Hindus take to streets demanding swift action against attacks on minorities
- In Reports
- 06:06 PM, Sep 14, 2024
- Myind Staff
Thousands of Hindus on Friday took to the streets in Dhaka and Chattogram, the commercial capital of Bangladesh demanding effective action to halt attacks on their community following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5.
Defying the rain, protesters carried placards with eight-point demands, including the swift punishment of the attackers through a fast-track tribunal. The protests came two days after Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus's televised speech urging that no one should do anything to harm religious harmony.
In Chattogram, the Hindus demanded a separate ministry to handle minority affairs, reserved seats for minorities, and also asked the coordinators of the student protests to sit with them, giving them 15 days to act. The protests had led to the fall of the Hasina-led government and her escape to India. The Hindu demonstrators voiced their concern, saying that they would not go back to their homes till their demands were met, which included compensation and rehabilitation of those affected.
They also demanded a separate minority protection act, referring to the targeted killings, looting, and destruction of their properties. The Hindu demonstrators also said that they are not acting as anybody's "agent," a label that they said has too often been applied to minorities when they spoke out for their rights.
Protestors, including women, gathered at the Jamal Khan area in Chattogram and began protesting from 3 pm. They introduced themselves as "Bangali (Bangladesh natives)" and declared that they would not leave this land. A few demonstrators expressed dissatisfaction with the media as their voices are not heard via mainstream media platforms. One of the demonstrators also urged the authorities to take note of daily Prothom Alo about the attacks on their community.
In Dhaka, protesters occupied the prominent Shahbag intersection around 4:30 p.m., blocking traffic with similar demands. The protest, monitored by security forces, was held under the banner of Sanatani Odhikar Andolan, which consists of several Hindu organisations.
Meanwhile, the human rights body, Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) expressed concern about recent escalations of attacks on minorities saying that it was “deeply alarmed”. The body stated on Friday that the destruction of homes and businesses as well as the demolition of places of worship represent a serious violation of human rights.
Image source: ToI
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