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Created: 19 February 2025

**New Hampshire House Resolution Calls for U.S. Investigation into Alleged Abuses Against Minorities in Bangladesh**

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire House of Representatives has introduced House Resolution 11 (HR 11), urging the U.S. government to investigate allegations of human rights abuses against religious minorities in Bangladesh. This resolution, supported by a bipartisan group of state lawmakers, raises concerns about reported attacks on Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and other minority communities during the current interim government.

Sponsored by Representative Khan (Rockingham 30) and co-sponsored by several other state lawmakers, the resolution highlights alleged incidents of violence, including the destruction of religious shrines and persecution of minority communities. It specifically accuses Bangladesh's current leadership, under Muhammad Yunus, of attempting to erase the legacy of the nation's founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, by canceling national holidays and renaming institutions dedicated to him.

**Concerns Over Religious Persecution**

HR 11 states that following the January 7, 2024 elections, Bangladesh’s government was overthrown by what it describes as a "so-called student uprising" supported by Islamic fundamentalist groups. According to the resolution, this political upheaval has led to increased attacks on religious sites and cultural figures, resulting in deaths and injuries among religious minorities.

The resolution cites specific incidents, including the burning of at least 50 shrines, such as the Shah Paran Shrine, the Dewanbagh Shrine in Narayanganj, and the Garibullah Shah Shrine in Chittagong. These attacks have allegedly created an atmosphere of fear and instability for minority communities throughout the country.

**Extrajudicial Killings and Political Repression**

HR 11 further asserts that the interim government has engaged in extrajudicial killings of political dissidents and members of the previous administration, including those affiliated with the Bangladesh Awami League. The resolution also references reports of violence against police officers loyal to the former government, painting a grim picture of Bangladesh’s current political climate.

**Call for U.S. Action**

The resolution formally urges the U.S. government to investigate these allegations and take appropriate diplomatic measures. Copies of HR 11 will be forwarded to the New Hampshire Congressional delegation, the U.S. Secretary of State, the President of the United States, and the White House Press Office to emphasize the urgency of the matter.

The introduction of HR 11 reflects growing international concerns about the political and human rights situation in Bangladesh. Advocacy groups and human rights organizations are closely monitoring the situation and calling for accountability and protection for vulnerable communities.

As the resolution moves through the New Hampshire legislature, its impact on U.S.-Bangladesh relations remains uncertain. However, its passage could amplify global calls for justice and increase scrutiny of Bangladesh’s interim government.

**Next Steps**

It is unclear how the federal government will respond to New Hampshire’s call for action, but the resolution adds to the mounting pressure for a formal U.S. investigation. If the allegations outlined in HR 11 are substantiated, there could be significant diplomatic consequences, including potential sanctions or shifts in U.S. foreign policy toward Bangladesh.

For now, human rights advocates and affected communities are watching closely, hoping for meaningful intervention to address the reported injustices.

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Created: 17 April 2024

Historic Mujibnagar Day observed

DHAKA, April 17, 2024 (BSS) - The historic Mujibnagar Day was observed today in a befitting manner highlighting the oath-taking ceremony of the country's first government on April 17 in 1971.

The day's programme included hoisting national flag, discussion, paying homage to Bangabandhu, giving guard of honour and passing out parade.

Marking the day, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid glowing tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing a wreath at his portrait at Dhanmondi 32 here marking the historic Mujibnagar Day.

She placed the wreath at the portrait of the Father of the Nation in front of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at 7 in the morning.

After laying the wreath, the premier stood in solemn silence for some times as a mark of profound respect to the memory of Bangabandhu, the architect of Bangladesh's independence.

Later, flanked by senior leaders of her party, Sheikh Hasina, also the President of Awami League (AL), placed another wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu as the party chief.

Meherpur Correspondent Reports: The historic Mujibnagar Day was observed in Maherpur today with a pledge to let the new generation know the history of the Independence War.

National flag was hoisted in front of Sheikh Hasina Manch in Mujibnagar Amrakanon at around 9.30am. A discussion was organized by Bangladesh Awami League in association with the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs and district administration.

Awami League joint general secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim presided over the discussion while A L presidium member Kazi Zafar Ullah addressed it as the chief guest.

Conducted by AL Organizing Secretary BM Mozammel Haque, the discussion was addressed by Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, Public Administration Minister Farhad Hossain, Rajshahi City Corporation Mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton, State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Simeen Hossain Rimi, AL joint general secretary Mahbub Ul Alam Hanif and organizing secretary SM Kamal Hossain, MP, and Central Working Committee member Adv Afzal Hossain, among others.

A one-minute silence was observed and doa was offered seeking eternal peace of the martyrs.

Earlier, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages on Tuesday, greeting the countrymen.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin, in his message, urged the countrymen to work together for building a non-communal, hunger and poverty-free, developed and prosperous 'Sonar Bangla' as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her message also urged the countrymen to work together with the government for building a non-communal, hunger-and poverty-free, developed and prosperous 'Sonar Bangla' cum 'Smart Bangladesh' as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

On this day in 1971, she said, the first provisional government of the independent Bangladesh had taken oath at a mango orchard at Baidyanathtala in the then Meherpur sub-division.

Meherpur turned into the capital of the provisional government and from that day, the place became familiar as 'Mujibnagar', Sheikh Hasina added in the message.

Following the Pakistan army's genocide on unarmed Bangalees on the black night of March 25 in 1971, senior leaders of Awami League assembled at Baidyanathtala in Meherpur on April 17 to form the provisional government of independent Bangladesh.

Baidyanathtala, mainly a mango orchard, was later named Mujibnagar after ceremonial formation of the provisional government of Bangladesh.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was declared the first president of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, while Syed Nazrul Islam was appointed the acting president in the absence of Bangabandhu.

Tajuddin Ahmed was appointed as the first prime minister, while Capt M Mansur Ali and AHM Qamaruzzaman were named as cabinet members.

The government named General MAG Osmani as Commander-in-Chief of Mukti Bahini while it appointed Major General Abdur Rob as chief of staff.

The provisional government gave successful leadership to the War of Liberation for achieving victory on December 16.

On the occasion, newspapers published special supplements while Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television and private TV channels aired different programmes highlighting significance of the day.

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Created: 17 April 2024

DHAKA, April 17, 2024 (BSS) - Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today laid emphasis on the need for responsible and sustainable ocean management.

He was speaking the high level panel of Foreign Ministers in the 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens, an official release said here.

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