Tripuri Christian homes torched in Bangladesh during Christmas celebrations: RRAG seeks global intervention

Guwahati, Dec 26: Seventeen Christian Tripuri homes in Bangladesh’s Bandarban district were burned to ashes early on December 25, disrupting Christmas celebrations. The Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG), a New Delhi-based think tank, has called for intervention by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and the European Union to address this grave violation of minority rights.

The arson attack took place at Notun Tongjhiri Tripura Para in the Lama Upazila of Chittagong Hill Tracts around 12:30 a.m., shortly after the Indigenous Christian community had left for a neighbouring village to celebrate Christmas, as their village lacked a church. Suspicions point to Islamic fundamentalists as the perpetrators, though no arrests have been made, and the victims remain homeless, living under open skies.

The 17 affected families include Gunga Mani Tripura, Siandra Tripura, Chandra Mani Tripura, and others, all of whom lost their homes and possessions in the attack. Despite a written complaint being filed, local police led by Inspector Md Enamul Haque Bhuiyan have made no arrests. Instead, the police have deflected blame, attributing the violence to political disputes linked to the ousted Awami League regime.

RRAG Director Suhas Chakma criticized the Bangladeshi interim government, stating, “It has become a trend for the interim government to blame attacks on religious minorities on their alleged allegiance to the Awami League, without proper investigations. This narrative has emboldened Islamic fundamentalists and undermined the government’s constitutional responsibility to protect all citizens.”

Chakma highlighted the alarming rise in violence against religious minorities, citing over 2,000 recorded incidents between August 4 and August 20 by the Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Oikya Parishad. Yet, as of December 11, only 88 cases had been registered, according to Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam. This lack of accountability fosters an environment where such attacks continue unchecked.

Demands for Action

The RRAG has urged international bodies to press the Bangladeshi interim government to:

1. Enact a Special Ordinance to address violence against religious minorities.
2. Establish a Special Investigation Unit within Bangladesh Police, supported by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, to investigate these attacks.
3. Create Fast-Track Courts for expedited trials of offences related to minority violence.

“This failure to act decisively perpetuates a cycle of violence and impunity, leaving religious minorities vulnerable to further atrocities,” Chakma asserted.

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