Ahmadiyyas in Satkhira seek govt protection

Addressing a press conference at Sundarban Bazar in Shyamnagar, Ahmadiyya leaders said over 4000 members of the community are panicked following distribution of leaflets by the IKNM, asking them to leave the area and urging the government to declare them non-Muslims.

The leaflet distribution followed formation of a 21-member IKNM committee there during a visit by one of its central leadersNoor Hossain Nooranion March 18.

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The Ahmadiyya community members are being threatened since then, its leader GM Mobarak Ahmed said in a written statement read out at the press conference.

Shyamnagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Solaiman Mondol visited the area yesterday and assured them of all possible measures to give them protection.

The Khulna district unit of IKNM at a press conference held in Khulna on April 7 threatened of 'dire consequences' if the Ahmadiyas are not declared non-Muslims.

It also announced a serious of programmes as part of their agitation in Satkhira and other districts. The programmme includes rally, mass contact, procession and laying a siege to Ahmadiya establishments.

As per the programme, Khatme Nabuat men will bring out truck and motorbike processions after their mahfil (congregation) at Harinagar High School ground on April 16 and lay a siege to the Ahmadiyya complex at Sundarban Bazar on April 17.

The Islamic Shashantantra Andolon headed by the Chormonai Pir has also extended its support to the programme, said a leader of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat seeking anonymity. The Ahmadiya community members at Chhoto Betkhali village are now passing days in panic after announcement of the programmes.

Women and children in the village are confined to their houses. Children do not attend schools, people of the community said yesterday.

On contact, Shamnagar police said they are taking measures for their protection and security.