Hindu community leaders have called for equal rights and greater security at a Janmashtami procession in Chattogram, marking the birth of Lord Krishna.
Thousands joined Friday's procession organised by the central committee of Janmashtami Udjapan Parishad Bangladesh, carrying banners and placards demanding constitutional equality, protection from communal violence and implementation of an eight-point charter of demands.
The procession began at Anderkilla in the morning and ended at the JM Sen Hall premises after passing through several parts of the city.
Many devotees dressed as characters from episodes in the life of Lord Krishna, while others joined with drums and flutes.
Speaking during the procession, Janmashtami Parishad President Advocate Chandan Talukdar said the organisers wanted to promote Lord Krishna’s message of “suppressing evil and protecting the righteous”.
“We want to run this country together, irrespective of race, religion or community,” he said.
Executive General Secretary Biplab Dey Partha said the procession sought to promote a secular Bangladesh based on equality and harmony.
“The prime minister has spoken of a rainbow nation. Our demand is that people of all religions have equal rights and security,” he said.
“As Bangladeshis, our fundamental rights should not be violated. Sanatanis should be able to live in peace and safety and enjoy employment and other rights as Bangladeshis.”
Members of the Sanatani Odhikar Andolon’s Chattogram division committee carried placards asking why Hindus had continued to leave the country since 1947 and calling on the state to prevent divisions based on religion.
Other placards read: “Rights are not charity; we demand constitutional equality” and “We want implementation of the eight-point demand”.
Several organisations also displayed banners demanding justice over attacks, arrests, rape, temple vandalism, land grabbing, arson and communal incitement targeting Hindus.
BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, State Minister for Land Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin and Chattogram-8 MP Ershad Ullah had been named as guests for the opening ceremony but did not attend the morning programme.
The procession was inaugurated by Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasan Md Showkat Ali.
Asked about the absence of the invited guests, Janmashtami Udjapan Parishad Bangladesh General Secretary RK Das Rupu told bdnews24.com they would attend the afternoon programme.
A religious conference is scheduled at JM Sen Hall later on Friday, with Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury expected to attend as chief guest.
