New Delhi: On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, the Civil Society of Delhi organized a protest march at the Bangladesh Embassy in Delhi to oppose the atrocities and genocide against Hindus in Bangladesh.
The march, held on World Human Rights Day, aimed to register Indian society’s protest against the continuous human rights violations and violence faced by Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh at the hands of radical Islamist groups under the protection of the interim Bangladeshi government. The event sought to draw the attention of national and international organizations to the plight of Hindus and other minorities facing persecution and violence in Bangladesh.
The protest march, organized by the Civil Society of Delhi along with over 200 other social, religious, professional, and cultural organizations, witnessed participation from thousands of representatives across various sectors of society.
Starting from the Prime Minister Museum at Teen Murti Chowk, the march featured addresses by notable personalities, including Sadhvi Ritambhara, Shri Keshav Murari from ISKCON, Shri Ramakant Dwivedi, Director of the India Central Asia Foundation, former Delhi Police Commissioner Shri S.N. Srivastava, former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Mrs. Veena Sikri, Buddhist spiritual leader Shri Rahul Bhante, Supreme Court advocate Mrs. Priyadarshini, writer, actor, and social activist Rudranil Ghosh, and former judge of the Kolkata High Court and BJP MP Shri Abhijit Ganguly. The speakers urged the international community to take effective measures to protect the human rights of Hindus and other minorities who are victims of persecution and genocide in Bangladesh.
Sadhvi Ritambhara raised the question: “Why are global organizations silent on the atrocities against Hindus? Do not mistake our compassion for cowardice. Hindu society will not tolerate the disrespect of its women.”
In this regard, the Civil Society of Delhi submitted a memorandum to the High Commissioner of Bangladesh. The memorandum emphasised the historically strong and cordial relations between India and Bangladesh. It recalled India’s solidarity during Bangladesh’s liberation struggle in 1971, when Indian soldiers fought alongside the people of Bangladesh to free them from the violence, exploitation, and genocide inflicted by Pakistan. The memorandum highlighted that the situation in Bangladesh has significantly deteriorated in recent years, especially concerning the security and rights of religious minorities. The conditions for Hindus and other minorities have worsened drastically, particularly after August 5, 2024.
Through the memorandum, the Civil Society of Delhi demanded the protection of human rights for Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. It called for the right to peaceful coexistence for Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and other religious minorities and an end to the ongoing violence against them.