On Tuesday, Bangladeshi Hindus in Montreal, Canada organized a protest in solidarity with ISKCON Bangladesh.
Canadian Bangladeshi Hindus have urged the Canadian government to advocate for the protection of minority rights in Bangladesh by engaging with the country’s interim government..
The protesters raised slogans demanding safety for minorities.
“Peace and fraternity. We want peace. We want justice. We want to bring an end to the ongoing violence on the minority Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh. What is happening?Have you seen?” A member of the Bangladeshi diaspora spoke to ANI.
A protester, speaking to ANI, expressed concerns that fundamentalists have been unleashed in the country and are gaining control over institutions.
“So you’re asking me what’s going on in Bangladesh? Well, there was a coup d’etat on August 5th, and the army took over, and they brought in Muhammad Yunus to be a smile face, but they let loose the gangs of Muslim fundamentalists to run in the streets, to attack people, to attack people in the courts. They’re taking over the institutions, the educational institutions. So it’s not a very pretty situation. They’re attacking minority communities; they’re also attacking people who were anywhere connected with the Awami League or with any of the other parties in their alliance. So this is a military government,” he said.
Neil Obermann, a Conservative Party candidate participating in the protests, stated that while he is not Bangladeshi, but he stands as an ally. He emphasized that hate is unacceptable anywhere, which is why he is joining the demonstration.
“I’m here today because hate is not acceptable anywhere by anybody for any reason and what you see here today is strong community. I’m not from your community but I’m from a community that also suffers as a result of hate. Hate doesn’t help us and that’s why coming out, being strong, sending a message that we will not tolerate this is the only message. Every time I come out to an event I say the same thing. What happens to one community happens to another community.Be strong, stand tall and make sure people hear your voice,” he said.
The recent arrest of spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishan Das on alleged sedition charges in Bangladesh has sparked widespread protests against the interim government, with minority groups accusing it of neglecting their concerns.