Protesters demand govt action to prevent attacks on religious sites

A group of civil society activists today (17 September) staged a protest march, dubbed the "Mass Resistance March," demanding stricter punishment for those attacking shrines and religious sites across the country. 

The march, which started from the High Court Mazar premises, ended in a rally in front of the National Press Club. At the end of the march, a four-member team submitted a memorandum to the home adviser, outlining their five-point demand. 

The activists expressed deep concern over the recent spate of attacks on shrines and underscored the importance of protecting places of worship.

The protesters highlighted that while everyone is entitled to their opinions and beliefs, attacks on individuals or institutions based solely on differences in thought or ideology are unacceptable. They further emphasised that shrines are places of worship and should be treated with respect, regardless of personal beliefs.

The memorandum further stated, "If any group believes it is justified to launch attacks solely because they disagree with someone's ideology, they are clearly attempting to reintroduce fascism under a different guise. By using religion as a pretext, they are seeking to impose a regime of oppression and exploitation. Thus, mass resistance against any form of attack on shrines and spiritual centres is now crucial."

The protesters also criticised the government's response, arguing that the interim government has failed to take effective measures to protect shrines and religious sites. They questioned the government's delayed response and demanded immediate action to stop the attacks.

Their demands include ensuring the security and preservation of all shrines and spiritual centres, rebuilding destroyed shrines, covering medical expenses for the injured and providing compensation and justice for the families of those who were killed.

They also call for strict action against mob justice, moral policing, and anti-women propaganda, with swift legal action against those responsible. The government should ensure that no one should be attacked for differing opinions or expressions, and enforce the strictest penalties for such attacks, said the protesters.

Notable participants in the march included Farhad Mazhar, Zonayed Saki, Arup Rahi, Salah Uddin Shuvro, Bithi Ghosh, Amal Akash, Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, Md Romel, along with various caretakers and followers of different shrines.