Saraswati Puja Turns into Nationwide Protest Across Australia Against Minority Persecution in Bangladesh

Melbourne, January 26: Saraswati Puja celebrations across Australia witnessed an unprecedented wave of protest this year, as religious festivities transformed into powerful platforms of resistance against the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. Alongside prayers and cultural performances, diaspora communities raised their voices in solidarity with oppressed religious minorities, reflecting growing global concern over the human rights situation in Bangladesh.

In recent months, organisations in the United States, Europe, and Asia have launched coordinated global campaigns protesting violence against minority communities in Bangladesh. These groups claim that incidents of attacks and intimidation against Hindu minorities have increased alarmingly since the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus assumed power, warning that the situation risks escalating into a serious human rights crisis.

Against this backdrop, the Australian Federation for Ethnic and Religious Minorities in Bangladesh Ltd (AFERMB) called upon Hindu religious and cultural organisations across Australian states and territories to incorporate protest messages into Saraswati Puja celebrations. In response, temples and cultural associations in Melbourne, Sydney, and other cities displayed protest banners, posters, and messages demanding justice, protection of minorities, and international intervention.

Leaders of various organisations expressed deep frustration and concern over the current situation in Bangladesh. Speaking to OTN Bangla, representatives of the diaspora community described the ongoing violence as unacceptable and called for accountability from the interim authorities.

Members of the Bangladesh Puja & Cultural Society Victoria display protest banners during Saraswati Puja, demanding justice and protection for minorities in Bangladesh.

Pradyut Dey Tuhin, President of the Bangladesh Puja & Cultural Society Victoria (BPCSV), said, “Saraswati Puja symbolises knowledge, peace, and humanity. Yet while we celebrate here, our brothers and sisters in Bangladesh are living in fear and uncertainty. This protest is not political; it is our moral responsibility to stand for human rights.”

Dr. Jahar Bhowmik, Director of AFERMB and Professor at Swinburne University, stated, “Violence against minorities in Bangladesh is not merely a domestic issue; it is an international human rights crisis. Our protest from the diaspora is an attempt to awaken the conscience of the world.”

Sanatan Art & Cultural Association Victoria integrates cultural celebration with protest messages, highlighting human rights concerns during Saraswati Puja.

Shuvojit Roy, general secretary of the Sanatan Art and Cultural Association Victoria (SACAV), said,

“Peaceful protest against the oppression of minorities in Bangladesh and sending a message of standing with oppressed people worldwide are also important parts of this year’s Saraswati Puja celebrations.”

We will continue such initiatives to keep our culture and history alive for future generations,” he said.

The Bangladesh Puja Association (BPA) in Sydney incorporates protest messages into religious festivities, expressing solidarity with persecuted communities.

Bangladesh Society for Puja and Culture Incorporated, Sydney: Organisers and participants raise voices of protest alongside prayers, reflecting the diaspora’s unified stance against violence in Bangladesh.

Bengali Society for Puja and Culture Western Australia joins the celebrations and protests, symbolising interfaith solidarity and global conscience.

Members of the Australian Bengali Hindu Association (ABHA) protest to raise awareness over violence against minorities in Bangladesh.

Similar protest initiatives were also observed at events organised by the Bangladesh Puja Association (BPA) in Sydney and the Bangladesh Society for Puja and Culture Incorporated NSW, Bengali Society for Puja and Culture Western Australia where organisers echoed calls for justice and global solidarity.

Observers say this year’s Saraswati Puja in Australia was no longer confined to religious celebration alone. Instead, it emerged as a collective expression of identity, conscience, and resistance, blending spirituality with social activism and transforming cultural festivals into voices of global protest.