Members of the Hindu community and various Sanatani organisations in Bangladesh held a human chain, protest rally and torch procession at Shahbag in Dhaka yesterday, demanding action over the alleged desecration of an image of Lord Ram and incidents of religiously offensive content on social media.

 

The programme, organised by the United Sanatani Society, brought together representatives of several Hindu religious, social and cultural organisations, monasteries and temples. The protesters marched from the National Museum area to the National Press Club carrying torches and raising slogans demanding justice and protection of minority rights.

 

Addressing the gathering, leaders of the organisation called for an impartial investigation into the alleged desecration incident and legal action against those responsible. They said attacks on religious sentiments could undermine communal harmony and urged the government to ensure the safety and security of minority communities.

 

The protesters placed an eight-point charter of demands, including the arrest and punishment of those allegedly involved in the desecration of Lord Ram’s image, strict action against hate campaigns on social media, enhanced security for temples and religious institutions, the establishment of a minority protection commission, and stronger measures against communal violence and religious discrimination.

 

The demonstrations were linked to recent tensions in Gaibandha, where an alleged desecration of Lord Ram’s image sparked protests among members of the Hindu community. Protesters warned that the agitation could spread across the country if authorities failed to act.

 

Separately, students of Dhaka University organised a torch procession and rally protesting the alleged desecration and demanding action against those responsible. Student leaders said the incident had hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu community and called for the preservation of communal harmony.

 

The protests also highlighted concerns over the suspension of construction work on a proposed 81-foot statue of Lord Ram in Gaibandha’s Palashbari area. Organisers of the project alleged that pressure and security concerns had forced them to halt construction despite significant progress.

 

Several speakers at the Shahbag rally called on the government to take immediate action against those responsible for religious provocation and ensure equal rights and security for all communities. They also announced support for further nationwide programmes if their demands remain unmet.