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Hindus for Human Rights calls for Democratic transition in Bangladesh
The organization voiced concern over reports of right-wing religious extremists targeting Hindus in Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina's exit came after hundreds of people were killed in a crackdown on demonstrations that began as protests against preferential job quotas in Bangladesh. / HFHR, Reuters/Mohammad Ponir Hossain
The advocacy group Hindus for Human Rights (HFHR) has issued a statement emphasizing the importance of a secular, democratic government in Bangladesh following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resulting from widespread protests in the country.
The organization expressed solidarity with the protesters, urging the military and President to uphold the rights of all citizens, including the Hindu minority. "We stand with protesters who demand the formation of a secular, democratic government that fulfills the promise of a homeland for Bengalis, regardless of religion, caste, or class," the statement read.
HFHR expressed hope that the military and political leadership would avoid a repeat of past transitions that led to military dictatorships. "We have faith that pro-democracy protesters in Bangladesh will keep pushing for the return of secular democracy to the country."
The organization voiced concern over reports of right-wing religious extremists targeting Hindus in Bangladesh and condemned Hindu nationalists in India for allegedly trying to incite anti-Bengali sentiment.
"We join protest leaders and the government of West Bengal in pushing back against efforts to use these historic protests to gin up communal violence on both sides of the India-Bangladesh border," the statement continued. They praised the unity shown by Bangladeshis in protecting Hindu communities and temples.
Hindus for Human Rights also called for the release of thousands of individuals detained during the protests and demanded justice for the roughly 200 people who lost their lives.
The statement concluded with a call for compassion and justice,"May the people of Bangladesh have the secular, pluralist democracy that the Mukti Bahini fought for in 1971," the organization stated.
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