US Congressmen and minorities

By Bijan Kumar Nath, Dhaka
27 January 2004, 18:00 PM
The four-member US delegation led by Congressman Joseph Crowly during their visit to Bangladesh expressed their dissatisfaction on the handling of minority issues by the present government and the total disregard for dispensing justice to the minorities.

Mr. Crowly emphasised the need for ensuring equal rights of all citizens which is indispensable for a pluralistic society and a pre-condition for democratic governance.

We are sure, Mr Crowly and his delegation could not get the real picture. The discrimination is so acute and extensive that it is difficult to realise the extent of the problem within such a short period of time. Moreover, the Congressmen could not get the information from the people in rural areas who are really oppressed and suffered a lot in the hands of the political activists.

Apart from that , grabbing of minority property after humiliation and false litigation with forged deeds has compelled a huge number of people to leave the country for good during last two years.

The occupation of Garo land in the name of eco-park at Tangail is the latest addition to persecution and eviction of minorities from Bangladesh.

These activities should not go unchallenged and the government in power should shoulder the responsibility of it all.

We request the civil society organisations to take up the matter in all seriousness to restore the human rights of the minority groups.