Govt asked to probe attacks on Hindus

The High Court yesterday directed the government to investigate the recent communal violence and attacks on the religious minorities through forming a high-powered committee and submit a report in three months.
In response to a writ petition, the court ordered the government to identify the vulnerable areas for communal violence and provide sufficient protection to the minorities living in those places.
It also asked the government to submit a report in two weeks on the initiatives taken following the attacks.
The court issued a rule upon the authorities to explain in three weeks why their “failure” to discharge constitutional duties to protect the minorities should not be declared illegal.
The writ petition was filed by six rights organisations, including Ain O Salish Kendra, and Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust, and an individual.
They said in the petition a total of 94 violent attacks on minorities, mainly on the Hindus, took place in last one month, after the International Crimes Tribunals delivered verdicts of war crimes cases in February.
In total, 187 houses, 162 business institutions and 89 temples have been attacked and looted and 133 idols vandalised, the petitioners said quoting newspaper reports.
Dr Kamal Hossain moved the petition which also said cases were filed in respect of only 33 violent incidents.