Jagrato Bangla, an organization dedicated to protecting Bengali culture and rights, staged a strong protest in Mumbai against the ongoing atrocities being committed against minorities in Bangladesh. The protest was directed at the government’s apparent support for religious extremism following a shift in power in Bangladesh.
In response, the organization submitted a memorandum to the Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh, urging the immediate release of Sri Chinmoy Das Prabhu and other religious leaders of ISKCON.
The protest, which adhered to prohibitory orders and official procedures, took place at the office of the Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Cuffe Parade, Mumbai.
The representatives of Jagrato Bangla reminded officials of the significant role India played in Bangladesh’s independence and the contributions of Hindus and other minorities during the freedom struggle alongside the Mukti Bahini.
Also Read: Jagrato Bangla To Submit Memorandum To Bangladesh High Commissioner
Acharya Pawan Tripathi, Vice-President of the Mumbai BJP and treasurer of the Shreesiddhivinayak Temple Trust, condemned the unchecked rise of religious extremism in Bangladesh.
He highlighted the disturbing trend of religious leaders being targeted while jihadists were being released by authorities. “Minority religious leaders and gurus are being arrested without reason,” Tripathi said, adding that the caretaker government must ensure the release of Hindu leaders and provide security to temples and religious sites.
Ranjan Chowdhury, Convenor of Jagrato Bangla, told officials that Bangladesh had prospered when it maintained good relations with India and upheld secularism. He warned that disregarding these principles could lead Bangladesh down a path similar to that of Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or Afghanistan. Subhagat Das, another representative, criticized the current head of Bangladesh’s caretaker government for not living up to his commitments.
Niranjan Bose, one of the protest leaders, reminded officials of the role ISKCON played during Bangladesh’s liberation struggle. He recalled how, during a severe food shortage in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), ISKCON had distributed food to millions of people from all communities, providing essential aid when the West Pakistani government halted grain supplies.
The representatives of Jagrato Bangla issued a stern warning: if the Bangladesh government does not take immediate action to protect minorities and religious leaders, the organization will launch a global movement. They also vowed to bring the issue to the United Nations and initiate protests across India.
Founded to protect the rights and cultural heritage of Sanatani Bengalis, Jagrato Bangla continues to be a vocal advocate against any form of oppression targeting Bengalis worldwide.