Bangladesh Buddhist Assn - UK, British Sri Lankan Forum condemn attacks

Shanika SRIYANANDA

Condemning the recent attack on Buddhist temples and villagers in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Buddhist Association - UK and British Sri Lankan Forum urged the British and EU governments to request the Bangladeshi government to prevent future attacks and also to bring the culprits to book.

The two organisations, based in London, held a protest opposite the British Parliament against attacks on Buddhists and temples in Bangladesh recently. In a joint statement they said : "There were many brutal arson attacks on innocent and peaceful Buddhist villages, religious buildings and ancient Buddhist monasteries on September 29, 2012 in Chittagong, Bangladesh. These shocking atrocities are one of the many carried out against innocent and peaceful Buddhists and other minorities in the recent past."

Janaka Alahapperuma of the organising team said they condemn the attacks.

"We request the British government and EU countries to put an immediate stop to this," he said.

While requesting the Bangladesh government to take immediate action to conduct a neutral and thorough investigation, the two organisations urged the government to provide compensation for the physical, mental and property damage of villagers, including rebuilding houses and Buddhist monasteries.

The organisation also requested to ensure guaranteed protection against future attacks.