Bangladesh: Information on government-hired "thugs" (a.k.a. "goondas") who harass opposition party members
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 April 1990 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | BGD3737 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Bangladesh: Information on government-hired "thugs" (a.k.a. "goondas") who harass opposition party members, 1 April 1990, BGD3737, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ac7a10.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
For information on the use of thugs in Bangladesh politics, please see the attached documentation. An article from The New York Times, dated 16 February 1990, mentions the case of one man, Sirajul Islam, who was threatened by "goons", allegedly linked to the ruling Jatiya Party. (See "Where Politics ...) An article published by Inter Press Service on 21 June 1988 notes that during 1988 elections, polling stations were often taken over by the most powerful party in a given area and presiding officers at these polling stations were then "forced to sign result sheets by party thugs." (See "Bangladesh: Government ...) Another article by the same wire service, published on 26 February 1988, mentions that during the nationwide local elections on 10 February 1988, polling centres were captured and ballot boxes looted "by criminals and local thugs." (See "Bangladesh: Gears up...) And an article from the Reuters wire service, published on 12 February 1988, alleges that "Candidates were not officially allowed to represent parties but their supporters and hired thugs clashed with rivals throughout this impoverished country ..." (See "Bangladesh-Carnage ...)
No further information is currently available to the IRBDC on this topic.
ATTACHMENTS
Barbara Crossette, "Where Politics, Like the Rivers, Can Turn Nasty", The New York Times, 16 February 1990.
Tabibul Islam, "Bangladesh: Government Commission Raps Official Election Plan", Inter Press Service, June 21, 1989, Wednesday.
"Bangladesh: Gears up to Face Opposition Anti-poll Drive", Inter Press Service, 26 February, 1988, Friday.
Anis Ahmed, "Villagers Recall Carnage of Poll in Bangladesh", Reuters, February 12 1988, Friday, AM Cycle.