Houses Belonging to the Christian Tripura Community Set Ablaze in Bangladesh on Christmas Eve

Seventeen homes of the Christian Tripura community in Bandarban were set on fire by unidentified individuals.

Dec 27, 2024 - 13:47
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Houses Belonging to the Christian Tripura Community Set Ablaze in Bangladesh on Christmas Eve
Houses Belonging to the Christian Tripura Community Set Ablaze in Bangladesh on Christmas Eve

Seventeen homes of the Christian Tripura community in Bandarban, Bangladesh, were torched by unidentified perpetrators on Christmas Eve, according to a report by The Daily Star.

The attack occurred while the residents were away in a nearby village attending Christmas Eve celebrations, as there is no church in their vicinity. Out of the 19 houses in the community, 17 were completely destroyed by the fire, officials told the news outlet.

“Today is supposed to be our happiest day. I never imagined such a tragedy would happen on Christmas. We demand exemplary punishment for the criminals," said Gungamani Tripura, one of the victims, as quoted by the news outlet.

The Tripura community had inhabited the Tongijhiri area for generations. However, locals say they were forcibly evicted a few years ago, reportedly after the land was claimed to be leased to the wife of a police officer under the Awami League regime. Following the eviction, trees were planted in the area. Paisapru Tripura, the head of the new Tongijhiri, said his people had lived there for three to four generations before being expelled by a group claiming to represent "SP’s men." These individuals allegedly stated that the land was leased to the wife of Benazir Ahmed, who was the Inspector General of Police at the time. After the Awami League lost power, the Tripura community returned, rebuilt their homes, and resumed living in the area.

Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, Bangladesh has reportedly seen an increase in violence against minorities. Attacks targeting Bengali Hindus, Christians, adivasis, and hill tribes have escalated, fueled by weeks of protests and unrest, including student-led demonstrations demanding quota reforms.

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