About three dozens of people have died since last February
The members of Hindu community in Satkhira are waiting with bated breath as the 10th general elections begin today, amid the opposition’s threats of a “civil war” if elections are held without their participation.
Several thousand Hindus from Satkhira have left their homes since communal violence started in the district in the aftermath of a death sentence given to war crimes convict and Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delawar Hossain Sayedee on February 28.
Those who returned after the deployment of army are now afraid the elections would provide little respite for them unless violence is contained once and for all.
About three dozens of people have died since last February.
Govinda Lal Sarder, who returned home on December 25 after over two weeks of stay in India, said he was hesitant to disclose the news of his return fearing backlash.
“Very few people know that I came back. I might have to leave again if the situation turns volatile again,” said Govinda, during an interview with the Dhaka Tribune on December 29.
Govinda said as many as 1,000 people, mostly Hindus, had left the country through Bhomra land port on the day he and one of his acquaintances left. There were some Awami League activists too.
The number of people leaving their homes increased in November and December when over 16 people were killed in violence as Satkhira remained virtually cut off from rest of the country because of a Jamaat siege.
“Most of them have not returned yet. Many are waiting in anticipation of a political reconciliation, which seems highly unlikely at this moment.”
Those stuck in India are having “difficult times” because of their lack of preparation for a long stay, Govinda said, adding he himself had to change his addresses four times and travel frequently. Many went there without legal documents.
“Those who stayed back are keeping an eye on the situation in the country.
Any sign of normalcy and then would return straight home.”
Swapna, a resident in Kolaroa upazila, described how Jamaat-Shibir activists were bearing down on the Hindus.
“Hindu women have to suffer bullying almost on a daily basis. There is always someone telling them: ‘Who split your forehead, dear Boudi [referring to the red line married Hindu women draw on their head]? Do you want us to help you get across the river to India?’”
She said in order to avoid being bullied she had stopped drawing her marriage symbol and wearing attires typical of a Bangalee Hindu woman.
“Is it a sin to be born in Bangladesh? My father’s home is in Noakhali and father-in-law lives in Chittagong. I hear it [torture] is the same with the minority people everywhere.”
She recalled the horrific nights when the Jamaat-Shibir men went to Hindu houses and asked parents to hand over their daughters to them. “There is no way to deal with such insanity.”
Govinda and Swapna are two of a community that had been waiting for a stable situation with bated breath.
The elections would not mean anything to them unless order is restored in the district.