Attacks, torture, intimidation of Hindus and other religious minorities and ethnic communities in Bangladesh; Last Sunday (August 18), a large protest rally and march was held in Montreal to protest against the vandalism, looting and arson of temples, homes, and businesses. Hundreds of men and women of all ages participated in the gathering organized by the Hindus and other religious minorities living in Montreal. The rally was held in Montreal as part of a series of protests in various Canadian cities to protest the brutal attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh. A long march by thousands of angry people erupted in Montreal’s immigrant-dominated neighborhood of Park Extension.
First, at 11 a.m., everyone gathered in groups at Athena Park, Park Extension, Montreal. There, representatives of the younger generation addressed the short protest rally. They expressed their strong condemnation and anger stating that torture of minorities has become a regular issue in elections and any political change in Bangladesh. The silent role of the governments in this regard can be considered as direct and indirect support to the miscreants, the people who came to the rally complained. In the rally, the determination to fight unitedly against these tortures was expressed. In this regard, it was decided to take action to attract the attention of influential world leaders including international human rights organizations.
To the Interim Government of Bangladesh to give exemplary punishment to everyone involved in attacks on minorities through speedy trial tribunals and not just in words; In practice, there is a strong demand to ensure equal rights for all citizens irrespective of caste and religion.
Apart from this, they also demanded to make sure that the ‘threat’ of protecting communal harmony in the country at any cost by other advisers, army chiefs, various political parties and anti-discrimination student movement leaders should be made visible in real terms as soon as possible.
The rally then took a turn around the side streets and returned to Athena Park. Banners, festoons, placards were held by the participants in the slogan march. Mainstream people also waved their hands and expressed their support.
The participation of a large number of children-teenagers and youths of local Hindu, Buddhist and Christian communities of Bangladeshi origin who were born and raised in Canada in the protest rally and march was noticeable. Representatives from other mainstream Canadian media, including the CBC, were also present to cover the event.