Attacks on Ahmadiyyas: EU diplomats call for protection of the minority
Seven European diplomats today called for the protection of the religious minorities in the wake of recent attacks on the Ahmadiyya community in Panchagarh last week.
Expressing concerns over the attacks during a meeting with Law Minister Anisul Huq at the ministry, the ambassadors said the freedom of religion of all must be ensured.
EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley led the delegation to the meeting. Ambassadors of Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Spain and France were present.
"Wide-ranging exchange between EU Heads of Missions and Hon Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Anisul Huq MP, [were held] including consideration of the Digital Security Act, draft Data Protection Act, draft anti-discrimination law, civil society and freedom of religion," Whiteley tweeted.
Last Friday, two people were killed and at least 30 others, including seven policemen, injured in a clash between law enforcers and supporters of Islamist organisations demonstrating against the Ahmadiyya community.
The agitators set fire to many houses and four shops belonging to the members of the community. They also attacked a local police station, vehicles of law enforcers and a traffic police box.
The Ahmadiyyas claimed that some 150 houses were looted and vandalised before being torched.
Leaders and activists of several Islamist organisations, including the Islamic Andolon Bangladesh, were staging demonstrations since Thursday, demanding the cancellation of Jalsa Salana, an annual gathering of the Ahmadiyya community.