In a powerful display of solidarity, dozens of Hindu Canadians braved frigid temperatures as low as -23°C at Mississauga Celebration Square to draw attention to what they describe as escalating violence and systemic discrimination against religious minorities in Bangladesh. The protest, organized amid freezing conditions, aimed to amplify the voices of persecuted communities including Hindus, Christians, Jains, and Buddhists who face ongoing atrocities.
Protesters Demand Principled Action from Canadian Leadership
The demonstrators, undeterred by the extreme cold, called upon Canada's Prime Minister, Mark Carney, to take what they termed "principled, democratic action" to protect vulnerable groups and ensure accountability for perpetrators of abuse. Through chants and placards, they highlighted a pattern of killings, sexual violence, torture, and discrimination that has intensified in recent months.
Hindu Canadian Foundation Issues Urgent Appeal
The Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF), a non-profit organization dedicated to coordinating Hindu community efforts in Canada and raising awareness of global Hindu issues, spearheaded the protest. In a post on X, HCF detailed the dire situation, stating, "Hindu Canadians gathered today at Mississauga Celebration Square, braving -23°C temperature, to raise their voices for persecuted religious minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, and others, who continue to face killings, sexual violence, torture, and systemic discrimination."
The foundation emphasized the need for stronger international scrutiny, pointing to "a deeply alarming pattern of attacks on Hindu temples, thousands of homes vandalized or burned, and multiple cases of killings of Hindus" over the past decade, with a sharp rise in recent months. They asserted that these "atrocities demand international attention and accountability."
Background of Violence in Bangladesh
The protest coincides with multiple reports of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly in the lead-up to the February 2026 elections. According to media accounts and minority rights organizations, incidents of arson, looting, and murder have targeted Hindu communities in districts such as Chittagong, Raozan, Pirojpur, and Sylhet.
In one tragic case, 50-year-old Hindu businessman Khokon Chandra Das was stabbed and set on fire in Shariatpur District on December 31, 2025, succumbing to his injuries later. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reported at least 51 attacks on minorities in December alone, including murders, looting, and arson, signaling a worrying escalation in communal violence.
International Implications and Calls for Justice
Rights groups have warned that the violence is not only a domestic issue but also a matter of international human rights concern. The protest in Mississauga underscores the diaspora's role in advocating for global intervention. By gathering in such harsh conditions, the Hindu Canadian community demonstrated their unwavering commitment to drawing worldwide attention to the plight of minorities in Bangladesh.
This event highlights the interconnectedness of global communities and the power of peaceful protest in urging democratic nations like Canada to leverage their influence for humanitarian causes. As temperatures plummeted, the resolve of the protesters only strengthened, symbolizing the cold reality faced by those they seek to protect.
