Platform protests Hindu law enactment misinformation

Published at 12:32 pm August 23rd, 2021

File photo: A sculptor adds finishing touches to Durga idols at Bangla Bazar Rajib Dhar/Dhaka Tribune

People who are not involved in the formulation of the law had been named at a press conference of Bangladesh Jatiyo Hindu Mohajote

The Hindu Ain Pronoyone Nagorik Uddyog (Citizens’ Initiative on enacting Hindu law) has expressed outrage over misinformation spread by certain quarters on the enacting of laws on the issue of equal rights of Hindu children on the property of Hindu parents.

The organization published a press release in this regard on Monday.

The statement said the Citizens’ Initiative formed a draft Hindu Inheritance Act for the equal rights of Hindu citizens of Bangladesh on their parents’ property.

“The demand for legislation is a demand of all Hindu citizens. Therefore, Hindu citizens of various human rights organizations are involved in its formulation,” it added.

The organizations include Manusher Jonno Foundation, Ain o Shalish Kendrq, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), Prip Trust, Naripokkho, RDRS and Bachte Shekha.

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However, during a Bangladesh Jatiyo Hindu Mohajote conference, speakers falsely claimed Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam was involved in the legislation of the law.

Mahfuz Anam is not associated with the Citizens’ Initiative in any way and he has had no involvement in the draft legislation, the Citizens’ Initiative on enacting Hindu law statement said.

Shaheen Anam is the executive director of the Manusher Jonno Foundation, but he is not involved in the legislation as well, it added.

“On behalf of Hindu citizens, we seek apology and protest against the propaganda being spread about them,” read the statement signed by prominent citizens of the country representing various human rights organizations.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called on Hindu leaders to enact the Hindu Heritage Act in 2016 on the occasion of Janmashtami. She also mentioned the issue of equal inheritance of men and women on National Legal Aid Day in 2019.

Subsequently, the Citizens’ Initiative prepared the draft for the equal rights of Hindu citizens on the property of their parents.