Concerned groups slam fundamentalism and extremism rife in volatile Bangladesh.
Lotus Economic Forum (LEF) mobilised civilians to take a stand against the ongoing violence against minority groups, including Hindus and Christians, in Bangladesh that have left hundreds dead.
Marches took place on Saturday in three cities – Cape Town, Pretoria and Durban. Satish Komal, chairperson of LEF South Africa, said: “We sent out a clear message that we will stand against the atrocities being perpetrated against minority groups including Hindu and Christian people in Bangladesh. We are grateful for the support we have received from across all religious groups.”
Komal said the march was against fundamentalists and extremist elements operating inside Bangladesh and various other countries who are perpetuating ethnic cleansing by murdering, raping and torturing innocent Hindus and other minorities.
“They are destroying Hindu temples and other places of worship of these communities on an unprecedented scale. Some peace-loving Muslims are themselves too scared to speak out against these atrocities for fear of their own lives.”
Praneal Singh, secretary of the Hindu Unity Forum South Africa, said they had also written letters to the Bangladesh Embassy and to Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, calling for the violence to stop. “Coming together in unity among all religious groups will have a huge impact.”
Lamola last month said that South Africa had noted political developments in Bangladesh. “We call for calm and urge the transitional government to pursue peaceful mechanisms as they resolve the political challenges.”
Ela Gandhi, chairperson of Phoenix Settlement Trust, said that on behalf of the trust and the Gandhi Development Trust that she was unable to join in the march against brutality and violence in Bangladesh in the name of religion.
“We condemn without reservation all forms of violence and brutality and stand for justice and truth. We call on all those perpetrating such brutality to stop immediately.”
Gandhi said Hindus are as much a part of Bangladesh as are other religious groups. “This persecution must stop. We call on the new regime in Bangladesh to take immediate steps to protect minorities generally and Hindus in particular from this carnage.”
The Mercury