Leaders have raised eight demands, including the establishment of a separate ministry to stop the persecution of minorities. Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government amid student-public upheaval, allegations of violence, temple vandalism, and attacks on the Hindu community have emerged across the country.
In protest of these incidents and to demand justice, various gatherings, human chains, and demonstrations have been organized by the Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council and the Puja Celebration Council, alongside adherents of the Sanatan faith in different parts of the country.
Participants from various professions and backgrounds, including students and guardians from the Hindu community, joined the events, carrying banners and placards with their demands.
From the rallies, leaders presented eight demands to stop the persecution of Hindus, including the formation of a separate ministry for their welfare.
The eight demands are:
Establish a fast-track tribunal for the trial of minority persecution cases, ensuring swift punishment for the guilty, appropriate compensation for the victims, and rehabilitation measures.
Promptly enact a "Minority Protection Law."
Form a "Ministry of Minority Affairs."
Upgrade the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust into a Hindu Foundation, and similarly elevate the Buddhist and Christian Religious Welfare Trusts.
Formulate and effectively implement a "Deity Property Recovery and Conservation Law" and a "Restoration of Assigned Properties Law."
Construct places of worship for minorities in every educational institution and allocate prayer rooms in every hostel.
Modernize the "Sanskrit and Pali Education Board."
Grant five days of public holiday for the Sharadiya Durga Puja.
Reports from Various Districts:
Gaibandha: A human chain was formed in front of the Gaibandha Theater and Cultural Organization, where speakers demanded the maximum punishment for all perpetrators involved in violence against minorities, temple vandalism, home attacks, arson, and looting.
Chuadanga: A protest march began from the Puja Mandap in Chuadanga Bazaar, culminating at Shahid Hasan Square. Speakers emphasized their desire to live peacefully alongside people of all religions and called for strict legal action against those involved in communal violence.
Kurigram: A demonstration and human chain were held at Shapla Chattar, with thousands of Hindu participants. A march also took place, ending at the Kurigram Central Shaheed Minar, where local leaders addressed the crowd.
Lalmonirhat: Protests were held at Mission Mor, where community leaders called for unity against perpetrators and highlighted the historical instances of communal violence.
Madaripur: Hundreds participated in a protest march, with local leaders condemning the ongoing attacks on minority communities and calling for justice.
Netrokona: Demonstrations were held involving various religious organizations, where leaders noted the pattern of persecution that occurs with changes in government.
Pabna: A protest march started from the Sri Sri Joy Kali Mandir, concluding at Shahid Chattar, where local leaders spoke against the violence faced by the Hindu community.
Patuakhali: A march organized by the district Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council culminated in a human chain at the Shaheed Minar, where local leaders presented their demands to the district administration.
Sylhet: In a rally organized by the Combined Sanatani Student Society, participants condemned the attacks on Hindu homes, temples, and businesses and reiterated their demands for justice.
Bogura: Protests were held at Satmatha, attracting a large turnout from various organizations and blocking traffic in the area.
Jhenaidah: A human chain was organized in Kaliganj, with leaders addressing the need for minority protection.
Satkhira: A protest and march took place, culminating at Shahid Abdur Razzaq Park, where speakers highlighted the patterns of violence against minorities during political instability.
Khulna: A large rally was held to protest attacks on Hindu homes and temples, with participants expressing their desire to remain safely in their homeland.
Across these events, the core message remained clear: the community demands safety, justice, and recognition of their rights in Bangladesh.
