Hindu community protests across Bangladesh over insult to Lord Ram
Bangladesh witnessed widespread protests by the Hindu community in Dhaka and other parts of the country on Friday and Saturday, condemning the government's alleged inaction following an incident in Palashbari, Gaibandha. According to protesters, a picture of Lord Ram was hit with shoes during a procession, and threats were made to vandalise the idol of Lord Ram at Radha-Gobinda Temple.
Leaders warn of larger protests if concerns ignored
Hindu community leaders claimed that a group with vested interests is trying to create instability by destroying religious harmony. They highlighted repeated attacks on minorities and threatened to mobilise larger protests if their concerns are not addressed immediately. "We are ready to die for the cause," they said.
Dhaka saw massive protests on Friday night and Saturday. The Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad staged demonstrations, joined by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad. They described the incidents as a grave insult to Hindu sentiments and expressed concern over a deliberate attempt by communal elements to incite hatred against minority communities.
Protesters demand legal action, vow resistance
"We are not floating people here. We are citizens of this country. We sacrificed our blood to build Bangladesh. We achieved this Bangladesh through the sacrifices of our near and dear ones," said one protester. "We must stop this evil force," he added.
Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad organised human chains, protest rallies and processions across the country, demanding immediate legal action against those responsible. The central protest rally and human chain in Dhaka were held in front of the National Press Club. Rallies across the country proclaimed that Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and indigenous peoples have equal rights in Bangladesh.
