Hindu Leaders Meet PM, Seek Minority Protection Law and Commission

Leaders of the Hindu community held a courtesy meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat on Thursday to discuss several pressing issues facing the minority population. 

The delegation included prominent representatives from the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and the Mohanagar Sarbojaneen Puja Committee, such as Basudeb Dhar, Santosh Sharma, Jayanta Kumar Deb, and Tapash Chandra Paul, alongside Advocate Subrata Chowdhury and Tapan Majumdar. 

Also in attendance were Local Government Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Adviser to the BNP Chairman’s Advisory Council Bijon Kanti Sarkar.

During the meeting, the community leaders briefed the Prime Minister on various challenges and grievances, specifically highlighting incidents of harassment and deprivation occurring after August 5, 2024. 

Jayanta Kumar Deb, President of the Mohanagar Sarbojaneen Puja Committee, informed reporters that they specifically raised concerns regarding job losses within the community during that period. 

The delegation also formally proposed the formation of a Minority Commission, the enactment of a Minority Protection Law, the establishment of a Hindu Foundation, and addressed ongoing matters related to the Debottor (Endowed) Property Act.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reportedly listened to the concerns of the delegation and offered his assurance that the government would take the necessary steps to address these issues. 

According to PM’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon and the community leaders, the Prime Minister committed to resolving the identified problems gradually. 

Santosh Sharma, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, reaffirmed that the Prime Minister expressed a willingness to take appropriate measures to ensure the protection and rights of the Hindu community across the country.

Key Demands Presented to the PM

• Minority Commission: Formation of a dedicated body to oversee minority rights.

• Minority Protection Law: Enactment of specialized legislation for community safety.

• Hindu Foundation: Establishment of a state-backed foundation for religious and social welfare.

• Property Rights: Resolution of legal issues surrounding the Debottor (Endowed) Property Act.

• Administrative Justice: Addressing post-August 2024 harassment and job losses.