Mozena is generally right. There have been some exceptions (2002 mayhem on Hindus by BNP and 1990 one by JP). Looting and subsequent land grabbing in these two cases were the byproducts. Basic motive was communal. In former case Hindus were attacked only to punish them for not supporting BNP in election. In the latter case Ershad demonstrated in his own communalist way his protest on behalf of his actual and potential Muslim voters against the demolition of Babri Mosque. The recent attacks on Buddhist and Hindu temples were also basically communal in nature although looting was also involved in such cases. 2002 mayhem involved arson and rape also. Many Hindus were displaced a big fraction of which beyond the borders.
I don't know if the issue of bringing to justice the criminals was discussed. If not, the discussion was incomplete. Two other important issues are rehabilitation and compensation. Were these discussed?
Sent from my iPhone
Yes, economic incentive is there, but - those who take part in the repression, many of them are solely motivated by religious motives. These are religious persecutions. Also, religious conversion is a problem for minorities. There is a provision in Islam for reward for inducing conversion; young girls are mostly the victim of such repression. The family involved in this situation usually leaves the country quietly to avoid humiliation. Many families leave the country even before for fear of such possibility.
Jiten Roy_________________________________________________________
17
Violence against the religious minorities in Bangladesh is "seldom, if ever, about religion," the US Ambassador Dan Mozena has said.
Instead, he said on Thursday, those were about the pursuit of power and financial gains of the "cheap politicians and greedy land grabbers" who he said created and manipulated "friction in the guise of religion to their own benefit".
"These cheap politicians and greedy land grabbers are a threat to the nation".
Mozena was speaking at an inter-faith dialogue on religion for peace and tolerance.He said the owner of the Rana Plaza that collapsed in April and killed more than 1100 people grabbed the land from a Hindu family.
"(The building) is now known around the world as a symbol of greed, corruption, and land grabbing from minorities".
He called upon all including the government to reject "these cheap politicians and land grabbers" who he said "seek to use religion to advance their self-serving agendas to acquire power and wealth".
Leaders of different religions including Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity, representatives of the Vatican embassy in Dhaka, academicians and students attended the dialogue.
The Ambassador recalled the destruction of Buddhist temples and monasteries in Ramu last September and attacks in February on Hindus in Noakhali, Comilla, Barisal, Satkhira, Gaibandha, Chapainawabganj and other places.
"Such attacks are not in character with the spirit of Bangladesh…a spirit of tolerance, moderation, acceptance…a spirit that reflects the Bangladeshi tradition of living in peace and harmony".
He said he knew of no nation like Bangladesh where the President hosts grand receptions to commemorate the great festivals of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity.
Religious diversity was "truly the beauty and magic" of Bangladesh, he said, where attacks on religious minorities were "most jarring and disturbing".
The American envoy also cited his visits to different parts of the country with his wife and said their impression was that different religions lived "side by side in harmony for hundreds of years".
"Everywhere we go, we see that Bangladeshis of whatever religion have the same aspirations.
"They want simply to build better lives for themselves and their families".
Ambassador Mozena also called upon all religious leaders "to use your influence, your power of persuasion to foster and build the peace and harmony that all Bangladeshis seek".
Speaking at the dialogue, all religious leaders said there was no clash among religions if anyone properly followed the ideals.
Charge d'Affaires of Holy See of Vatican Embassy Massimo Catterin said practising religious increases respect and peace of human beings.
"The problem is our perception of religions and the way of interpreting religions".
__._,_.___
