A coalition of 25 Australian organisations is set to gather at Melbourne’s Federation Square this Sunday, December 1st, to protest against the detention of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, popularly known as Chinmoy Prabhu, a revered ISKCON monk and human rights advocate.
The protest aims to raise awareness of the ongoing persecution of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh and to call for Chinmoy Prabhu’s immediate release.
The protest, organised by the Bangladeshi Hindu Community – Victoria, will take place from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and is expected to draw a large crowd from the broader Hindu community in Victoria. Associate Professor Jahar Bhowmik, President of the Bengali Puja and Cultural Society of Victoria (BPCSV), has urged the community to come together in solidarity to address the escalating human rights crisis in Bangladesh.
“We are deeply concerned about the safety of our family, friends, and relatives in Bangladesh,”
Bhowmik said in a statement.
“Their lives, homes, businesses, and places of worship are being mercilessly attacked every day by radical elements. The Hindu minority, which makes up approximately 8% of Bangladesh’s population, is facing increasing vulnerability as their numbers continue to shrink.”
The situation has escalated following the detention of Chinmoy Prabhu on November 25th at Dhaka Airport by Bangladeshi intelligence forces. Reports indicate that Prabhu was detained without identification or a warrant, sparking widespread panic among the Hindu community.
He was later transferred to the custody of the Detective Branch and denied bail in a court hearing in the Chottogram district on November 26th. The Hindu community worldwide has expressed deep sadness and concern over his treatment.
Sunday’s protest will serve as a platform to advocate for Chinmoy Prabhu’s release and to highlight the broader issues facing Hindus in Bangladesh. Protest organisers have stressed the importance of community support, encouraging individuals to invite others and spread the message of solidarity.
“We urge all community members to join this important cause, as Bangladeshi Hindus are facing a critical situation and need your support,”
Bhowmik added.
“Let us stand together and raise our voices to bring attention to their plight.”
The protest will feature speeches from community leaders and human rights advocates, calling on both the Australian government and international bodies to intervene and protect the rights of the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. With approximately 91% of Bangladesh’s population being Muslim, the Hindu community has faced systemic discrimination and violence, leaving them increasingly marginalised and vulnerable.
The organisers hope that this demonstration will amplify their calls for justice and prompt urgent action to safeguard the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. They are also calling for the support of other Hindu organisations and community groups across Australia to ensure a strong turnout.
For those interested in joining the protest or seeking further information, Associate Professor Bhowmik can be contacted at 0401 626 587.
Event Details:
- What: Protest for the Release of ISKCON Guru Chinmoy Prabhu and Protection of Hindu Minority in Bangladesh
- When: Sunday, December 1st, 2024, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Where: Federation Square, Melbourne
The organisers are hopeful that through collective action, they can bring much-needed attention to the human rights crisis affecting Hindus in Bangladesh and secure the release of Chinmoy Prabhu.
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