Members of civil society on Friday demanded a proper investigation and justice over the killing of retired Rangpur Zilla School teacher Ganapati Chakraborty and three members of his family.
A protest rally and demonstration was held in front of Meena Bazar at Dhanmondi-27 in Dhaka on Friday afternoon under the banner of civil society.
Speakers at the rally called for an end to killings, attacks and other acts of violence against members of the Hindu community across the country. They alleged that the killings of Ganapati and his family members were premeditated.
They also expressed concern that a powerful group may have been involved, while raising the possibility of a property dispute or the involvement of extremist groups.
Artist Kamal Pasha Chowdhury said the brutal killing of Ganapati and his family had deeply shocked him.
“We cannot remain silent until justice is served,” he said, stressing that people of all faiths must stand together against such violence.
Kamal Pasha also alleged that the organizers had received threats and intimidation attempts aimed at preventing the rally.
“We must take to the streets. We must protest every incident and build resistance. We must stand against every form of injustice,” he said.
Dr Mohammad Azizul Islam, a former official of the Department of Narcotics Control, said the killing of the Ganapati family was “extremely tragic and painful.”
“We have gathered here with one demand: the government must ensure justice for those responsible through a proper investigation into this killing,” he said.
A Hindu woman who attended the rally said members of the community no longer felt safe following the incident.
“Today it is Ganapati Sir’s family; tomorrow, perhaps we could also become targets. We want security for our lives. We demand a proper investigation and justice in this case,” she said.
At the end of his speech, Kamal Pasha Chowdhury chanted “Joy Bangla,” prompting three people to protest against the slogan.
They questioned why the slogan was being used at an event described as a social protest, saying the Awami League is a banned political party.
An argument broke out between the protesters and organizers before they eventually left the venue.
Members of the engineering community, teachers and ordinary citizens also took part in the rally.