Bangladesh is once again moving toward the dark period we witnessed during 2001–06. Whenever the BNP is in power, the brutal reality of oppression against minorities becomes visible again. The barbaric attack on a Hindu family in Sharankhola, Bagerhat, is not an isolated incident. It is part of the same systematic operation that became everyday news during 2001–06.
The family of victim Robin Dhali did not just lose a house — they lost even the minimum guarantee of safety from the state. Under the pretext of a land dispute, an armed group of fifty to sixty people led by influential Sobahan Hawlader attacked an innocent family. Armed with machetes, hammers, shovels, and sticks, they not only vandalized the house, they crushed the humanity of the family. The situation became so severe that Robin Dhali had to say that he no longer has a place to live in his own country. Watching everything destroyed before one’s eyes is suffering that no civilized state should ever allow.
It must be remembered that the BNP itself was born out of Ziaur Rahman’s military cantonment, a place that produced nothing but corruption and terrorism. Now, in May 2026, we are once again witnessing the BNP sitting in power and enabling persecution against minorities. They arranged a non-participatory election to place themselves in power, where many major political parties had no existence at all. The people boycotted that election, did not take to the streets, and did not vote. Yet, through the force of that fabricated power, they continue destroying the rule of law today.
In the Robin Dhali incident, Superintendent of Police Hasan Mohammad Naser visited the scene, a case was filed, and two people were arrested. But what benefit is there if society does not receive a clear message that such attacks will no longer be tolerated? The real perpetrators are still beyond reach. Without political patronage, no one could organize such a massive attack. And that patronage comes directly from the top — these criminals would never gain such courage without signals from the so-called government ministers.
When relatives of minority families in the area say they are living in extreme fear and insecurity, what kind of state structure are we expected to accept? If a state cannot ensure equal rights for citizens and fails to protect minorities, then who will take responsibility for that state? The responsibility for this failure falls directly on the current fabricated government. A police visit to the area, the seizure of a few local weapons, and the arrest of two people cannot restore public trust.
It is clear that preventing repeated terrorist attacks against minority communities requires genuine political will. But expecting protection from a political party that built its power through force, terrorism, and manipulated votes is foolishness. Every incident reminds us that BNP rule means fear, looting, and constant threats to the lives of minorities. This incident in Bagerhat once again proves that the state machinery is completely ineffective, while land grabbers and terrorists, backed by those in power, are establishing a reign of terror.
