Hindus In Bangladesh Take To Streets, Demand Swift Action Over Attacks On Minorities; Accuse Mainstream Media Of Ignoring Their Plight

Thousands of Hindus took to the streets in Dhaka and Chattogram on Friday (13 September), calling for swift action against recent attacks on their community after the fall of Sheikh Hasina government on 5 August.

Despite the rain, the demonstrators remained steadfast, holding placards listing eight demands, including the swift punishment to attackers via a fast-track tribunal.

The protests took place two days after a televised speech by Bangladesh Interim Government's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, in which he called for religious harmony.

In Chattogram, the protesters demanded the creation of a a separate ministry for minority affairs and reserved seats for minorities.

Additionally, they pressed for a meeting with the coordinators of the student protests— who had contributed in bringing down Hasina's government—within 15 days.

The protesters vowed not to leave until their demands, including compensation and rehabilitation for victims of the violence, were addressed.

Starting from 3 pm, protesters in Chattogram gathered in the Jamal Khan area, expressing their determination to remain in Bangladesh.

Protesters also raised concerns about the role of the media, accusing mainstream outlets of neglecting their voices.

In Dhaka, protesters besieged the Shahbag intersection around 4.30 pm, halting traffic in the area.

The protest, led by the Sanatani Odhikar Andolan, a coalition of Hindu organisations, was closely monitored by security forces.

At the same time, the Paris-based human rights group, Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), expressed grave concern over the attacks on minorities.

"The destruction of homes, businesses, and places of worship—particularly those belonging to Hindu, Christian, Ahmadiyya, and ethnic minority communities—represents a grave violation of human rights and threatens the safety and dignity of these vulnerable populations," the JMBF stated.

Also Read: J&K High Court Grants Pre-Arrest Bail To IAF Officer In Rape Case, Directs Police To Seek Its Nod Before Filing Chargesheet