The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC) will demonstrate across the country for two hours on January 20, demanding rescheduling of elections for both Dhaka city corporations.
The decision came in an urgent meeting of the organization at its office in Dhaka's Purana Paltan area on Thursday evening, hours after an appeal was filed with the Supreme Court seeking deferment of the elections.
BHBCUC Secretary Rana Das Gupta told Dhaka Tribune that they would form human chains and hold rallies from 3pm to 5pm, to press home their demand.
"In the capital, we will gather in front of the National Press Club and form a human chain and hold a rally there. Afterwards, we will march towards the Raju Memorial Sculpture at Dhaka University," he said.
"We will also stage mass sit-in program, and if needed, we may go for tougher movement, including road blockade, until January 28," he warned.
The council leader further added that they would announce even tougher programs if the election, slated for January 30, is not rescheduled.
On December 22 last year, the Election Commission announced the schedule of the elections to Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC).
In its immediate reaction, the Hindu community voiced its opposition to the decision as it clashed with the celebration of Saraswati Puja on January 29-30.
The community moved the High Court Division, but its petition was rejected, leading to the filing of an appeal with the Appellate Division.
Matters became more complicated with the school holiday calendar, sanctioned by the government, marking January 29 for the Hindu religious festival.
