Civil Society of Delhi Advocates for Minority Rights, Highlights Historical Ties with Bangladesh

New Delhi, Dec 10 (NationPress) On the occasion of World Human Rights Day, members of the civil society convened near the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi on Tuesday to protest against the atrocities faced by Hindus and other religious minorities in the neighboring nation.

Notable figures including Sadhvi Rithambara, ISKCON’s Keshav Murari, India Central Asia Foundation Director Ramakant Dwivedi, former Delhi Police Commissioner S.N. Shrivastava, former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Veena Sikri, Buddhist spiritual leader Rahul Bhante, Members of Parliament, former judges, and senior advocates actively participated in the demonstration.

A memorandum was presented to the Bangladesh High Commission, emphasizing the historical bond between India and Bangladesh. It acknowledged the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during the 1971 Liberation War, who fought alongside the Bangladeshi populace against oppression and genocide under Pakistani rule.

The civil society underscored that this shared history mandates mutual respect and protection of all communities.

The protest drew attention to the escalating concerns regarding the persecution of Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and other minorities in Bangladesh, which is allegedly conducted by Islamic extremists. The memorandum stated that these actions breach fundamental human rights and jeopardize the secular fabric of the region.

Participants called upon both national and international organizations to intervene and address the worsening conditions faced by minorities in Bangladesh. The protest saw the involvement of over 200 organizations and initiated at the Prime Minister Museum at Teen Murti Chowk, culminating at the Chanakyapuri Police Station.

Prominent personalities such as Supreme Court advocate Priyadharshini, actor and social activist Rudranil Ghosh, and BJP MP and former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay urged the global community to take decisive steps to safeguard the rights and lives of minorities in Bangladesh.

Sadhvi Ritambhara criticized the inaction of international organizations regarding these atrocities, stating, "Do not mistake our compassion for weakness. Hindu society will not tolerate the disrespect of its women or communities."

Protesters highlighted that the situation for minorities, especially Hindus in Bangladesh, has worsened since August 5 when Sheikh Hasina was ousted. They called for an immediate cessation of violence and demanded the right to peaceful coexistence for all religious minorities in Bangladesh.

The Civil Society of Delhi, through its memorandum, urged the Bangladesh government to uphold human rights and ensure the safety of minorities.