Amid the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, 98.4% of the 1,415 reported incidents of attacks and vandalism against minorities were politically motivated, while 1.59% occurred due to communal reasons.
This information emerged from a police investigation into incidents between August 4 and August 20.
The findings were shared on Saturday in a press release from the Chief Adviser’s press wing.
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reported 2,010 incidents of communal violence during this period.
However, police data indicates 1,769 cases of reported attacks and vandalism. Of these, police investigated 1,415 incidents, with 354 cases still under investigation.
Among the investigated cases, 1,254 were found to be substantiated, while 161 lacked evidence.
Of the verified cases, 1,234 incidents (98.4%) were politically motivated, and 20 cases (1.59%) were communal in nature.
According to police, the investigation involved visiting the affected locations, communicating with institutions and individuals involved, and encouraging victims to formally file complaints.
Police said appropriate measures were taken to ensure security. Based on the findings, 62 cases and 951 general diaries (GDs) were filed.
Police data also revealed that of the 1,769 reported incidents, 1,452 (82.8%) occurred on a single day—August 5—following the fall of the Awami League government, a period marked by nationwide deterioration in law and order.
Regarding other communal violence cases, police stated that between August 5 and January 8, 134 additional complaints of communal violence were reported.
After thorough investigation, 53 cases and 53 GDs were filed, leading to the arrest of 63 perpetrators.
On steps taken to ensure peaceful coexistence, police emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and security of all religious, ethnic, and community groups.
The Chief Adviser’s press wing further noted that the police headquarters has established a WhatsApp group to receive complaints, including representatives from minority students.
Regular communication with minority community leaders is being maintained, and immediate action is taken for complaints received via the national emergency helpline 999.
