|| MM Rahmatullah: Bangladesh Christian Association on Tuesday staged a human chain in front of the National Press Club in the capital, protesting what participants described as the persecution of religious minorities in India's West Bengal and urging the Indian government to take effective measures to protect all minority communities.Speakers at the programme alleged that Muslims, Christians and other minority groups in India have been subjected to increasing violence and discrimination, and called for an immediate end to such incidents.Among the speakers Advocate Dr. Helal Uddin, Secretary General of the Nawab Sir Salimullah Academy said, Bangladesh has a long-standing tradition of communal harmony and democratic values, where people of different faiths and ethnic backgrounds have coexisted peacefully.He said all citizens in Bangladesh enjoy equal dignity and the constitutional right to practise their respective religions freely.Referring to the situation in India, Dr. Helal alleged that members of several minority communities, particularly Muslims, have faced persecution. He claimed that incidents targeting Muslims in West Bengal had increased following the elections and also alleged attacks on Christian churches. He urged the Indian authorities to ensure the safety and religious freedom of all minority communities.Albert P. Costa, President of the Bangladesh Christian Association presided over the human chain.BNP Vice Chairman and former MP Barkatullah Bulu attended the programme as the chief guest, while NCP Joint Convener Sarwar Tushar was present as a special guest.Swapan Howlader, President of the association's Tejgaon chapter moderated the event, while featured speeches by Asadur Rahman Khan, Presidium Member of the National Democratic Party; Fr. Albert Thomas Rozario; Rev. David Ghosh; Pabitra Pramanik; and Jackson Gomez.Abdul Jabbar, President of the Nawab Sir Salimullah Academy and Manjurul Islam, a Majlish-e-Shura member of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's Dhaka City South and former central president of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, along with leaders of various political, social and religious organisations were present among others. The speakers collectively called on the Indian government to take prompt and effective steps to stop alleged persecution and ensure the protection of religious minorities across the country.