Hindus block Shahbagh again, demand action not assurances

They call for the government to fulfil its promises and ensure the safety of their community

Hindus have once again blocked Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection, demanding not just assurances but concrete action against the attacks on members of the religious minority in Bangladesh.

The protest began at 4pm on Friday, with several hundred people under the banners of Hindu organisations gathering to demonstrate.

The blockade has led to a complete halt of traffic in and around the area, causing disruptions to other roads in the capital.

Hindus took to the streets carrying banners, demanding an end to the 'harassment', attacks on religious places, and damage to homes.

They presented an eight-point charter of demand and shouted slogans.

Organisations such as Hindu Jagaran Mancha, National Hindu Forum and Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance took in the demonstration.

They accused the government of failing to address their demands even a month after taking office.

They highlighted ongoing attacks on minority communities, vandalism of temples and the lack of arrests of the perpetrators.

A student participating in the protest said, “We have eight demands. Each incident of attack on Hindu families must be investigated. We need rehabilitation for the victims, enhanced security laws and the formation of a separate commission for Hindu protection. In addition, there should be a five-day holiday for Durga Puja.”

"We are citizens of this country, not outsiders. We seek assurance from the new interim government to live safely and freely. We have been repeatedly reassured, yet attacks continue to occur somewhere every day," he added.

Another protester said, “We are labelled as agents of India whenever we speak out. If we are indeed agents, why are we protesting here at Shahbagh? This is our country, and we will not leave. The government’s promises are not reflected in action.”

At 6:30pm, Mehdi Hasan Shakil, assistant commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police's Traffic-Shahbagh Zone, said: "Shahbagh is still blocked. We are trying to maintain normal traffic flow by using alternative routes."