On Wednesday, a large protest was organised by a Hindu group in Agartala, Tripura, in reaction to recent attacks on Hindu communities in Bangladesh. The demonstration began with a Sankirtan rally led by the Sanatani Hindu group, which traversed the city with participation from devotees, saints, and social workers from various communities. The rally aimed to express their distress and demand justice for the suffering of Hindus in Bangladesh.
During the protest, the demonstrators declared that the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh was intolerable and that they were ready to intensify their actions if needed.
Speaking to ANI, Shree Mad Bhakti Kamal Baishnav Maharaj said, “We have initiated a Sankirtan rally from Shri Krishna Chaitanya Math Jagannath Temple as a form of resistance against the persecution of Sanatani Hindus. Our goal is to encourage all those who have been initiated into the Vedic Sanatani religion to lead a life of devotion, chanting the names of the Lord, no matter where they are. We wish for everyone to live in peace and happiness through Sanatan Dharma, always keeping God in their hearts. Where there is Dharma, there is victory.”
In their demands, Baishnav Maharaj appealed to the Bangladeshi government to refrain from displacing the Sanatanis and instead promote peaceful coexistence.
“Our demand is that Sanatanis in Bangladesh should not be displaced. They have been there for the past 40 years, and now, where will they go? I urge the Bangladesh government not to displace them. I also appeal to everyone to live together in harmony. What will be achieved through so much hatred? Instead, let’s all come together, chant the names of Lord Hari, and make our lives truly blessed,” he added.
Mad Shyam Sundar Das Brahmachari Prabhu also said, “Today, we organised a Sankirtan protest from the Sri Krishna Chaitanya Math, Jagannath Temple, in response to the ongoing attacks on Sanatanis in Bangladesh. Temples are being vandalised, and our mothers and sisters are being assaulted. We will appeal to the government of Bangladesh to stop these injustices and ensure that no harm comes to Hindus living in the country. Sanatanis have been residing in Bangladesh for a long time, and they have nowhere else to go. We request that no oppression be inflicted upon them, and if such atrocities continue, all Sanatanis will unite for a larger movement. We do not desire violence; that is why we protested today through Sankirtan.”
Bangladesh is currently facing a turbulent political climate following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5 amid escalating protests. Initially sparked by students demanding the abolition of a government job quota system, the protests have expanded into broader anti-government demonstrations.
In the midst of this unrest, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, recently appointed as the chief advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, visited the historic Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka. During his visit, he reassured the country’s minorities of their safety and security.
“Rights are equal for everyone. We are all one people with one right. Do not make any distinctions among us. Please, assist us. Exercise patience, and later judge — what we were able to do and not. If we fail, then criticise us,” Prof Yunus was quoted as saying by Bangladesh newspaper Daily Star.