Dhaka: Amid the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, a video has gone viral on social media showing a man making an important announcement from a mosque loudspeaker. He urged everyone to protect Hindu minorities and maintain peace during these troubled times. This message was from the group "Students Against Discrimination."
The announcement, heard from the mosque, called on citizens to safeguard Hindu minorities' lives and properties from potential harm. The speaker said, "Dear Citizens, we, 'Students Against Discrimination,' request you to maintain communal harmony during this period of unrest. We should protect Hindu minorities. Protect their lives and their wealth from miscreants/evil forces. It is your responsibility, our responsibility, and everyone's responsibility. Let’s all be vigilant."
This plea for unity comes when false information and inflammatory content are spreading on social media, alleging widespread violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.
The video has caught much attention and sparked discussions on social media, with many praising the initiative for its timely call to action. Authorities and community leaders are also emphasizing the importance of this message and are working to stop the spread of misinformation that could incite violence.
A Special Announcement on a loudspeaker from inside the Mosque in Bangladesh.
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) August 5, 2024
"Dear Citizens,
We 'Students Against Discrimination' are requesting you, during this period of unrest in the country, We all must maintain communal harmony. We should protect Hindu minorities.… pic.twitter.com/LUtSVWCZee
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Lucknow (PTI): BSP chief Mayawati on Sunday alleged irregularities in voting in the recent Uttar Pradesh bypolls and said her party will not contest by-elections in future, particularly in the state, "until Election Commission takes measures to prevent fake voting".
By-elections to nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh were held on November 20 and results of it were declared on Saturday. Bahujan Samaj Party contested all nine seats but failed to win any.
"In the bypolls held for nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, there is widespread discussion about the votes cast and the results announced yesterday. I am not saying this myself; it is a common perception among people that earlier, during elections conducted with ballot papers, fake votes were cast by misusing the system, often through fraud," Mayawati said in a press conference here.
"Now, similar practices are being carried out using EVMs, which is a matter of deep sorrow and concern for democracy," the former UP chief minister said.
Not only this, but these activities are now being executed more openly, especially during by-elections, as opposed to general elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, she claimed.
"We recently witnessed this in the Uttar Pradesh bypolls. Similar concerns have also been raised regarding the recent general elections in Maharashtra. This is a major warning bell for democracy in our country," she said.
"Given this situation, our party has decided that until the Election Commission of India takes strict measures to prevent fake voting, we will not participate in any by-elections across the country, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. I am specifically referring to by-elections here," Mayawati said.
As far as general elections are concerned, she continued, there is a somewhat better safeguard because the fear of power changing hands makes the ruling party more cautious.
"In general elections, it is not guaranteed that the party in power will return to power and another party may take over. This fear keeps the government machinery somewhat restrained," she added.
Considering all these factors, our party will contest general elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies with full preparation and strength, Mayawati stressed.
In the bypolls, the BJP and its ally RLD together won seven seats while Samajwadi Party candidates emerged victorious on two.