A massive protest took place in Dhaka as thousands of members of the Hindu community gathered to demand protection against the growing violence they face from extremist elements. The rally, organized by the Combined Minority Alliance, saw participants calling for justice and safety amid continued attacks on their homes, temples, and properties.
Hindus from across Bangladesh came together at Dhaka’s iconic Central Shahid Minar to express their grievances. The Combined Minority Alliance, a key organizer of the protest, urged the Nobel Laureate-led interim government under Muhammad Yunus to take immediate action to safeguard the rights and safety of minorities in the country. The group presented an eight-point list of demands aimed at ensuring the well-being of the Hindu community.
Rising Violence Since Hasina’s Resignation
The Hindu minority has faced escalating violence since August 5, when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned following large-scale protests. Since her departure, reports of violence, including rape, looting, arson, and forced displacement, have spread across the country. Many Hindu homes, temples, and endowments have been targeted, and fear has gripped the community.
#WATCH | Bangladesh Combined Minority Alliance organised a massive protest rally today in Dhaka, ahead of Durga Puja. The Alliance put forth an 8-point demand, including, the guarantee of justice for the persecution of minorities, and urged that the same be accepted.
Spiritual… pic.twitter.com/b0nNiOYJSW
— ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2024
Despite assurances from the interim government, which took charge on August 7, attacks on the Hindu minority have allegedly continued. Friday’s demonstration was a direct call for the authorities to fulfill their promises and stop the violence.
Key Demands From The Protesters
Protesters presented an eight-point agenda aimed at securing the rights of the Hindu minority. Among their demands are:
1. Compensation for families of missing, deceased, injured, or affected minority members.
2. Establishment of a dedicated Ministry for Minority Development.
3. Introduction of a Minority Protection Law and the creation of a special tribunal for justice.
4. Declaration of three public holidays for Durga Puja.
5. Recovery and protection of confiscated religious properties, with a law to preserve these sites and restore temples.
6. Establishment of model temples in all 64 districts and the creation of a Vedic university, transforming the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust into a foundation.
7. Modernization of the Sanskrit and Pali Education Board.
8. Declaration of a public holiday for the annual Rath Yatra.
The peaceful demonstration continues as protestors voice their concerns about the ongoing anti-Hindu violence and call for concrete actions from the government. The situation remains tense, as the Hindu minority continues to demand security and justice in a climate of rising intolerance and violence in Bangladesh.
