Amid reports of attacks and harassment against minorities across Bangladesh, journalist Barsha Kairi was allegedly assaulted in the capital’s Shyamoli area on the evening of August 12.

According to Kairi, four unidentified men physically assaulted her at around 6pm in the Shyamoli area. She said she managed to escape after some passersby came forward. She sustained minor injuries but was not seriously hurt.

Kairi, a temporary resident of Shyamoli, said the attackers threatened her, telling her that she would be killed if she did not wear “decent” clothes. They also allegedly threatened to send her and her family to India.

She said she could not file a general diary (GD) with the police because police activities had remained disrupted following the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024, amid the July-August mass movement.

Kairi also said she had received threats for several years because of her active involvement in various social activities.

“I am traumatised. I am afraid that they may attack me again at any time,” she said.

The incident came amid a series of reported attacks and incidents of mob violence against members of religious minorities, journalists and others following the change of government on August 5, 2024.

There have also been reports of women being harassed by groups identifying themselves as “Tauhidi Janata” (devout Muslims). Members of the Hindu and Buddhist communities, as well as journalists, have also reportedly faced attacks and harassment.

The unrest following the July-August movement also disrupted police operations in many parts of the country, with several police stations reportedly being attacked and damaged. Amid the breakdown in law enforcement in some areas, incidents of mob violence and killings were also reported.

/SM/12/08/2024