Press Release: Protest at Sydney against recent communal violence in Bangladesh
Hindu community across Bangladesh faced numerous attacks again on the in the wake of the January 5th general ‘election’. Houses, business establishments owned by, Temples and religious sites were burned, vandalized and looted during that continuous attack by extremist radical forces Jamaat-e-Islami and their ally forces. Apart from Jamaat-e-Islami, such attacks, organised by powerful people, linked to the ruling or opposition parties, are often undertaken for grabbing land and assets.
Hundreds of Hindu families have lost their property and savings during that attack. Thousands of men, women and children from Hindu communities, have fled their homes. Few women were sexually assaulted in few places too.
As their homes destroyed, some people are still sleeping under the open sky in the cold air of winter nights.
According to statistics from the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council (HBCUC), 485 households and 578 shops owned by Hindus in 32 districts were vandalised since the election schedule was announced on November 25. During this period, 152 temples were also damaged. Fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami and few extremist were blamed for attacks on the Hindus.
Bangladesh has a long and commendable history of communal harmony. The people, regardless of their religious background, fought for the country’s independence in 1971. Together, they sacrificed lives on the battle field.
Following this latest rounds of attacks on minorities, 19th January, 2014, Bangladesh Community in Sydney has organised a protest at Hillian Park, Ingleburn to unite again to raise their voice to prevent the politics of communal violence against Hindu, Buddhist and other religious minorities.
Protesters were carrying festoons, posters and banners to save religious minorities especially Hindu community in Bangladesh.
Everyone presented there are committed in one goal “Communal violence must be stopped now and forever from our motherland and bring trust and respect in society”.
Sydney Bangladeshi Community
Australia
