Ottawa [Canada], December 11: Canadian Hindus staged a protest outside the Bangladeshi Consulate in Toronto on Tuesday, calling for justice and protection for Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. The demonstration coincided with World Human Rights Day, amplifying their plea for international intervention.
Protest Highlights
Braving the cold weather, a significant number of protesters gathered with banners and slogans such as “Shame Shame Bangladesh,” “Mohammed Younus A Murderer,” “Hindu Lives Matter,” and “Stop Hindu Genocide.” The group urged the Canadian and Indian governments, along with the global community, to press the Bangladeshi government to protect minority rights.
One protester said, “In Bangladesh, Hindus are being genocided. Women are assaulted, children are raped, and their communities are systematically targeted. This is what happened in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and now it’s happening in Bangladesh. We stand here united to support our brothers and sisters globally.”
Another demonstrator emphasized, “On World Human Rights Day, we are here as Canadian Hindus to protest against the atrocities in Bangladesh. Since August 2024, we’ve witnessed relentless attacks on minorities, and we demand an end to this violence, including killings, temple burnings, and abductions.”
Voices from the Community
A Bangladeshi-origin Hindu woman expressed her anguish, stating, “This needs to stop. Hindus have vanished from Afghanistan and Pakistan, and now they are being eradicated from Bangladesh. Hindus are the sons of the soil in Bangladesh, with 14 generations rooted there. Their rights must be protected, or soon, there will be no Hindus left in Bangladesh.”
Ongoing Violence in Bangladesh
Reports indicate a disturbing rise in attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, including cases of arson, looting, and desecration of temples. Recent incidents include:
- Arrest of Hindu Priest Chinmoy Krishna Das: Detained in Chittagong on October 25 on sedition charges, sparking widespread protests.
- Temple Arson: The Mahabhagya Lakshminarayan Mandir in Dhor village, north of Dhaka, was allegedly set on fire.
India has expressed deep concern over these developments. On November 26, the Indian government urged Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Hindus and all minorities, emphasizing their right to peaceful assembly and expression.
Global Call for Action
The protesters demanded immediate international intervention to halt the violence, protect minority rights, and ensure that Hindus in Bangladesh can live peacefully in their homeland.