Hindu imams and priests from Bengal united to condemn violence affecting the Hindu community in Bangladesh
Faced with the violence affecting the Hindu community in Bangladesh, religious leaders in West Bengal are stepping up to the plate. Gathered yesterday in Calcutta, imams and Hindu priests united their voices to strongly condemn these attacks.
“These events go against our values of tolerance,” said Imam Shafique Qasmi of the Nakhoda Mosque, alongside Saffullah Khan Safi. The representative of the Dakshineswar temple recalled the region’s legacy of peaceful coexistence.
The dignitaries urged the Bangladeshi government to strengthen protection of minorities, while calling on their own followers to maintain calm. A position which comes at a time when more than a hundred Hindu temples have been the target of vandals in recent months according to local NGOs.
“Only dialogue will make it possible to preserve harmony between our communities,” stressed the religious leaders, determined to avoid the escalation of tensions.
This unprecedented mobilization of religious authorities reflects real concern about the rise in intercommunity tensions in the region. The choice of a joint conference underlines their desire to present a united front, thus sending a strong message to their respective communities and to the authorities.
