The Forum for the Protection of Minorities in Bangladesh organised a large protest march in Agartala on Sunday to condemn the ongoing atrocities faced by minorities in Bangladesh. The protest, which started at the Agartala Press Club, saw participation from journalists, club members, various social and cultural organisations, as well as the general public.
“In response to the recent incident in Bangladesh, we are organising a protest rally under the banner of the ‘Forum for the Protection of Minorities in Bangladesh.’ Journalists, club members, and representatives from various social and cultural organisations, along with the general public, have participated in this rally. This is just the first phase of our protest; we will send a memorandum to the Prime Minister through the Governor, and we will continue this movement on a larger scale,” said senior journalist Pranav Sarkar while speaking to ANI.
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The procession moved through the city’s streets and concluded in front of Rabindra Bhavan. Notable attendees included Press Club President Jayanta Bhattacharya, and senior journalists Subal Kumar Dey and Pranab Sarkar, along with other journalists and intellectuals who expressed solidarity with the cause.
Jayanta Bhattacharjee, President of Agartala Press Club, voiced deep concerns over the increasing attacks on minorities—including Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists—following the political changes in Bangladesh. “It seems there is a deliberate plan to undermine the Hindu community in Bangladesh. We believe that the government must take action to protect the lives and rights of minorities. We share a sense of solidarity with Bangladesh, as we speak the same language, Bengali. Personally, I believe that the current government is funded by terrorist organizations and has an anti-Hindu agenda, driven by Muslim fundamentalism. Today, we are here to protest for the protection of minorities in Bangladesh,” Bhattacharjee stated.
Baishnab Vakti Kamal Goswami Maharaj of Gaudiya Math, Agartala, also spoke at the event, stating, “The purpose of our rally is to protest the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. This rally aims to call for an immediate end to the violence against minorities.”
The protest comes in the wake of recent developments in Bangladesh. Since the abrupt resignation of Sheikh Hasina on August 5, which ended her 15-year rule, there have been numerous reports of attacks on Hindu households, temples, and businesses. Hindus are the largest minority group in Bangladesh.
The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, took office on August 8 after the law and order situation deteriorated, leaving police unable to maintain order. Minority leaders met Yunus on August 13 to raise concerns about the ongoing violence targeting their communities.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also addressed the issue, urging Yunus to ensure the safety and security of minorities. Modi expressed his concerns during his Independence Day speech, focusing particularly on the security of Hindus in Bangladesh.
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