Massive rally of thousands of Hindus held in Chittagong, Bangladesh

Eight demands presented to the Bangladeshi Government

Chittagong (Bangladesh) – The ‘Sanatan Jagaran Manch’ organised a massive rally on 26th October in Chittagong, demanding the protection and rights of minority communities. A gathering was also held at the historic Lal Dighi Ground, where minority Hindus presented eight major demands. The group declared that their protest would continue until the Bangladeshi Government addresses these demands.

Thousands of Hindus take out a huge march in #Chittagong (Bangladesh)!

8 demands have been made to the Government of #Bangladesh

It looks like the Hindus in Bangladesh have realised that it is necessary to organize themselves in order to try and protect themselves.

They have… pic.twitter.com/iZeTfmO37l

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) October 27, 2024

Demands raised by Hindus :

1. Establish a tribunal to prosecute individuals involved in crimes against minorities.
2. Compensate victims and provide for their rehabilitation.
3. The Minority Protection Act should be enacted immediately.
4. A Ministry of Minority Affairs should be formed.
5. Construction of places of worship for minorities in every educational institution and allotment of prayer rooms in every hostel.
6. Hindu Welfare Trusts should be upgraded to Hindu Foundations. Besides, Buddhist and Christian welfare trustees should also be elevated to foundations.
7. The ‘Property Recovery and Preservation Act and Transfer of Entrusted Property Act’ should be properly implemented.
8. Board of Sanskrit and Pali Education to be modernised and a five-day vacation should be given for the autumn Durga Puja.

Two-day holiday for Durga Puja

Responding to the demands, Interim Government Minister for Environment Syeda Rizwana Hasan announced a two-day holiday for Durga Puja for the first time. This rally marks the largest protest by Hindus since Sheikh Hasina stepped down on 5th August. While the Interim Government has promised to protect minority rights, incidents of looting, physical assaults, and destruction of minority properties have continued to rise.

Editorial Perspective

Hindus in Bangladesh have realised that they must unite and make efforts for their own protection, as no external support will come from India or other countries. Hindus across the world need to learn from Hindus in Bangladesh.