Catholic activist Angela Gomes in the crosshairs of Hindu radicals
The Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mahajote has attacked the leader of Banchte Shekha for promoting equal rights for women in inheritance matters. Many Hindus stand by the Catholic activist, a laureate of the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Asian Nobel Prize, for her work on behalf of the poor and marginalised.
Dhaka (AsiaNews) – The Banchte Shekha (Learn to Survive), a Christian NGO led by Catholic Angela Gomes, has come in the crosshairs of a Hindu group, Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mahajote, which on Saturday denounced its actions during a meeting at the Dhaka Press Circle.
According to Gobinda Chandra Pramanik, Secretary General of the Hindu organisation, the Christian movement and the Manjsher Janno Foundation “promote activities against Hindus”. Unless, the Christian NGO changes its course, it would face “terrible consequences”, Pramanik warned.
The attack was sparked by the fight for equality promoted by the Christian group in favour of women. In Hindu tradition, women have no title nor claim to inheritance and do not get property from their parents.
Banchte Shekha and other groups have long fought for equal opportunities with the aim of changing inheritance rules. In recent years the two targeted NGOs have distinguished themselves for their work on behalf of the poor and marginalised.
The Manjsher Janno Foundation is at the forefront of human rights and basic assistance, as well as campaigning against abuse and violence against minorities.
Banchte Shekha has been working since 1976 to improve the socio-economic status of women and girls. Its executive director, Angela Gomes, won the 1999 Ramon Magsaysay Award, also known as the Asian Nobel prize.
Speaking to AsiaNews, the activist targeted by Hindu extremists said that “we are not working against Hindus”, but “we work for people of all faiths. The allegations against us are false.”
Banchte Shekha’s work is so appreciated that many Hindus and other movements have come out against the Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mahajote and slammed the anti-Christian accusations.
These “NGOs are working for women empowerment,” said Sunjon Roy, a young Hindu man. “In India, Hindus have changed the inheritance law and today women enjoy equal rights; however, some radical leaders in Bangladesh do not want change.”
The radical Hindu movement has also distinguished itself in other cases. It has demanded the construction of more Hindu temples and places of worship, the allocation of more funds for minorities in the government budget, the introduction of a different electoral system for the Hindu community with 60 reserved seats, the creation of a ministry for minorities, and a national holiday for the Hindu feast of Rathajatra.
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