MONTREAL — Amidst a heavy snowfall and bone-chilling temperatures, a massive wave of protesters gathered in downtown Montreal on Wednesday, January 21, to stand in solidarity with religious minorities facing escalating violence in Bangladesh.
The demonstration, held outside the Guy-Concordia metro station, was part of a coordinated Global Day of Action. Despite being a workday, the turnout was significant, with a diverse crowd braving the elements to demand international intervention and justice.
A Call for Justice Amidst “Silent” Governance
The rally commenced at 5:00 PM, quickly swelling into a long, dense line of demonstrators holding banners and festoons. These visuals depicted the harrowing reality of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, showcasing images of arson, land grabbing, and physical violence.
Organizers at the event accused the Bangladeshi government of maintaining a “silent role” while minorities face:
- Brutal killings and arson targeting homes and businesses.
- Systemic land grabbing and looting.
- False legal cases and physical torture.
A primary demand of the protest was the immediate and unconditional release of Chinmoy Prabhu, a prominent leader currently detained. Protesters also expressed deep-seated fears regarding the safety of minorities during the volatile period surrounding Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections.
Global Solidarity in the Heart of Montreal
The protest resonated beyond the Bangladeshi diaspora, catching the attention of multi-ethnic passers-by. Many locals expressed solidarity, citing international media coverage of the tragic death of Dipu Das, who was reportedly burned to death, as a catalyst for their concern.
“We are here to ensure that the Canadian government and world leaders cannot ignore these atrocities. Silence is complicity,” stated one of the rally’s organizers.
The event saw a broad coalition of support, including:
- The Bangladeshi Hindu community of Montreal.
- Representatives from Buddhist and Christian organizations.
- Members of the progressive, non-communal Muslim community.
- Leaders from the Global Alliance Against Atrocities and Violence on Humanity (GA3VH).
The Chairperson of GA3VH, Ms. Ishrat Alam expressed the organization’s solidarity with the protest.
Background and Organization
The momentum for this rally began on January 14, following a preparatory meeting at Café Bénédictins. The meeting was hosted and sponsored by Sudipta Purkayastha Tableau, who helped mobilize the various community groups to ensure a peaceful yet powerful demonstration of dissent against human rights violations.
As the snow continued to fall, the message from Montreal remained clear: the international community must hold the Bangladeshi government accountable and ensure equal civil rights and security for all its citizens, regardless of faith.
