Among the various atrocities committed against the minority community, the abduction of young girls appears to be a preferred method among certain Muslims. In Bangladesh, a country marred by such incidents, a fortunate case involves the rescue of 17-year-old Snigdha Dutta Priya, a student at Balika Government College. Snigdha was kidnapped from Batolli village in Chattogram district on July 19, leading her family to realize her absence when she didn't return from college that day. After reporting her disappearance to the local police, they were met with indifference, prompting them to seek help from local Hindu activists. With their intervention, the police eventually raided a residence in Hathazari, rescuing Snigdha 21 days after her abduction and apprehending her abductor, Sajjad Hossain.
However, the problem extends beyond individuals like Sajjad Hossain, as even teachers have become involved in the abduction of Hindu minors. In Chattagram, a 34-year-old teacher named Manjurul Islam was arrested for abducting an 11-year-old girl named Rupali. The police located the teacher and rescued the girl from a hotel in the Bandarban area, acting upon the complaint they received.
In another distressing incident reported on August 30, a madrasa student vandalized a Hindu temple in Madhubagchala Union, Tangail district. This case serves as further evidence of the deep-seated animosity displayed by some Muslim minors when targeting non-believers. The young perpetrator entered the temple with a stick, destroyed the idols of Hindu deities, and fled the scene. After Hindus and temple committee members reported the incident to the police, they arrested the individual, Muhammad Maniruzzaman. However, it is worth noting that the police initially hesitated to make the arrest, with some Hindus insisting on punishment rather than forgiveness.
When Maniruzzaman's parents arrived at the police station, they claimed their son was mentally unstable, a commonly employed excuse when Muslims are caught committing hate crimes. However, during interrogation, Maniruzzaman displayed no signs of mental instability and justified his actions by citing Islamic beliefs against idol worship.
While Muslim boys vandalize Hindu temples, Hindu boys face violence for senseless reasons. It is not only Hindu girls who are susceptible to Islamic violence; young boys are also at risk. The case of 13-year-old Adreep Ahan Sayan, who went missing and was later found dead, is a stark example. The police have yet to make any arrests in connection with his murder, though the victim's family and locals suspect involvement from the family members of his Muslim female friend.
These incidents underscore the ongoing persecution of Hindus by the Muslim majority in Bangladesh, a situation exacerbated by the indifference of those in positions of power. While a few cases make it to the news, many remain unreported, leaving victims without justice for extended periods.
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