Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05DHAKA1907
2005-04-24 10:41:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Dhaka
Cable title:  

AMBASSADOR VISITS AHMADIYA HEADQUARTERS

Tags:  PGOV KISL PHUM BG 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
C O N F I D E N T I A L DHAKA 001907 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/24/2010
TAGS: PGOV KISL PHUM BG
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR VISITS AHMADIYA HEADQUARTERS

REF: A. DHAKA 01853


B. 01802

C O N F I D E N T I A L DHAKA 001907

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/24/2010
TAGS: PGOV KISL PHUM BG
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR VISITS AHMADIYA HEADQUARTERS

REF: A. DHAKA 01853


B. 01802


1. (C) SUMMARY: Ambassador demonstrated support for Ahmadiya
demands for freedom of religion and protection under the law
after BDG allegedly permitted attacks against them.


2. (U) Following a surge of violence against Ahmadiyas
(REFTEL) in Bangladesh, Ambassador on April 22 met with
Ahmadiya leaders at their Dhaka headquarters to demonstrate
USG support regarding the attacks.


3. (C) The leaders alleged that recent attacks have been
tacitly sanctioned by a BDG less concerned with individual
rights than with appeasing the religious majority. While they
conceded that BDG had protected their community, BDG has
begun to succumb to demands of extremist religious leaders.
BDG leaders state publicly their committment to protect
Ahmadiyas but allegedly call local police immediately prior
to demonstrations, instructing police to allow banned
demonstrations to go forward.


4. (C) Ahmadiyas demand equal protection under the law and
freedom of religion, as guaranteed by the Bangladeshi
constitution. They want BDG to remove provocative signboards
posted on their mosques that were erected by police in Khulna
and Bogra. They demand that those responsible for recent
attacks be brought to justice.


5. (C) Ambassador undertook to relay their grievances to
Washington.


6. (C) COMMENT: On April 22 media reported that the district
administration of Satkhira denies any attacks on Ahmadiyas in
that area. This denial may result from public and media
pressure to stem the tide of anti-Ahmadiya violence.
CHAMMAS