Bangladesh - EnglishNews

Hindu protests erupt in Bangladesh demanding action against community attacks

Thousands of Hindus marched in Dhaka and Chattogram on Friday, demanding immediate action against attacks on their community following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster on August 5. The demonstrators, undeterred by the rain, carried placards listing eight demands, including the swift punishment of attackers through a fast-track tribunal. These protests occurred two days after Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus called for maintaining religious harmony in a televised address.

In Chattogram, protestors called for the establishment of a separate ministry for minority affairs and reserved seats for minorities. They also urged the coordinators of the student protests, which had contributed to Hasina’s government’s downfall, to meet with them within 15 days. The protestors made it clear they would not return home until their demands, including compensation and rehabilitation for those affected by violence, were addressed.

The protestors in Chattogram gathered in the Jamal Khan area from 3 p.m., expressing their determination to remain in Bangladesh. They also raised concerns about the role of the media, accusing mainstream outlets of neglecting their voices. One protestor referenced the daily reports by Prothom Alo on the attacks against minorities, urging authorities to take note.

In Dhaka, the protestors besieged the Shahbag intersection around 4:30 p.m., bringing traffic to a standstill. The protest, organized under the banner of Sanatani Odhikar Andolan, which includes several Hindu organizations, was closely watched by security forces.

Meanwhile, the Paris-based human rights organization, Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), expressed deep alarm over the attacks targeting minorities. JMBF stated that the destruction of homes, businesses, and places of worship constitutes a severe violation of human rights.

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