On November 8, 2024, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in Bangladesh mourned the tragic loss of Shahriar Rakin, a 16-year-old leader who succumbed to his injuries after a prolonged battle for life. Shahriar’s death is a stark reminder of the ongoing persecution faced by the Ahmadiyya community in Bangladesh, a minority group that has long been subjected to violence and discrimination.
The attack on Shahriar Rakin is not an isolated incident. It is part of a disturbing pattern of religious intolerance that has plagued the Ahmadiyya community for decades. On August 5, 2024, following a change in government, extremist groups launched a series of coordinated attacks across the country, targeting Ahmadiyya members and their places of worship. One of the most brutal attacks occurred in Panchagarh, where the Ahmadiyya mosque and community center were vandalized, leaving 22 people injured, including Shahriar.
Despite the severity of these attacks, the response from the authorities has been woefully inadequate. The lack of protection and the failure to bring the perpetrators to justice have emboldened extremist groups, allowing them to continue their campaign of terror with impunity. This negligence not only violates the fundamental rights of the Ahmadiyya community but also undermines the principles of justice and equality that are supposed to be the bedrock of Bangladeshi society.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at has consistently called for peace and tolerance, advocating for the rights of all religious communities to coexist harmoniously. The community’s leadership has condemned the attacks and urged the government to take decisive action to protect its members. However, these pleas have largely fallen on deaf ears, leaving the Ahmadiyya community vulnerable and isolated.
Shahriar Rakin’s death is a profound loss, not only for his family and the Ahmadiyya community but for all who believe in the values of peace and human dignity. His courage and leadership, even in the face of such adversity, should serve as an inspiration to us all. It is imperative that the Bangladeshi government and international human rights organizations take immediate steps to address the persecution of the Ahmadiyya community and ensure that justice is served.
The time for action is now. The world must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of the Ahmadiyya community in Bangladesh. We must stand in solidarity with them, demanding an end to the violence and the establishment of a society where everyone, regardless of their faith, can live in peace and security.
In memory of Shahriar Rahim, let us renew our commitment to fighting religious intolerance and upholding the principles of justice and human rights for all.
Contact Information:
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Bangladesh
Public Relations, Media & Communication Department
4 Bakshibazar Road, Dhaka – 1211
Email: eaff.pr.amjbd@gmail.com
Phone: 01713024413
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