CHATTOGRAM Oct 27: The Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha will organize a Long March to Dhaka to press home their 8- point demand.
Talking to the Daily Observer, Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson for Mancha, urged upon the people irrespective of caste and creeds of the country to extend their support and cooperation towards the genuine demands of the Sanatan community.
He explained that their movement is not against the government or to favour any political parties.
"Our movement will continue till the materialization of, what he claimed, 'legitimate demands' of the Sanatani community,' Chinmoy said.
He further said they would not stop their organised demonstrations until their eight demands are met by the country's interim government.
But he said, "We intend to give sufficient time to the government for consideration our demands."
In this connection, Chinmoy told this correspondent that they would organize rallies at all divisional cities gradually, then in all district towns in the next several days.
"Within this period, if our demands are not realized, we shall organize a Long March to Dhaka to press our demands," the Jagran Manch spokesman said.
The Sanatan Jagaran Mancha spokesman categorically described their 8-point demand which include; Establishment of a Special Tribunal for swift trials in cases of minority persecution, including compensation and rehabilitation for victims; Enactment of a Minority Protection Law - To ensure security and rights for minority communities; Creation of a Ministry for Minority Affairs to address the specific needs and issues of minority groups; Upgrade of the Hindu Welfare Trust to a Hindu Foundation and similar upgrades for the Buddhist and Christian Welfare Trusts; Laws to Recover and Protect Debottar (Temple) Properties alongside proper enforcement of the Vested Property Return Act; Prayer Rooms in Educational Institutions to accommodate minority religious practices in all schools, colleges, and hostels; Modernization of Sanskrit and Pali Education Boards to enhance educational resources for these communities; Five-Day Public Holiday for Durga Puja recognizing this important religious festival for the Hindu community.
Bangladesh Sanatan Jagran Manch (Unified Platform for Realising the Rights of Sanatans) is included the saints and Sadhus of Hindu Community.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha organized a divisional rally at Laldighi Maidan in Chattogram on Friday, calling for minority rights and security following. The rally also pressed for the implementation of the 8-point demand.
The rally brought together members of the Hindu community from Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, and the hill districts, who called on the interim government to expedite the 8-point demand list. Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, spokesperson for Bangladesh Sanatan Jagaran Mancha, chaired the event.
Speakers at the rally voiced concerns over the continuous persecution faced by the Hindu community over the past 53 years, stressing that justice has not been served for the violence and killings endured by the minority group.
They criticized what they called the government's inaction in prosecuting those responsible for recent attacks on Hindu properties and places of worship.
The rally welcomed the government's promises to provide compensation and institute reforms to support affected community members, urging timely action. "If the 8-point demands are fulfilled, the Sanatan community will remain forever grateful," said representatives at the event.
The rally, moderated by Gouranga Das Brahmachari, featured addresses from journalists, lawyers, and teachers across sectors.