Several Hindu organizations led by Mahamandaleswar Swami Paramatmananda Bhairav, Bengal head of Sri Panchayeti Mahanirbani Akhada in Bengal staged a demonstration outside the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, protesting the reported vandalism of a Durga idol at Kashim Pure in Bangladesh. The protestors gathered near the mission, chanting slogans and demanding immediate steps to ensure the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh. The groups also submitted a deputation to Deputy High Commissioner officials, urging action and protection for minorities in the neighboring country.
In a memorandum handed to the mission, the signatories including Swami Ranjitananda Giri, Mahamandaleswar of Juna Akhada condemned what they described as a “shocking act of intolerance” that deeply hurt the sentiments of Hindus. “This incident has caused widespread anguish among peace-loving people,” the letter stated. “The deputation laid out three key demands: swift punishment for those responsible for the vandalism, preventive measures to safeguard minority communities and their places of worship, and guarantees of security during religious and cultural festivals,” said Swami Paramatmananda Bhairav. Protestors said the targeting of Durga idols, particularly ahead of the upcoming festival season, was alarming and risked sparking further tensions. “We strongly urge the Bangladesh authorities to ensure that Hindus can celebrate their traditions without fear,” one protestor told reporters. The memorandum was also marked to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka, the Indian Prime Minister’s Office, the Union Home Minister, the External Affairs Minister, the West Bengal government, and the Governor of West Bengal. Organizers said the protest was not only about the Kashim Pure incident but about a broader pattern of alleged attacks on minorities across Bangladesh. They appealed for bilateral intervention to protect religious harmony. There was a strong police presence around the mission to ensure order, and the demonstration remained peaceful.
The Bangladesh Deputy High Commission had not immediately responded to the deputation. However, officials have previously said that the government in Dhaka is committed to protecting minority rights and punishing offenders involved in communal violence. For now, Hindu groups in Kolkata say they will continue to monitor the situation and press for assurances that such incidents will not be repeated.
