২১শে ডিসেম্বর, ২০২৪ খ্রিস্টাব্দ
সংস্করণ:
On 10 December, coinciding with the UN’s Human Rights Day, UK-based Hindus from Bangladesh staged a protest outside the UK parliament to draw attention to ongoing human rights violations against minority communities in Bangladesh.
The demonstrators, representing the British Bangladeshi diaspora, expressed deep concern about reported atrocities targeting Hindu and other minority populations. They highlighted a series of troubling incidents, including targeted violence, temple destructions, property damage and religious harassment.
The protesters detailed specific grievances such as attacks against Hindu minorities, destruction of temples, homes, and businesses, and the controversial arrest of religious leader Chinmay Das Prabhu, which they claimed was based on false charges. They also drew attention to recent attacks on ISKCON temples and the desecration of religious deities.
The demonstration called on the Bangladesh government to take immediate and comprehensive action. Protesters demanded protection for minority communities, prosecution of perpetrators, strengthening of legal mechanisms to prevent future atrocities, immediate release of Chinmay Das, and enhanced security for religious institutions and devotees.
The demonstrators emphasised the importance of maintaining Bangladesh’s historical values of pluralism and coexistence, stressing that fear and insecurity are forcing many minority families to abandon their ancestral lands.
They concluded with a message of unity, stating that Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians are “brothers and sisters” who should care for each other and work towards societal betterment.
The protest also coincided with a postponed seminar by the Conservative Friends of Bangladesh, which was to feature high-profile speakers from various political and academic backgrounds which included Lord Alex Carlile KC, Bob Blackman MP, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, General Secretary, Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Barrister Nasir Uddin Ashim, International Secretary, Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Abbas Faiz, Lecturer, School of Law, Essex University, Dr David Lewis, Professor London School of Economics, John Cammegh KC, Shabir Khan, Foreign Commonwealth and Development office UK, Rt Hon Sir Ian Duncan Smith MP and Chietigj Bajpayee, Chatham House.
