With the escalation in violence and persecution, Hindus throughout the Islamic nation of Bangladesh have taken to the streets to voice their anguish over the rampant attacks on their homes, temples, and families. They have highlighted the systemic targeting of their religious identity and livelihoods by Islamist extremists. With the escalation in violence and persecution, Hindus throughout the Islamic nation of Bangladesh have taken to the streets to voice their anguish over the rampant attacks on their homes, temples, and families. They have highlighted the systemic targeting of their religious identity and livelihoods by Islamist extremists. The situation has led to a surge in protests, as the Hindu minority seeks jThe situation has led to a surge in protests, as the Hindu minority seeks justice and protection from the brutalities they continue to face in a country where they are increasingly marginalized.
The protests that were temporarily suspended based on assurances from the chief adviser and other officials resumed on Friday afternoon (September 13), with members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh returning to the streets to demand an end to the repression of minorities.
Members of Sanatani Odhikar Andolon—a coalition of various Hindu organizations—and Bangladesh Hindu Jagran Manch blocked the Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka, reiterating their eight-point demand, accusing the government of failing to take effective action to address their concerns. The blockade, initiated around 4:30 pm halted vehicular traffic, leading to significant congestion in the area.
Dhaka Shahbag Blocked By Hindu Organisations For 5 Hours Demanding To The Government To Ensure Their Safety.
They Left Shahbag Just Now After Announcing To Block Shahbag Again In Future If Safety Isnt Ensured #BangladeshCrisis pic.twitter.com/7wSvNcQBoE
— বাংলার ছেলে 🇧🇩 (@iSoumikSaheb) September 13, 2024
Likewise, members of the Sammilito Sanatani Samaj-Bangladesh organised a rally at Jamal Khan Intersection of Chattogram City to press the eight-point demands.
Massive protests in Bangladesh by Hindus in #Chattagram demanding minority rights.
The interim govt seems to be deaf.
And western media is downplaying the ordeal.pic.twitter.com/P5csH7ZRiY
— Shining Star (@ShineHamesha) September 14, 2024
Their eight demands include: conducting a speedy tribunal trial for the incidents of attacks on minorities following the government’s fall; compensating and rehabilitating victims of communal violence; creating a minority protection law; establishing a ministry for minority affairs; converting the Hindu Religion Welfare Trust into a Hindu Foundation; transforming the Buddhist and Christian Religion Welfare Trusts into foundations; recovering endowed properties and formulating a law for their protection; properly enforcing vested property laws; and instituting a five-day holiday for Durga Puja.
Speakers at the event stated that no government in the 53 years since independence has prosecuted the atrocities committed against the Hindu community in the country, creating a culture of impunity for such crimes that has emboldened perpetrators over the years. They also noted that minorities consistently become the targets of repression whenever incidents occur.
After the student-led mass uprising, we thought we would get a non-discriminatory social system. However, since August 5, homes of Hindu people, their temples and business establishments were attacked in 49 districts of the country. According to Prothom Alo’s report, there were a total of 1,068 attacks on Hindus between August 5-20,” said Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari.
“The chief adviser to the interim government is a Nobel Peace Laureate. We hope he will take steps to establish peace for all people, including the Hindu community, in the country,” he added.
Source : opindia
