মঙ্গলবার, ১৬ই এপ্রিল, ২০২৪ খ্রিস্টাব্দ ৩রা বৈশাখ, ১৪৩১ বঙ্গাব্দ

Hindus burn effigies of editor Mahfuz, Shaheen Anam

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Leaders and activists of Bangladesh Jatiyo Hindu Mohajote (BJHM) on Friday demanded that The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam and his wife Shaheen Anam, also executive director of Manusher Jonno Foundation, be brought to justice immediately for hurting religious sentiments of the Hindu community.

They made the demand during a demonstration staged in Sutrapur in the capital.

Earlier, the installation of Bangladesh Hindu Jubo Mohajote and a brief rally were held at Zahir Raihan auditorium where Dhaka-4 MP Syed Abu Hossain Babla spoke as the chief guest with BJHM Coordinator Bijoy Kumar Bhattacharya in the chair.
In his address, Babla said Bangladesh believes in the non-communal spirit. “But a vested quarter is always trying to tarnish the government’s image through launching attacks on the Hindu community.”

He, however, said they will be vocal against the nexus.

Terming the Hindu family law a matter of the Hindu community, the MP said they will take the decision about the law. “However, no quarter can change the family law receiving foreign funds. The government will do whatever is needed after discussion with the Hindu community. No one will be able to embarrass the government through hatching conspiracies,” he said.

Jatiya Party Vice-chairman Salma Islam said Bangladesh belongs to people of all religions where all enjoy equal rights. “Your problems will be conveyed to Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader,” she said, assuring that she will stand by them whenever needed.

BJHM Secretary General Gobinda Chandra Pramanik, chief discussant of the event, said a number of vested quarters are making efforts to destroy the Hindu community. “Manusher Jonno Foundation is one of them. They’re trying to change the Hindu law at the end of the government’s tenure to put it into an awkward situation.”

“Shaheen Anam and Mahfuz Anam have been asked to offer pardon for their conspiracy. But they’re yet to pay any heed to the demand. Programmes will be organised against them continuously,” he said.
Bijoy Kumar said once Hindus dared not to register protest even after being tortured in different parts of the country. “But now they can register protest hitting the street for the current government.”

“Some people and Manusher Jonno Foundation have demanded reforms of the Hindu law. Who are they to make the demand? They’re trying to create a division in the Hindu community through raising the demand,” he added.

BJHM Search Committee head DK Samir said the Hindus are the vote bank of Awami League while Jatiya Party founder HM Ershad also trusted the community. “Now, a vested quarter is trying to destroy the vote bank of Awami League,” he said.

He urged the government to form a separate ministry and formulate a law for protection of the Hindus in Bangladesh. “We have our own experts. But, Mahfuz Anam, Shaheen Anam and Angela Gomes are trying to change the law without having any knowledge on it,” he said, urging the government to look into the matter.

Nakul Kumar, general secretary of Hindu Boudha Christian Oikya Front, said the Hindus are happy with the existing law.

But Mahfuz Anam and Shaheen Anam are not trying to help the Hindus, rather they are working to demean the government, he said.

Pradip Shankar, newly elected president of Bangladesh Hindu Jubo Mohajote, said all the conspiracies against the Hindu community will be foiled.