Cablegate: Ahmadiya Community Untouched by Weekend

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS DHAKA 006367

SIPDIS

STATE FOR DRL AND SCA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV BG
SUBJECT: AHMADIYA COMMUNITY UNTOUCHED BY WEEKEND
DEMONSTRATIONS; SOME PROTESTERS AND POLICE INJURED

1. The International Khatme Nabuwat Movement Bangladesh
(IKNMB) and a splinter organization, Khatme Nabuwat Andolon
Bangladesh (KNAB) staged protests this weekend over the
government's refusal to declare Ahmadiyas non-Muslims. When
they attempted to march towards the Dhaka City Central Jail
and the Ahmadiya complex in Old Dhaka, they were stopped by
police firing tear gas and wielding batons. As the BDG
promised, they allowed no marches to approach the Ahmadiya
complex, hang signs outside their mosques, or harm any
members of the community. Newspaper reports state
approximately 50 protesters and seven police officers were
injured in clashes. Most of those injured required only
first aid, and none of the injured was reported in serious
condition.

2. In conversations with Poloff, Ahmadiya leaders expressed
relief that the police successfully defended the community.
This contrasts with some past demonstrations, when police
helped to hang the protesters' banners with anti-Ahmadiya
slogans. The Ahmadiyas would now like to see the BDG take a
more proactive stand, by punishing those who threaten
violence against them. However, when asked about the
possibility of going after IKNMB and KNAB before they march,
the State Minister for Religious Affairs Mosharef Hossain
Shajahan said that the BDG was too busy right now with the
recent bombings.

3. Despite claims from one of the KNAB leaders that his 60
lakh (6,000,000) followers were ready to die defending true
Islam, only about 1000 people joined the march. Press, civil
society, and the general population seem to believe that the
Ahmadiyas ought to be left in peace. Members of prominent
human rights organizations such as Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK)
stayed at the Ahmadiya compound to ensure its safety.

4. Comment: The BDG's decision to engage protesters well
away from the Ahmadiya complex was the most robust BDG
response yet to threats against the Ahmadiya community. It
demonstrates once again that the BDG has the ability to
resist Islamic fundamentalists when it has the will to do so.
In part, this may reflect the BDG's desire to distance
itself from JMB's violent, fundementalist agenda. For now,
at least, the BDG sees value in protecting the rights of this
religious minority.
GEORGE

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