A rally was convened at Shibbari Intersection in Khulna on Sunday afternoon by Sanatan students from Khulna University and other institutions to protest attacks and abuses against the Sanatan community and demand eight specific actions.
The protest began around 3pm, with students marching from various institutions to Shibbari intersection.
As the crowd grew, people of all ages joined the procession, causing traffic to come to a halt in the entire area.
The rally was marked by powerful slogans such as “Who are you, who am I, we are all Bengalis,” “Why the attacks on Hindus? We demand answers,” and “Our land, our country, Bangladesh.”
Protesters voiced strong objections to the destruction of homes, encroachment on temple land, arson, looting, and other forms of violence against the Sanatan community. The rally highlighted eight point demands:
Establishment of a rapid trial tribunal for minority persecution with swift justice for the perpetrators. Compensation and rehabilitation for the victims. Immediate enactment of a minority protection law. Formation of a Ministry of Minority Affairs. Upgrading the Hindu Welfare Trust to a Hindu Foundation, and similarly upgrading the Buddhist and Christian Welfare Trusts.
Enactment of laws for the recovery and protection of Debottor property and proper implementation of property restitution laws. Construction of places of worship for minorities in every educational institution and allocation of prayer rooms in every hostel. Modernization of Sanskrit and Pali education boards and granting a 5-day holiday during Durga Puja.
Biman Bihari Roy Amit, president of the Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council of Khulna district, said that attacks on his residence and neighbouring properties in the Jorakkal Bazaar area.
He mentioned the looting and destruction carried out by miscreants, with reports of similar violence in other parts of the district.
Protester Ujjal Saha expressed concerns about the lack of security for Hindu properties, said: “Our homes, temples, and businesses are being vandalized with no protection provided. Some are even seeking refuge across the border, and arrangements must be made to bring them back with dignity.”
Bikash Baidya said: “This country belongs to everyone. We seek security for our homes and religious sites, regardless of who is in power.”
Puja Chakraborty, a student of Government Brajlal College, shared her experience of threats in her village market, leading her to seek refuge in Khulna city.
She said: “We will continue our movement until the safety of the Sanatan Hindu community is ensured.”
Organizers have announced that the protest will continue until their demands are met, with a human chain and demonstration scheduled on Monday at Golkamoni Park and Picture Palace More.
