Ottawa, Canada – December 11: In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, Canadian Hindus gathered outside the Bangladeshi Consulate in Toronto on Tuesday to demand justice and protection for Hindus and other minorities facing persecution in Bangladesh.
Braving cold winter weather, protesters chanted slogans and held banners reading “Shame Shame Bangladesh,” “Hindu Lives Matter,” “Stop Hindu Genocide,” and “Mohammed Younus A Murderer.”
Calls for Action
The demonstrators urged the governments of Canada, India, and the international community to press the Bangladeshi government to take concrete steps to protect minority communities.
One protester shared their concerns with ANI, stating, “In Bangladesh, Hindus are facing genocide. Women and children are being assaulted, raped, and terrorized. This is a systematic effort to eliminate Hindu minorities, similar to what happened in Pakistan and Afghanistan. We are here to show our support for our Hindu brothers and sisters worldwide.”
Highlighting the protest’s timing, another participant said, “Today is World Human Rights Day. We, as united Canadian Hindus, are gathered here to protest against the atrocities in Bangladesh. We demand an end to the killing of minorities, the destruction of worship places, and the oppression of women. Peace must prevail in Bangladesh.”
Voices from the Bangladeshi Hindu Community
A Bangladeshi-origin Hindu woman also spoke out during the protest, expressing deep concern for Hindus in Bangladesh. “As someone from Bangladesh, my heart breaks for the plight of Hindus. This must stop,” she said.
She emphasized the historical presence of Hindus in the region, saying, “Hindus have vanished from Afghanistan and Pakistan. If action is not taken now, we will vanish from Bangladesh too. Hindus are not outsiders; they are sons of the soil. Their rights must be protected, and they must be safe in their homeland.”
Escalating Attacks on Minorities
The protest comes against the backdrop of increased violence and persecution targeting minorities in Bangladesh. Reports include:
- Arson and Looting: Numerous attacks on minority homes and temples, including the alleged burning of the Mahabhagya Lakshminarayan Mandir in Dhor village near Dhaka.
- Desecration of Deities and Temples: Vandalism of sacred sites continues unabated.
- Arrest of Hindu Leaders: The October 25 arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das in Chittagong on sedition charges sparked widespread protests. India expressed concern over his detention and called for his release.
India’s Stand
On November 26, the Indian government voiced its concerns over the situation in Bangladesh. It urged Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of Hindus and other minorities, emphasizing their rights to peaceful assembly and expression.
A Call for Global Attention
The protest in Toronto amplifies the voices of a global Hindu diaspora advocating for justice and the protection of minorities in Bangladesh. As violence escalates, international pressure on Bangladeshi authorities may become a decisive factor in ensuring the safety and rights of vulnerable communities.
