Dhaka, Jan 07 (V7N) – Ahead of the 13th National Parliament election in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad has expressed deep concern over a rising trend of killings, assaults, threats, and harassment targeting women and religious minority communities across the country.

In a statement released to the media on Tuesday, the organization highlighted that as the election date approaches, these violent and intimidating incidents are increasing. They urged law enforcement and administrative authorities to strengthen monitoring and ensure prompt investigation and justice for the victims.

The statement referenced several recent incidents, including the murder of shopkeeper Moni Chakraborty in Polash, Narsingdi, following the brutal killings of Khokon Das and Amrit Mondal. On December 29, the body of young man Kamdeb Das was recovered from a pond in Habiganj.

Women have not been spared from violence. In Kaliganj, Jhenaidah, a widowed Hindu woman was brutally assaulted, tied to a tree, had her hair cut, and was raped. In Ghorashal Union, Jhenaidah Sadar, women from Hindu households were reportedly subjected to indecent acts during robberies. Reports from multiple areas also indicate sexual violence against women from minority communities during robberies, with victims too fearful or ashamed to speak out.

The Mahila Parishad also noted that high-ranking administrative officials from minority communities are facing harassment. A district official from a religious minority was reportedly humiliated and obstructed while performing duties, sending a negative message to all government officials. Additionally, threats of eviction have been made against minority communities if they do not vote for a specific political party.

The organization warned that such continuous violence ahead of the elections is creating fear among women and Hindu citizens, seriously undermining a free and fair electoral environment. The statement called for strict actions to ensure thorough investigation, exemplary punishment for perpetrators, and measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

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