The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has announced a two-day nationwide protest starting today, condemning the alleged atrocities against religious minorities in Bangladesh. The VHP, along with its affiliate Bajrang Dal and other organizations, aims to highlight what it describes as human rights violations against Bangladesh’s Hindu minority, which constitutes about 8% of the country’s population.
VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal accused Bangladesh of “playing into the hands of Islamic jihadist elements,” asserting that the situation for minorities has deteriorated significantly since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government in August. Over 200 attacks on Hindu communities have reportedly occurred across 50 districts, according to Bansal.
The protests have gained urgency following the recent arrest of Hindu spiritual leader Das on sedition charges, a move that has sparked widespread demonstrations by Hindus in Dhaka, Chattogram, and other cities. Das was denied bail earlier this week, leading to increased tensions within the community.
India has expressed “deep concern” over the developments, urging Bangladesh to ensure the safety and rights of all minority groups. “The repeated atrocities against minorities cannot be ignored,” Bansal said in his call for solidarity, urging citizens to join the protest for what he described as a “human cause.”
