Protests and rallies were held in Bogra on Sunday, demanding swift justice, compensation, and an end to the violence against Hindu communities, including attacks on homes, temple vandalism, arson, looting, and intimidation across the country.
The event, organized under the banners of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, and Sanatani Jagran Manch, took place at Zero Point in the afternoon. Thousands of people from the Sanatan religious community participated.
Chanting slogans such as "Jai Sri Ram," "Tumi Ke Ami Ke — Bangalee Bangalee," "My country is everyone's country — Bangladesh," "I will not leave my land, my mother — Bangladesh," and "We will not tolerate attacks on Sanatanis," hundreds of men and women of different ages joined human chains and marches.
Leaders including Dr NC Bari of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, Dilip Kumar Dey, a central executive member of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, Nirmal Roy, general secretary of the organization’s Bogra district branch, and Parimal Prasad Raj, president of Paur Puja Udjapan Parishad, addressed the gathering. National athlete Gopal Tewari was also present.
The speakers emphasized that they have been on alert day and night for several days to protect their lives and dignity. But it's time for collective protest, not just self-defence.
We refuse to flee any longer — this land is ours too. It belongs to our forefathers, and we have every right to stay in our homes and live in peace, they added.
"If the students of this country can bring about change with just sticks in hand, why can't we? We are appalled by the attacks on Hindus, the torture, and the vandalism of temples. It is the government's responsibility to ensure our safety. We are citizens of this country and deserve to live securely. We have fled too many times — in 1971, during government changes, and in unstable situations. But this time, we will resist the miscreants. Bangladesh is also our motherland, despite some asking us to go to India. We demand fair trials and compensation for the attacks on our community, and we expect the government to ensure we can live in harmony in this country," a speaker said.