Protest in London Over Violence Against Minorities in Bangladesh After Sheikh Hasina’s Departure

A large crowd gathered outside the Houses of Parliament in London on Saturday to protest the alleged violence against minority Hindus and other groups in Bangladesh following the resignation and departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier this week.

Protesters, many of whom were from the Bangladeshi diaspora, carried Bangladeshi flags and held posters with messages such as “Protect our temples in Bangladesh,” “Hindu lives matter,” and “We want justice.” The demonstration included activists from various human rights organizations, as well as Indian American Hindu allies standing in solidarity with Bangladesh’s Hindu community.

Chants demanding peace and equality echoed through the crowd, reflecting the growing concern over the recent surge in violence against minorities in Bangladesh.

Unadi, a protester from Bangladesh, voiced the frustration of many in the community. “Our country became independent in 1971 so that all communities could live peacefully. But now, we are suffering from atrocities committed by the majority community,” he said. He expressed concern over the helplessness of Bangladeshi Hindus, emphasizing that the majority population prevents them from speaking out against injustices.

Unadi also highlighted the stark contrast between Bangladesh and other countries where governments actively protect minority communities. “The mentality of the people has to change so that we can live peacefully. In modern times like these, all communities must learn to coexist peacefully. We are all equals,” he added.

A protester from the Bengali Christian Association in the UK called for constitutional reforms in Bangladesh. “I demand the interim government amend the constitution, as it currently states that Bangladesh is a Muslim country. However, all communities fought for Bangladesh’s independence, so the country belongs to everyone,” she said.

Another protester pointed out that Bangladeshi minorities are being forced to flee due to ongoing atrocities by the majority community. “We are gathered here because, for the past five to six days, people in Bangladesh have been torturing and burning our houses. They cannot take our country from us, and they cannot deport us. We want to live safely and peacefully in our country. The violence against minorities must stop,” he said.

A man shared his personal experience, revealing that his home in Bangladesh had been looted and set on fire just days ago. “My house was burned. A few days ago, many people looted our house,” he said, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

The demonstration in London serves as a reminder of the deepening crisis in Bangladesh and the growing international concern over the treatment of minority communities in the country.