Canadian Hindus Protest in Toronto Demanding Protection for Bangladesh's Minorities

Canadian Hindus gathered outside the Bangladeshi Consulate in Toronto on Tuesday to demand justice and protection for Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.

Braving cold winter temperatures, they held banners with slogans like "Shame Shame Bangladesh" and "Stop Hindu Genocide," calling on the Canadian, Indian, and international communities to pressure the Bangladeshi government for the safety of minorities.

Protesters voiced their concerns about the increasing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, highlighting reports of assaults, rapes, and targeted attacks on women and children. One protester accused Bangladesh of attempting to “overrun” its Hindu minority, drawing parallels to similar violence in Pakistan and Afghanistan. "We are here to unite and show concern for our brothers and sisters," said one participant.

On World Human Rights Day, protestors emphasized the ongoing violence since August 3, 2024, urging Bangladesh to stop attacks on Hindus, including the burning of temples and abductions. A Bangladeshi-origin Hindu woman spoke out, calling for protection for Hindus in their homeland, stressing that they should not be wiped out as they were in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Recent months have seen repeated incidents of violence, including arson, looting, and desecration of Hindu temples. The arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges sparked further protests, with India urging Bangladesh to ensure the safety and rights of its Hindu minority.