Bangladesh violence: Toronto witnesses protest over violence against Hindus
Away from Bangladesh, thousands of Canadians from different walks of life gathered in Toronto city to demonstrate against the recent violence against Hindu community members in the South Asian country after former PM Sheikh Hasina-led government was toppled amid protests that left over 400 people dead.
The protesters reportedly belonged to Hindu, Christian, Buddhist and Jewish origin.
They urged the Canadian government to press the interim government of Dhaka to ensure safety of Hindus.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Canada participates in a massive demonstration at Nathan's square in Toronto to protest against BRUTAL ATROCITIES ON HINDUS IN BANGLADESH. Let's join in even bigger numbers tomorrow at Dentonia Park, Danforth. Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah!… pic.twitter.com/tBvfoIFQwO
— VHP Canada (@vhpcanada) August 10, 2024
"We would love if they would also stand in solidarity. The community is here in unprecedented numbers which is a good sign. What is disappointing is the involvement of Canadian politics. They are disproportionately not listening to us after emails, tweets and calls," a protester told ANI.
The Hindus make up only 8 per cent of the Bangladeshi population.
Similar protests have taken place in the UK and the US.
Bangladesh crisis
Bangladesh has reported arson, killings, and multiple incidents of persecution of minority communities across 52 districts since Sheikh Hasina's resignation as the Prime Minister last week.
Hasina fled the country the same day amid fears of being mobbed after protests intensified following the death of over 400 agitators in clashes with the cops.
Her residence was stormed by the protesters hours after she left the complex in a military helicopter. She landed at an airbase in India's Uttar Pradesh, hours later.
Bangladesh is still looking at uncertainty even as a caretaker government has been sworn in under the leadership of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus amid reports of persecution of minority communities that continue to pour in.