Conservative group Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajote has threatened to boycott votes if the Awami League government does not reinstate reserved seats for the Hindus in parliament.
Citing the example of a separate electorate that was in force from 1919-54, the leaders of Hindu Mohajote on Saturday demanded that the system is reintroduced to stop the migration of the minority community.
From a human chain formed in front of the National Press Club, the leaders demanded that a bill on reinstating the system be placed in parliament before the next general election.
They said the parliament has remained mum over the persecution and migration of the Hindus. Hence, it is crucial that the Hindus have representation to speak for themselves.
The Hindu Mohajote leaders also criticized the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council, saying that the latter demands reinstatement of the 1972 constitution and annulment of the state religion provision. But they are confusing the Hindus by demanding a minority commission and minority protection law.
