NEW DELHI: Sharda University organized a peaceful candle march on Dec 2, to protest against the recent attacks on Hindu minorities and ISKCON followers in Bangladesh. The march, led by Registrar Dr. Vivek Kumar Gupta, saw active participation from students, faculty members, and staff. The procession began at the university premises and concluded at the Expo Mart roundabout. The protest comes amidst an escalating crisis in Bangladesh, where the arrest of Vaishnavite leader and ISKCON member Chinmoy Krishna Das, who has been denied bail by Bangladeshi authorities, has intensified tensions. The situation worsened with attacks on three Hindu temples and attempts to ban ISKCON in the country. At least two more Brahmacharis have also been arrested, creating a climate of fear and panic among the Hindu minority community. ALSO READ: Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh: Priyanka Chaturvedi urges diplomatic intervention Deposed Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now in exile in India after her Awami League government was overthrown in August, accused interim leader Muhammad Yunus of orchestrating mass killings and targeting minorities. In a statement, she said, “Today, I have been accused of mass killings. In reality, it is Muhammad Yunus who has indulged in mass killings through a meticulously designed plan along
Read MoreNEW DELHI: Sharda University organized a peaceful candle march on Dec 2, to protest against the recent attacks on Hindu minorities and ISKCON followers in Bangladesh. The march, led by Registrar Dr. Vivek Kumar Gupta, saw active participation from students, faculty members, and staff. The procession began at the university premises and concluded at the Expo Mart roundabout.
The protest comes amidst an escalating crisis in Bangladesh, where the arrest of Vaishnavite leader and ISKCON member Chinmoy Krishna Das, who has been denied bail by Bangladeshi authorities, has intensified tensions. The situation worsened with attacks on three Hindu temples and attempts to ban ISKCON in the country. At least two more Brahmacharis have also been arrested, creating a climate of fear and panic among the Hindu minority community.
ALSO READ: Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh: Priyanka Chaturvedi urges diplomatic intervention
Deposed Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now in exile in India after her Awami League government was overthrown in August, accused interim leader Muhammad Yunus of orchestrating mass killings and targeting minorities. In a statement, she said, “Today, I have been accused of mass killings. In reality, it is Muhammad Yunus who has indulged in mass killings through a meticulously designed plan along with the student coordinators. They are the masterminds. Even Tarique Rahman (BNP leader and Khaleda Zia’s son) from London has said that if the deaths continue, then the government won’t last.”
Participants in the Sharda University march held candles and posters, expressing solidarity with the victims and condemning the policies of the Bangladeshi administration. The event was organized under the university’s Jain Study Center, with both Indian and international students, including some from Bangladesh, joining the march.
Dr. Vivek Kumar Gupta emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, “We appeal to the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety and harmony of its minorities, just as India safeguards its diverse communities. If our Hindu brothers and sisters in Bangladesh are not safe, the Indian government must provide them refuge and re-evaluate its trade agreements with Bangladesh.”
Prominent faculty members, including Dr. R.C. Singh, Dr. Anviti Gupta, Dr. Pramod Kumar, Dr. Mohit Sahni, Dr. M. Siddharth, Dr. Sriraja, and Dr. Rajeev Gupta, along with department heads and deans, participated in the march.
The participants called for both the Indian and Bangladeshi governments to work towards peace and the protection of minorities. They also urged the Bangladeshi administration to take strict measures to curb extremist activities and foster an environment of mutual respect and harmony.