Lucknow: The Bengali Welfare Society organized a peaceful candle march to protest against atrocities on minorities in Bangladesh, particularly targeting the Hindu-Bengali community. The march commenced from the Bangladesh Institute and concluded at the Gandhi Smarak, Jarganj Square. It symbolized the community’s united demand for justice, peace, and dignity for the affected minorities.
Hundreds of participants, including influential members of society, joined the march, expressing strong solidarity with the victims. They condemned the continued persecution, violence, and displacement faced by minorities in Bangladesh. The demonstration sent a clear message that urgent measures are needed to safeguard the rights and safety of these vulnerable groups.
Key Demands Presented by the Bengali Welfare Society:
The organization submitted a list of 10 demands to the Indian government, emphasizing immediate action to address the crisis:
- International Advocacy: India should raise the issue of minority persecution in Bangladesh on global platforms like the United Nations, urging international intervention.
- Diplomatic Pressure: The Indian government should exert diplomatic influence on Bangladesh to ensure the protection of minorities’ lives, properties, and religious rights.
- Refugee Assistance: Special programs should be initiated to provide a safe haven for minorities fleeing violence in Bangladesh.
- Humanitarian Aid: Comprehensive support, including food, shelter, and medical assistance, must be extended to displaced minorities.
- Human Rights Monitoring: A dedicated committee should be established to monitor and report human rights violations against minorities in Bangladesh.
- Cultural and religious protection: Help in the protection and restoration of cultural and religious beliefs of the Indo-Bangla community in Bangladesh.
- . Implementation of 1971 Treaty: Revise the India-Bangladesh Friendship Treaty of 1971 and ensure greater protection of minorities.
- Special law for refugees: Make special law to honour and protect Bangladeshi refugees in India.
- Jagran Abhiyan: National awareness campaign should be conducted to make people aware about the plight of minorities in Bangladesh and to strengthen communal harmony.
- Continuous Peace Movement: A permanent peace movement should be started with the Bangladesh government so that the safety and welfare of minorities can be kept in mind.Bangla Welfare Society is committed to justice and human rights. Minorities in Bangladesh can live a life of dignity, security and peace.
- The Bengali Welfare Society emphasized that these measures are critical to ensuring the safety, dignity, and fundamental rights of minorities. Participants in the march also called for collective societal efforts to bring attention to the plight of affected communities and work towards lasting solutions.
