Tripura: Hindu Organizations Protest in Agartala Against Attacks on Hindus In Violence-Hit Bangladesh

Several Hindu organizations, including the Jagannath Temple and ISKCON, under the banner of ‘Pratibad Sangkirtan Somabesh’ staged a protest in Agartala today against the ongoing attacks on minority Hindus, their properties, and places of worship in Bangladesh which has been on the boil for nearly a month now after anti-quota and anti-government protests erupted in the country in July.

Hundreds of priests and devotees gathered in front of Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan, Agartala holding banners and placards denouncing the violence.

Protestors expressed their outrage over the reported 300 incidents of attacks, and arson on Hindus besides vandalism of Hindu temples in Bangladesh since the resignation of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister last week.

They also voiced their concern over the reported deaths of 5 individuals and the targeting of media personnel during the violence.

They urged the interim government of Bangladesh to take immediate action to halt the attacks and restore normalcy in the affected areas.

Speaking to Northeast Live, Bhakti Kamal Maharaj, Chief Priest of Jagannath Temple and protestor said,
“There are Hindu populations in every corner of the world, but if such atrocities continue, the Hindu community will eventually face extinction. We kindly request that the interim government of Bangladesh take into account the safety of our Hindu brothers and sisters.”

The nationwide protests by students in Bangladesh has resulted in Sheikh Hasina’s resignation from her post as Prime Minister last week.

The protests in Bangladesh have erupted due to demands for reforming the quota system that reserves civil service jobs for specific groups, including descendants of 1971 war veterans.
At least 300 people were killed during the violence in just 3 weeks, making it the bloodiest phase in Bangladesh’s civil movement history.