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Published : 09 Aug 2024, 06:48 PM
Hindu communities have announced a fresh blockade at Shahbagh on Saturday at 3pm, continuing their protest for minority security and pushing a four-point demand.
On Friday, they blocked the Shahbagh intersection from 3:30pm to 7:15pm, holding a protest that lasted nearly four hours.
The protesters had earlier marched from the National Press Club to Shahbagh.
The blockade disrupted traffic and caused sufferings to commuters on surrounding roads until the demonstrators left the area at 7:15pm, allowing traffic to return to normal.
Their four demands are as follows:
The formation of a minority affairs ministry.
The establishment of a minority protection commission.
The enactment and enforcement of stringent laws to prevent all forms of attacks on minorities.
The reservation of 10 percent of parliamentary seats for minorities.
Shanti Ranjon Mondol, president of Bhakta Sangha Bangladesh, said: "Our homes, temples, and businesses are being vandalised, but there is no one to provide security. Some people have gone to the border, seeking refuge in neighbouring countries. Arrangements must be made to bring them back with dignity."
"From today onwards, there should be no need to guard a Hindu home or temple. Just as mosques do not require protection, temples should also not need guarding," he added.
Mondol also announced Saturday's blockade plan.
Nayan Chakraborty, another protester, said: "This country belongs to everyone. We want security here. We have no issue with Jamaat or anyone else coming to power, but we demand the safety of our homes and religious sites."
Dipankar Chandra Shil, a student at Govt Shahid Suhrawardy College, said: "We have been forced to take to the streets to protect our existence. We want security. We will continue this movement to ensure the protection of all members of the Sanatan Hindu community."
