Minorities protest in Bangladesh against the unjust arrest of a Hindu Youth

Dhaka (Bangladesh) – A large number of people from minority communities staged a demonstration here on July 17 to protest the arrest of a Hindu youth. Organised by the Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council, the protest took place in front of the National Press Club.

Protesters claimed that the youth, Haridas Chandra Tarani Das, was arrested under the false pretext of financial fraud, alleging that he was targeted solely because of his initiative to erect an 81-foot-tall statue of Lord Ram in the Palashbari area of Gaibandha district in northern Bangladesh.

We will not tolerate atrocities against Hindus !

Manindra Kumar Nath, General Secretary of the ‘Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council,’ strongly condemned the arrest. He stated that the Government arrested Haridas Chandra Tarani Das two to three days ago and sent him to prison. “Arresting someone simply because he is associated with the construction of a statue of Lord Ram is unacceptable,” he said.

He further noted that over the past two years, Bangladesh has witnessed many incidents of violence and harassment against minority communities. Over the last year alone, 3,000 such incidents were reported across the country, which included 66 murders and numerous attacks on temples by religious fanatics. He emphasised that such incidents are deeply unfortunate and will not be tolerated.

A stern warning to the Government

Subrata Chowdhury, a senior leader of the Unity Council, demanded that the Government immediately identify and prosecute those responsible. He stated that the Government must clarify who ordered the arrest of Haridas Chandra Tarani Das and reveal the forces behind the action. Chowdhury emphasised that legal action must be taken against the responsible individuals, no matter how high-ranking their positions may be.

Warning of nationwide protests if not released

Demanding the immediate release of Haridas Chandra Tarani Das, the protesters warned that if he is not freed, Bangladesh’s Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities will unite to launch massive nationwide demonstrations.

India had expressed concern

Earlier on 23rd June, India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that reports regarding the desecration of Hindu deities’ idols and religious symbols are deeply concerning. He urged the Bangladesh Government to take strict action against the religious fanatics and ensure the safety and security of minority communities.