By – Shubhendra Singh Rajawat
West Bengal witnessed a massive protest at the India-Bangladesh border in Petrapole on Saturday, as thousands gathered to express their outrage over alleged attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. The protest, led by BJP MLA Ambika Roy from Kalyani, highlighted growing concerns over the safety and rights of minorities in the neighboring country.
Thousands Protest Against Persecution of Hindus
The protest saw the participation of thousands under the banner of the United Forum of Bengalis in India. Demonstrators voiced their anger over recent incidents in Bangladesh, including the alleged persecution of minorities, attacks on Hindu religious sites, and the arrest of Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das.
Participants demanded action against the Bangladeshi authorities for failing to protect minority communities and condemned the violence and vandalism targeting Hindu property and temples.
BJP MLA Ambika Roy Leads the Protest
BJP MLA Ambika Roy, who led the demonstration, criticized the Bangladeshi interim government for its inability to curb attacks on minorities. Speaking to reporters, Roy stated, “As an Indian citizen, it is my duty to stand against the atrocities happening in Bangladesh. Every Indian must raise their voice against such injustices.”
The protestors marched towards the Zero Point at the India-Bangladesh border, but their rally was halted by Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, who erected barricades to prevent them from reaching the border line.
Call to Stop Provocative Statements Against India
Protestors also called for an end to provocative statements by Bangladeshi political leaders and former military officials against India. They emphasized that India believes in peaceful coexistence and does not harbor any imperialist agenda, while maintaining that Indian security forces remain vigilant against any acts of aggression.
ISKCON Kolkata Leader Speaks on Minority Safety in Bangladesh
Radha Raman Das, Vice-President of ISKCON Kolkata, also addressed the media, expressing concern over the rising insecurity among minorities in Bangladesh. “Statements by certain groups in Bangladesh have instilled fear among minorities, especially Hindus. We hope that better understanding will prevail, and the government of Mohammad Yunus will take measures to ensure the safety and security of all minority communities,” he said.
Non-Political Protest Highlighting Human Rights Issues
Ambika Roy clarified that the protest was non-political and aimed solely at addressing human rights violations. “This is not a political rally. It is a movement to raise awareness about the plight of minorities in Bangladesh,” Roy reiterated.
A Demand for Action and Peace
The protestors urged the Bangladeshi government to take immediate action to protect minority rights, curb violence, and prevent vandalism at religious sites. They also called on Indian authorities to diplomatically engage with Bangladesh to ensure the safety and well-being of its minority population.
The rally at Petrapole border signifies the deep connection between the people of West Bengal and their cultural and religious ties with Bangladesh, as well as their commitment to standing against injustice and advocating for peace and harmony.