Staff Reporter :
A few hundred members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh blocked the busy Shahbagh intersection in the Capital Dhaka to protest against the persecution of religious minorities and to demand justice for those responsible.
The demonstration, held under the banner of the Sanatani Rights Movement, was organised by several Hindu organisations. The protest began at approximately 4:15 PM, bringing traffic to a halt and causing significant congestion in the area.
The demonstration is centered around an eight-point demand that includes the prosecution of individuals involved in attacks on religious minorities, compensation for those affected by communal violence, and the establishment of a Ministry for Minority Affairs. Protesters also called for the formation of a Minority Protection Act and the promotion of religious welfare trusts for Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians to foundation status.
The protest follows a series of violent incidents against minorities that occurred after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. Initially, the protest was paused when the interim government’s chief advisor and other officials promised to address the community’s demands. However, due to the lack of progress, the community resumed their blockade today.
Two groups led the protest at Shahbagh. The first group arrived at the intersection around 4:15 PM, led by the Bangladesh Hindu Parishad. Shortly after, another contingent, led by the Sanatani Rights Movement, joined from the National Press Club.
Protesters chanted slogans such as Why destroy our temples? We demand answers!” and “This is my land, this is my country. We won’t leave Bangladesh!” These slogans echoed the community’s frustration and commitment to staying in their homeland despite the challenges they face.
The protestors’ eight key demands are: Swift trials for those involved in attacks on minorities, through a special tribunal, compensation and rehabilitation for victims of communal violence, the establishment of a Minority Protection Act, creation of a Ministry for Minority Affairs, upgrading the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust to a foundation, elevating the Buddhist and Christian Religious Welfare Trusts to foundation status, Formulating laws to recover and preserve Debottar (religious endowment) property, proper implementation of the Vested Property Return Act, and extending the Durga Puja holiday to five days.
Law enforcement agencies are present at the scene, monitoring the protest to ensure order is maintained.
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