The Bangladesh Police Headquarters (PHQ) in a statement yesterday said that recent incidents of attacks and murders involving religious minorities were not communal in nature; rather most of these incidents occurred due to personal, financial, family feuds and general crimes.

The statement came in response to allegations raised by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC) at a press conference on July 10 where it claimed that 27 minority people were killed between January and June this year and 2,442 communal attacks and incidents of violence took place across the country over the last 11 months.

In the statement the PHQ  also said police have thoroughly reviewed the 27 reported deaths and of these, 22 were registered as regular murder cases, while five were recorded as unnatural deaths. None were connected to any kind of communal violence, it said, adding that the underlying causes of the deaths included land disputes, financial transactions, robbery, terrorist attacks and family conflicts.

Among them, three people committed suicide and 11 deaths where bodies were recovered under various circumstances are under investigation, it said.

So far, 48 suspects have been arrested, 15 have surrendered and 18 have given confessional statements in these regards, the statement added.

“Investigations confirm that none pof these deaths were motivated by communal reasons.” said the PHQ.

Regarding the 20 incidents involving rape, sexual harassment or gang rape, the police said 16 cases were filed and 25 suspects have been arrested. No complaints were lodged in three cases while in the alleged rape of an indigenous woman in Rajshahi, investigations found no evidence of rape, and the incident was linked to a prior dispute between the accused and the complainant’s family, it said.

In the alleged gang rape in Magura, the PHQ said no complaint was filed, and preliminary police investigation found no supporting evidence.

BHBCUC also mentioned that the majority of violence occurred between August 4 and 20, 2024, citing 2,010 incidents, including 1,769 communal attacks and assaults. Police verified 1, 457 of these incidents across 56 districts.

Besides, 62 cases and 951 general diaries (GDs) were filed in connection with these and 35 people were arrested so far. Of the 1,769 incidents, 62 cases were formally filed, and 951 were logged as general diaries, meaning a complaint was officially recorded but no formal criminal cases has yet been filed, the PHQ said, adding that 35 individuals were arrested in connection with these cases.

It said investigation revealed that 1, 452 incidents occurred on August 5, 2024, with 1,234 linked to political disputes while 161 could not be substantiated.

that occurred on August 5, 2024, 1,234 were identified as stemming from political conflicts, the police headquarters statement said.Of the 1,769 incidents that occurred on August 5, 2024, 1,234 were identified as stemming from political conflicts, the police headquarters statement said.

There were 127 reported incidents involving Puja Mandaps from August 5, 2024 to January 2, 2025, it said, adding that 66 cases were filed and 61 recorded as GD, and 64 individuals were arrested in these connections.

Concerning 60 complaints involving theft, vandalism of idols or temples, arson, land grabbing and eviction attempts, police said 14 cases and five general diaries (GDs) were filed over 20 theft incidents. Of the 24 reported vandalism cases, 18 were formally filed and 4 recorded as GD police said, adding that 15 were arrested while 10 suspects surrendered.

No evidence of sabotage was found in connection with four arson cases and four land-related complaints were solved by local mediation, police said, adding that of the six land grabbing claims, investigations found no substantiating evidence.

In Khilkhet, police said a temporary Puja Mandap built on Bangladesh Railway land was evicted through a joint operation involving railway authorities and law enforcers.

In Bogura, after a contractor demolished pillars of a cremation ground, the administration reconstructed the site, the PHQ added.

The PHQ  also said police are investigation each reported incident with outmost diligence and seriousness, following the facts wherever they lead. So far, no evidence of communal violence has been found.

“Rest assured, the police remain committed to safeguarding the safety and security of all citizens, institutions, and religious establishments in Bangladesh,” the PHQ said in its statement.