Hindus in Bangladesh came out in large numbers in various cities in Bangladesh protesting against the attack on Hindus and temples by Muslims after the fall of Sheikh Hasina government. Protests erupted in Shahbag in Dhaka, Shariatpur, Chittagong, Barishal, Dinajpur, Mymensingh and other places, demanding protection of religious minorities in the country that is soon becoming an Islamic fundamentalist state under the interim govt.
In Dhaka’s Shahbag, protests that erupted on Friday continued on Saturday. They demanded representation in the newly formed interim govt at the policy-making level, and a guarantee of the safety of minorities. The Hindus demanded the formation of a ministry for minority communities, the establishment of a minority protection commission, formation and implementation of strict laws to prevent all kinds of attacks on minorities.
The protesting Hindus also called for allocating 10 percent seats in the national parliament for minorities.
Sajan Kumar, the spokesperson of the Central Committee of Bangladesh Hindu Parishad, said that the country belongs to everyone, and the Hindus want security. Chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram’, ‘Hare Krishna’ were raised by the protestors.
In Chittagong, there was a massive gathering of Hindus, with social media posts claiming that over 7 lakh Hindus assembled at Cheragi Pahar area, the cultural centre of the port city. The gathering blocked the road and demanded the end of persecution of Hindus. The protestors tied black cloths on their faces. They demanded the trial of all attacks in the country as soon as possible to maintain communal harmony in the country.
More than 7 lakh Hindus took to the streets in Chittagong city and raised slogans, this country does not belong to anyone's father.
— 🇮🇳Jitendra pratap singh🇮🇳 (@jpsin1) August 10, 2024
Jai Maa Kali
Now the Hindus of Bangladesh are also ready to take up arms.
Hindus of Bangladesh ! Please do not be afraid
Everyone has to die… pic.twitter.com/kYBRryW5oS
They held placards saying ‘why we are not independent’, ‘why attack on our temples’, ‘why threat to leave the country, nation wants answer’ etc.
Hindus took out protest marches and formed human chains in Shariatpur to protest the attacks, vandalism, arson, land grabbing, torture and temple vandalism in different parts of the country. Bangladesh National Hindu Mahazot led the protest held in front of the central Shaheed Minar of the city on Saturday. After that they marched on the Dhaka -Shariatpur road.
Hemant Das, Joint Secretary General of the Central Committee of Bangladesh National Hindu Mahazot said, ‘We are in fear and apprehension. We are shocked to see how Hindus are being attacked, tortured, temples vandalized. We don’t want to cry anymore. Please ensure our safety. We are also citizens of this country. We also have the right to live safely. Dhanuka Mansabari temple in Shariatpur city has been vandalized. We want those miscreants to be brought under the law quickly.’
Similar protest was held at Barisal by the Hindu community on Saturday. Speakers in the rally held in front of Aswinikumar Hall in the city on Saturday afternoon narrated the incidents of arson and attacks on Hindu houses and temples in the area since 5th August. They said that no one came forward to stop the attacks.
The speakers said that while the violent protests against the govt were held in the name of elimination of discrimination, the minority communities in the country are being discriminated against and no action has been taken on it. Bhanu Lal Dey, president of Mahanagar Puja Udjakar Parishad, said that they are spending sleepless nights. They are not getting the help of any law and order force to quell the panic.
The Hindu leaders announced that the protest would continue for the next two days.
Bangladesh Conscious Citizen Society organised a protest by Hindus in Dinjapur on Saturday. Thousands of people gathered at the event, demanding the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh. The speakers at the event said that people of all communities participate in every struggle. But when any situation arises in the country, the homes and places of worship of the Hindu community are always attacked and vandalized.
Mymensingh district branch of Bangladesh National Hindu Mahazot organised a protest by Hindus in Mymensingh on Saturday afternoon. Similar protests and demonstrations were held at many places in the country.
The Hindus in Bangladesh are making the following specific demands.
- Establishment of a ministry of minorities.
- Formation of a minority protection commission.
- Enactment and Implementation of strict laws to prevent attacks against minorities.
- Allocation of 10% of parliamentary seats for minorities.
- Investigation on attack on minorities, arrest and appropriate punishment of culprits.
- Compensation to the Hindu minorities who have faced vandalism, loot and torture.
- Transform ‘Hindu Kalyan Trust’ as an autonomous body, free from Govt’s influence and interference.
- Bring back minorities who have fled villages in the border areas and protect them against threats.
- Ensure and arrange security for the Hindu homes, businesses, temples.
- Increase representation of the Hindu minorities in different Govt. entities.
On Friday, Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Oikya Parishad sent an ‘open letter’ to Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, expressing “profound sorrow and concern” over a particular group’s “unprecedented violence” against the minorities. The letter said that the communal violence that began immediately after former PM Hasina left Dhaka has caused “widespread fear, anxiety, and uncertainty” among the minorities in Bangladesh.
