Amidst unabated hatred-filled crimes taking place against minority communities in Bangladesh, a group of over 150 peaceful protestors, comprising Hindus and Christians, demonstrated their anger against the Mohammad Yunus-led government, under whose rule, the minorities of the country are being brutally persecuted, looted, harassed, raped, and killed.
The protest, which took place at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), at The Hague, Netherlands, saw the participation of global religious and spiritual leaders. The participants came forward to pledge their support and contribution towards the maintenance of peace, and to protect the Hindus, who are under attack in Bangladesh.
This was the first session of peaceful demonstrations against the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, organized under the #BangladeshStopHate campaign, by the ‘Stop Hate, Start Hope’ team
The participants, showcasing their disgruntlement, peacefully chanted the holy Hindu word ‘Om’, outside the ICJ, and aimed to draw attention towards the wrongs of the majority community and the government of Bangladesh.
The group organizing the protest has mentioned that such similar demonstrations are to take place at 17 different global locations.
Some glimpses of the ‘Om March’ at The Hague, Netherlands
Sharing his views, campaign leader Soundarajan Narendran said, ‘This is a beginning of a global awareness campaign about the genocide we are witnessing right next to us in Bangladesh. This campaign is aimed to bring all responsible global community together to stop innocent people, including women and children, being humiliated, slaughtered, and displaced.’
‘The world media and governments are oblivious of the ongoing crime against humanity due to self-interests and diplomatic overtures. This campaign is a collection of global leaders of different institutions coming together for common good’, he further added.
Carola, the organizer of the demonstration held at The Hague by the Stop Hate, Start Hope team, said, ‘This event holds a deep significance for raising awareness about justice and peace, because the massacres that are going on in Bangladesh get little to no media coverage.’
‘Could you tell me why this remains unnoticed? This lack of recognition highlights the urgent need for us to amplify these voices ourselves’, she added.
Suzanne, another frontliner of the movement and the team’s photographer, said, ‘A picture is worth a thousand words, and it is time the world sees what is happening in Bangladesh.’
She further mentioned, ‘World leaders must step up and take responsibility. The violence, rape, and killings cannot be ignored any longer. It is imperative to work together to address the escalating polarization and find a sustainable solution to these crises. We must not forget the minorities nor allow them to be erased from history.’
Bharati from the Stop Hate, Start Hope team opined, ‘It is essential for human beings to act like human beings. Our strength lies in unity, in embracing diversity with compassion and understanding.’
Shradhanand Shital, Chairman, Global Human Rights Defense (GHRD), stated, ‘The demands that we are raising through this movement, which were highlighted during the Om March are that firstly, esteemed ISKCON leader, Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested, and now faces charges of sedition and provocation, be released unless credible evidence of wrongdoing is presented.’
Secondly, said Shradhanand, it is important for world attention to fall on the persistent attacks on temples, monasteries, and Hindu communities, which have further marginalized the already vulnerable minority in the country.
