Police Headquarters (PHQ) on Tuesday said that most recent incidents involving attacks on religious minorities were not communal, but was a result of personal, financial, or family disputes, and general criminal activity.
The statement came in response to claims made at a press conference by the Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Oikya Parishad and the Minority Oikya Murcha.
They reported 27 minority deaths and 2,442 incidents of violence over the last 11 months.
According to PHQ, 22 murder cases and 5 unnatural death cases were filed. Investigations found the causes included land disputes, money issues, robbery, and family conflicts.
3 victims died by suicide, 11 bodies were recovered, and the rest are under investigation. So far, 48 suspects have been arrested, 15 have surrendered, and 18 gave confessional statements.
Police said no communal motive was found.
On 20 cases of rape and sexual assault, 16 cases were filed, and 25 people were arrested. No complaints were lodged in 3 cases, and 2 claims were found to be false.
Regarding 2,010 incidents reported between August 4 and 20 last year, police verified 1,457. They filed 62 cases and 951 general diaries (GDs), arresting 35 people.
Of the 1,769 incidents on August 5, 2024, police said 1,234 were political. For 127 incidents at puja mandaps and places of worship, 66 cases were filed and 64 suspects arrested.
On 60 complaints of theft, idol vandalism, arson, and land grabbing, police said they filed 14 cases and five GDs for 20 thefts, 18 cases for 24 vandalism incidents (15 arrested), and found no sabotage in 4 arson cases. 6 land-related complaints lacked evidence of land grabbing.
Incidents in Khilkhet and Bogura were resolved administratively.
PHQ said all allegations are being investigated and law enforcement is continuing measures to ensure minority safety.