In its press release on March 12, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council misrepresented the actual situation by alleging that violence against religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh continues unabated, much as in the past, the Chief Adviser's Press has aid.
However, the press wing refuted this claim on Tuesday, asserting that the council’s portrayal is misleading.
To support its allegations, the council cited a total of 92 incidents of violence against religious minorities, including 11 killings in the first two months of 2025.
The information gathered from field units indicates that the council’s claims do not accurately reflect the reality on the ground, it said.
Regarding the reported killings, preliminary police investigations suggest that these incidents were not acts of communal violence, the press wing added. "Instead, they resulted from various unrelated factors, including personal disputes, theft, domestic conflicts and reckless behavior."
It continued: "Below are details of some of these incidents: In Gaibandha, Diplu Sarker was killed by his associates over a dispute regarding stolen money. In Netrakona, Dilip Kumar Shaha Roy was murdered at home by unidentified assailants while his family was away. Rajib Talukder lost his life due to an ongoing personal feud. In Sunamganj, Gita Rani Das was fatally struck by an unidentified motorcycle while crossing the road. In Bandarban, Umepru Marma was shot dead outside his home following a dispute with a neighbor over a goat.
"In Chapainawabganj, auto-rickshaw driver Sree Palash was killed by criminals attempting to steal his vehicle. In Moulvibazar, Sree Dipen Munda was murdered due to a long-standing dispute. Kanai Shabdakar died following a quarrel within his family. The body of Kanai Pashi was discovered under mysterious circumstances in a tea garden. Arnab Kumar Sarker, a student at Khulna University, was fatally shot by unknown assailants in connection with a previous conflict. In Narayanganj, Utpal Roy was killed by intruders who broke into his house and stole Tk1.5 lakh while he was alone."
The press wing said these incidents demonstrate that the reported deaths largely resulted from personal disputes, criminal activities, or accidents rather than communal violence, as claimed by the council.
"Addressing such sensitive issues requires careful attention to facts, ensuring they are not distorted to serve particular agendas."
The press wing said this is not the first time the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has misrepresented such incidents.
It pointed out that repeatedly, the council has made controversial claims about minority persecution in Bangladesh, yet when confronted with factual evidence, they fail to revise their misleading narratives.
The press release also stated that it is essential to acknowledge the complexities of these incidents rather than make sweeping generalizations.
It further mentioned: "As efforts continue toward peace and harmony, distinguishing between different causes of violence is crucial. Only through truth and cooperation can a society foster unity rather than division."
