Several thousand people from the minority communities, mostly from the Hindu community, staged demonstrations at Shahbagh in the capital on Friday protesting attacks on their houses and places of worship across the country.
They also demanded that the authorities concerned take immediate steps to ensure their security.
During the protests, they chanted slogans like “We want Justice, Justice”, “No discrimination is allowed in this country”, “All Hindus get united” and “Save Bangladeshi Hindus”.
Besides, they placed 4-point demand, including setting up of a new ministry for minorities, formation of Hindu Commission, enactment of laws to prevent all kinds of attacks on minorities and reservation of 10 percent seats for minorities in parliament. Suman Chakraborty, who participated in
the demo, said that the country belongs to all. “We need security here. We have no problem if Jamaat or other party comes to power, but we want security for our homes and religious institutions.”
Another protester Miton Kumar said, “We have gathered here from different parts of the country. We want security for our homes and places of worship.”
Shanti Ranjan Mondal, President of Bhakta Sangsad Bangladesh, said, “Hindu homes, temples, and business establishments are being vandalised. No one is safe. Many have reached the border to seek refuge in the neighbouring country, and arrangements must be made to bring them back with dignity.”
He further said that Hindu houses and temples should not have to be guarded from today. “Mosques are not to be guarded, and temples are not to be guarded.”
Due to the demonstrations, city dwellers faced severe traffic congestion on roads in and around Shahbagh area.
