Hindus protest against attacks on them in Bangladesh, demand justice

Weeks after attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, thousands of members of the community in the country gathered in Chittagong on Friday and demanded justice.

The Hindu community has been facing attacks since August 5, when Sheikh Hasina resigned as Prime Minister following massive violent protests.

Their residents, temples, and endowments were targeted throughout the country, with crimes including rape, arson, looting, forced land grabs, threats to life, and coercion to flee the country being reported.

Scores gathered in Chittagong on Friday under the banner of the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Manch (BSJM) and put forth an agenda with regard to their demand for justice from the Muhammad Yunus government.

THE DEMANDS OF BANGLADESH SANATAN JAGARAN MANCH

The Minority Protection Act should be enacted immediately. A Ministry of Minority Affairs should be formed. Hindu Welfare Trusts should be upgraded to Hindu Foundations. Besides, Buddhist and Christian welfare trustees should also be elevated to foundations. The 'Property Recovery and Preservation Act and Transfer of Entrusted Property Act' should be properly implemented. Construction of places of worship for minorities in every educational institution and allotment of prayer rooms in every hostel. Board of Sanskrit and Pali Education to be modernised. A five-day holiday should be given for the autumn Durga Puja.

Sanatan Jagaran Manch has also threatened to launch a massive protest in Dhaka if their demands are not met. According to the Hindu organisation, every time there is a change in government in Bangladesh, they have to face attack and atrocities.

Although the interim government that took charge on August 7 under Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus promised safety for the Hindu minorities, attacks have allegedly continued even after two months.

Meanwhile, threats from student groups as well as radical organisations like the Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh have been openly threatening Hindus not to protest and to leave the country.

These threats have created a climate of fear among the Hindu population.