September 19, 2024: Members of the Hindu Makkal Katchi (HMK) held a protest today in Chennai, calling for the Indian government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to halt the ongoing Test series between India and Bangladesh. The demonstration was sparked by recent violence against the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh.

Leading the protest, HMK chief Arjun Sampath addressed a crowd outside the MA Chidambaram Stadium, where the first Test match of the two-match series is taking place. Protesters chanted slogans demanding action to protect Bangladeshi Hindus, who Sampath claims have faced increasing oppression.

"Since Bangladesh's independence in 1971, the Hindu population has plummeted from 26 percent to around 7 percent," Sampath stated. He highlighted alleged incidents of violence, including temple desecration and attacks on Hindu women, as contributing factors to this decline.

"The situation is dire; thousands of Hindus have been rendered homeless and many lives have been lost," he continued. "We urge immediate intervention from the ICC to stop this match."

The protest coincides with the opening of the Test series, drawing attention to the ongoing issues facing the Hindu community in Bangladesh. As the demonstration unfolded, tensions were palpable among the protesters, who expressed their solidarity with affected families across the border.

The HMK's demands come amid rising concerns about the safety and rights of minorities in Bangladesh, prompting reactions from various civil and political organizations.