Why Are Protests Erupting Across Nepal Against the Killings of Hindus in Bangladesh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Protests erupted in major cities of Nepal against the brutal killings of Hindus in Bangladesh.
- Activists demand justice and protection for minority communities in the region.
- The protests reflect growing concerns about the safety of Hindus under increasing Islamist influence.
- Community leaders emphasize the need for unity among different religious groups.
- Nepal's demographic is predominantly Hindu, raising awareness and support for the protests.
Kathmandu, Dec 27 (NationPress) A series of protests erupted in prominent cities across Nepal, such as Birgunj, Janakpurdham, and Golbazar, on Friday and Saturday, in response to the horrific murder of Hindu individuals in Bangladesh.
On December 18, a 25-year-old Hindu man named Dipu Chandra Das was viciously killed in a mob lynching fueled by false allegations of blasphemy from a Muslim colleague at his workplace. Following the brutal act, the mob hanged Das's body from a tree before setting it ablaze.
In another shocking incident within the same week, another Hindu man, Amrit Mondal, also lost his life at the hands of a mob on Wednesday.
These brutal acts have reignited concerns regarding the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh, a country where the influence of Islamist extremists has grown significantly under the interim leadership of Muhammad Yunus, who assumed power following the ousting of the democratically-elected government of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
The Rastriya Ekata Abhiyan, a Hindu rights organization, led protests in the Golbazar area of Siraha district against the violence directed at Hindus in Bangladesh.
During the demonstration in Siraha, enraged protesters temporarily blocked the East–West Highway, creating a short-lived chakka jam (road blockade). Protesters chanted slogans such as 'Stop the killing of Hindus', 'Ensure the security of minorities', and 'Respect human rights'.
Hemant Singh, the district president of Rastriya Ekta Abhiyan, remarked, 'We aim to pressure the Bangladesh government through peaceful protests to ensure the safety and lives of minorities. Our struggle will persist until these incidents cease.'
On Saturday, a Muslim group in Nepal, Jamiat Ulema-e Nepal, from the Bara and Parsa district committees, also held a rally in Birgunj to denounce the killings. The rally, spearheaded by Maulana Ali Asgar Madani, the Vice-President of Jamiat Ulema-e Nepal, saw participation from Muslim community leaders and members.
Among the slogans raised during the protest were 'Hang the murderer of Dipu Chandra Das', 'Down with the Bangladesh government', 'Stop the killing of Hindus in Bangladesh', 'Down with Mohammad Yunus', and 'Long live Hindu–Muslim unity'.
Additionally, a demonstration took place in Janakpurdham on Friday under the banner of Mahila Abhiyani Janakpurdham, protesting against the killings of Hindus in Bangladesh.
Nepal is predominantly a Hindu nation, with approximately 81% of its population identifying as Hindus according to the Population Census 2021.