In Bangladesh’s port city of Chittagong, thousands from the Hindu community gathered for the largest rally in months, demanding enhanced rights and protections for religious minorities. Held at the iconic Laldighi Maidan, the rally was led by the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagran Manch, a prominent Hindu organization. The group presented an eight-point demand to the interim government, calling for comprehensive protections and policies to safeguard Hindu minorities.
The demands include establishing a specialized tribunal to expedite justice for minorities affected by violence, allocating funds for victim rehabilitation, and enacting laws that prioritize minority protection. Other key demands include the creation of a minority affairs ministry, the modernization of traditional education systems, and more inclusive holiday recognition, such as expanding the Durga Puja holiday to five days. The rally emphasized that these requests are urgent, as the Hindu community faces continued pressure and discrimination within Bangladesh.
This rally highlights the Hindu community’s increasing visibility in pushing for legislative and social reforms. Local officials acknowledged the rally and announced a new two-day Durga Puja holiday, marking a historic shift. However, activists insist that this concession only partially addresses their demands, as they call for full governmental commitment to their proposals.