

Twenty policemen were injured as the attackers assaulted the law enforcers who tried to resist the violence.

The Facebook page under question was falsely attributed to Rajib Shah, son of Bablu Shah in the area, said sources.

Bablu filed a case for attacking and looting his house while police filed two cases -- one for attacking cops and the other for maligning Prophet Mohammad in Facebook.

After investigation Detective Branch of police submitted two charge sheets accusing 10 people for plotting the maligning of the prophet through a fake Facebook page while Ataikula police submitted another charge sheet accusing 74 people for attacking the law enforcers and preventing their work on November 21 last year.

The case filed by victim Bablu Shah is still under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department, said Md Kamrul Islam, court sub inspector.

Forty-five people held in connection with the incident are free on bail while arrest warrant was issued against 29 other accused who are yet to be arrested, he said.

"The accused who got bail from the court often show arrogance," said a well-known Hindu resident of Bonogram, seeking anonymity.

Nure Alam, officer in charge of Ataikula Police Station, said a police camp set up at Bonogram Bazar after the violence is still operative to maintain security in the area.

During this correspondent's visit to Bonogram a couple of days ago, locals said Rajib Shah did not come to the area in last two years as fear still haunts him.

Rajib's father Bablu Shah, however, said his son is staying in Dhaka to continue his study.

But he kept silent when asked why Rajib does not come to his house.