After former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Bangladesh on August 5, the situation of Hindus is getting worse there. They are being constantly attacked. On Friday, thousands of Hindus protested on the streets of Dhaka and Chittagong demanding their safety. They have demanded the government to take steps to stop these attacks. Despite the rain, they protested carrying posters with eight-point demands. They also demanded that the attackers be punished through a fast-track tribunal.
In a televised speech by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus to the nation, it was said that no one should do anything that hurts religious harmony. Two days later, Hindus protested there.
Hindus in Chittagong have made several demands to the government, including a separate ministry to deal with minority affairs and reserved seats for minorities.
The Hindu protesters said that they will not return to their homes until their demands are met. They have also demanded compensation and rehabilitation for the affected people. Referring to target killings, looting and destruction of properties, they have also demanded a separate Minority Protection Act from the current government there. They stressed that they are not working as agents of anyone.
In Chittagong, protesters, including women, gathered at Jamal Khan area and demonstrated from 3 pm. Describing themselves as Bangalis (natives of Bangladesh), they declared that they will not leave this land. Some protesters expressed displeasure over the role of the media as their voices are not heard through mainstream media outlets. One urged the authorities to pay attention to reports in the daily Prothom Alo about attacks on minorities.
In Dhaka too, protesters surrounded the historic Shahbagh Square with similar demands around 4.30 pm. The event was organised under the banner of Sanatani Adhikar Andolan, an organization of several Hindu organisations, under the surveillance of security forces.
