Protest rally in Sydney against minority persecution in Bangladesh

Sydney, Saturday, 5 July 2025- On July 4, Friday, a massive protest erupted at Martin Place, the heart of Sydney, against the recent wave of attacks, murders, rapes, looting, unlawful detentions, and inhuman persecution of religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh.

The rally was organised by the Australian Forum for Ethnic and Religious Minorities in Bangladesh (AFERMB), an umbrella body representing 24 organisations across Australia. From 12 pm to 2 pm, a large number of Bangladeshi community members, including many women, gathered carrying banners, placards, and the national flag of Bangladesh. Martin Place resonated with slogans demanding justice and protection.

Protest rally in Sydney against the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh.

At the outset, AFERMB Director Amal Dutta read out a statement outlining the purpose of the demonstration and detailing the horrific recent incidents.

Representatives of the 24 participating organisations expressed their outrage and condemnation of the persistent persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. Delegates from other states also joined via phone to voice their solidarity.

Speakers said that religious and ethnic persecution has never stopped in Bangladesh. Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and Indigenous people are facing escalating violence and atrocities, often with the backing of ruling party mobs and extremist groups. As a result, the Hindu population has dwindled to one-third of its proportion since independence.

Representatives of 24 organisations express outrage and demand justice, protection, and the immediate release of detainees.

They cited examples: Chinmoy Prabhu being held indefinitely under false accusations without due legal process, the demolition of the Durga temple in Khilkhet while sparing other structures, the arrest and torture of a Hindu barber father and son in Lalmonirhat under false charges of offending religious sentiment, and the rape and public shaming of a Hindu woman in Muradnagar. These, they said, clearly occur with the tacit consent and incitement of the authorities, raising serious concerns about how any responsible government can allow such abuses.

Speakers warned that in this age of globalisation, such incidents in Bangladesh will have severe repercussions internationally, including in Australia. Referring to Australia’s close ties with Bangladesh, they urged the Australian Government and international human rights bodies to take urgent action.

At the end of the rally, AFERMB Executive President Surjit Roy presented an 11-point charter of demands, calling for a just, tolerant society that guarantees the rights and safety of religious and ethnic minorities. Key demands included:

1. Immediate release of Shree Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari and withdrawal of all false cases against human rights defenders.

2. Arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators involved in the rape of a Hindu woman in Muradnagar, Cumilla.

3. Immediate arrest and trial of those who attacked and falsely accused the elderly Hindu barber and his son in Lalmonirhat.

4. An end to harassment and threats against ISKCON, the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council, and all human rights activists; ensuring their security.

5. Formation of an independent, impartial special tribunal to investigate all attacks on minorities, with findings made public.

Contact: afermb24@gmail.com

Press Release