Possible Hate Crime Spree Leaves Bronx Community On Edge
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The Bangladesh community in the Bronx is banding together over what they say is a possible wave of hate crimes in their neighborhood. NY1's Dean Meminger filed the following report.Mohammed Matin says his life is becoming a living hell in his Parkchester neighborhood. He says he and his family have been attacked and robbed several times. And within the last month, the glass doors of their home have been broken in to during two separate incidents.
"We're always looking out, it's like really frustrating and everybody's just so nervous and so worried what's gonna happen next," said Matin's daughter, Amina Umma.
The Matins are not the only ones who say attacks on people from the Bengali community are on the rise in the Parkchester area.
Parkchester business owner Zakir Khan says he has heard of at least seven or eight attacks in as many months on people living in the community.
"He was badly punched in the face, and then more blood like all over the place, and he was on the street," Khan recalled.
At a recent meeting called by sheikh Moussa Drammeh, an African and Muslim leader, representatives from the New York City Police Department and the Bronx district attorney's office listened to the concerns of the community.
"I could be the best attorney in the city, but unless I have the cooperation of you the crime victim, then there is not much I can do to prosecute the case. You have to work with members of the police department," said Michael Cooper of the Bronx district attorney's office
Law enforcement officials tell NY1 that these could very well be hate crimes because people are saying they are usually not robbed but they are seriously attacked and their property vandalized. But officials say more investigation is needed to make that determination.
Police and the community are urging anyone who has been a victim to come forward. But some admit residents have been hesitant to speak out.
"That they'll say I'm ashamed or that whoever is attacking us they will come after us again," Khan said.
"We want peace, we don't want fight, we don't want robbery, we don't want stealing, we don't want to hate each other," said Community Board 9 member Mohammed Nurul Ahia.
For now, community members say they will keep a close watch on each other and hope the police are watching as well.