Pakistan seals centuries-old Hindu temple, commercial plaza plan triggers protests
“Our organisation, which firmly believes in the non-communal spirit of the great Liberation War, equality, and the core mantra of religious freedom, considers any attempt to destroy or force the closure of a place of worship to be a grave violation of basic human rights and freedom of religion”, Bangladesh Hindu Sammilon Sangha said in a statement. “We extend our solidarity and full support to the brave resistance mounted by the local Hindu community and members of civil society against this attempt to destroy the historic structure”, it added. “We also humbly request the international community to raise a stronger voice to protect minority rights and religious freedom in every corner of the world”, it said.
It also expressed solidarity with the local Hindu community and civil society members opposing the proposed construction. The organisation urged the Pakistani government to protect the temple, stop any attempt to build a commercial complex at the site and restore the community’s right to conduct religious practices and rituals there. In a statement issued on Saturday, the organisation said the reported move violated religious freedom and basic human rights.
The development coincided with a joint meeting of civil society representatives and members of the Hindu community to discuss the reported demolition plans. The latest sealing has renewed concerns among residents and heritage advocates about the future of the historic structure. Participants opposed the proposed commercial construction and urged elected representatives to raise the issue in Pakistan’s national assembly.