Hindu community stages protest against communal violence

Several Hindu religious organizations including the Hindu Parishad, the Jago Hindu Parishad, the Bangladesh Sanatan Kalyan Jote, and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskon) on Friday afternoon blocked the Shahbag intersection in the capital protesting communal attacks carried out in different parts of the country during Durga puja recently.

Hundreds of Hindu community people took part in the demonstration staged demanding exemplary actions against those involved in the attacks. 

The Iskcon led the event, UNB adds.

National Hindu Forum General Secretary Manik Sarkar said, "Don't think Hindus are weak anymore. We will now respond to all attacks on the streets."

President of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad Tapas Paul said, "Attacks on Hindus, vandalism, killings and attacks on our business establishments are being carried out all over the country systematically. But the government and administration are taking action after the incident instead of preventing them."

He also announced that a hunger strike protest will be observed in Shahbag from 10am to 12pm on Saturday.

They also urged the government to form a separate commission or ministry to protect minority people’s rights.

At least seven people were killed across the country in recent attacks on temples and Hindu communities following a purported incident of demeaning the Holy Quran in Cumilla.