Attack on adivasis: Most attackers at large despite video proof

Despite clear footage from last week showing a large group of people hitting indigenous students with cricket stumps, inflicting serious injuries, law enforcers have so far arrested only two men.

Hours after the incident on January 15, two advisers to the interim government wrote on Facebook that the attackers would be arrested.

The next day, the Chief Adviser's Press Wing, in a statement, said that the government had ordered an investigation into the attack.

"The other perpetrators are being identified and will soon be arrested. All miscreants will be brought to justice," the statement read.

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Removal of word ‘adivasi’: Indigenous group attacked at NCTB; 20 hurt

Many have criticised the inaction, saying that they would continue to demonstrate unless the attackers are promptly arrested.

A group of students, primarily from the indigenous communities of the hill tracts, were protesting the removal of graffiti that depicted Bangladesh's racial and religious diversity from textbooks when they were assaulted in Motijheel.

The photo of the graffiti mentioned the indigenous people as Adivasis. 

At least 20 people, including women, were seriously injured by the attackers who introduced themselves as members of "Students for Sovereignty".

A case was later filed against 16 named and 200-300 unidentified attackers.

Indigenous student bodies and several other organisations have demanded that the photo of the graffiti be brought back to school books.

The attack, broadcast live by various media outlets and Facebook pages, sparked widespread condemnation.

After police arrested two suspects, Law Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul wrote on Facebook that there will be a trial. "Two individuals have already been arrested in connection with the incident."

Adviser Mahfuj Alam also wrote on Facebook, "The others involved in the incident will also be arrested. The entire incident will be investigated. No act of terrorism and extortion will be allowed on the streets."

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Attack on indigenous students: Nagorik Committee expels member

Alik Mree, an organiser of the "aggrieved indigenous students, masses", said, "It is frustrating how some of the assailants are making Facebook posts and speaking on Facebook Live, but the law enforcers apparently cannot find them. The two arrests were nothing more than a show… The other perpetrators, who are clearly visible in the footage, remain free.

"Indigenous students were supposed to meet some advisers today to place our demands. But we have not got an appointment with them. If our demands are not met, we will go for tough programmes."

Alik Mree went on to say that it was the police inaction that enabled the men to launch the assault in the first place.

Contacted, Mesbah Uddin, the officer-in-charge of Motijheel Police Station, said the police were trying to apprehend the remaining suspects.