In a dramatic protest against the alleged persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, demonstrators in Kolkata torched Dhakai Jamdani sarees on Sunday at Salt Lake International Bus Terminus.
The rally, organised by the Bengali Hindu Suraksha Samiti, voiced anger over reported attacks on minorities and called for a boycott of Bangladeshi goods.
Protesters alleged that Hindus in Bangladesh were being continuously targeted and accused the neighbouring country of fostering a climate of hostility against India.
A protestor declared, “We condemn the continuous targeting of Hindus in Bangladesh and the hate-driven narratives against India. We will not sit idle and with burning the Jamdani sarees, we urge people to boycott Bangladeshi products.”
Another protestor questioned the values of present-day Bangladesh, saying, “What kind of Bangladesh is this? The people who fought for liberation in 1971 now seem to be erasing their own history.”
Participants at the rally also criticised instances of disrespect towards the Indian tricolour, warning that such actions would not go unanswered.
Demonstrators urged the Indian government to address the matter through diplomatic channels, ensuring the safety and dignity of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
The Bengali Hindu Suraksha Samiti called on the public to shun Bangladeshi products as a mark of protest, with the burning of the iconic Jamdani sarees symbolising their message.
The event reflected mounting tensions over the plight of minorities in Bangladesh, as protestors rallied for stronger action to protect vulnerable communities in the neighbouring state.
Meanwhile, traders from the neighbouring country were absent from a Kolkata trade fair.
Traders specialising in traditional Jamdani sarees and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), known for their presence at Indian trade fairs, are facing hurdles in attending these temporary markets.
This disruption stems from visa restrictions following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government in Bangladesh and subsequent developments in the region.
Protests in Kolkata over recent developments in Bangladesh show no signs of abating, with Hindutva groups and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders intensifying their demonstrations, demanding an economic blockade of the neighbouring nation.
On Friday, 6 December 2024, monks from various Hindutva organisations joined Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari in a rally from Shyambazar to Sinthi crossing in north Kolkata.
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