Dhaka, September 4: Bangladesh Hindu Law Reform Council has said that the existing Hindu laws in the country are customary laws made by the English and does not represent the religion. They have demanded amendments to the Hindu law that discriminates against children, the disabled and the third sex.
The leaders made the demand at a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity’s Nasrul Hamid auditorium around 11am on Friday (September 3).
Dr. Moyna Talukder, Associate Professor, Department of Sanskrit, Dhaka University (DU) and President, Bangladesh Hindu Law Reform Council, read out a written statement at the press conference.
“Existing Hindu law deviates and distorts from the core consciousness of Sanatana Dharma and Buddhism. Deprivation of women’s rights and keeping them weak and dependent, discriminating against people on the basis of gender is against both Sanatana Dharma and Buddhist religions,” she said.
Dr. Moyna Talukder said that there are different traditional Hindu laws in different parts of Bangladesh. “Although traditional Hindu law was in force in various parts of India, Nepal and Mauritius, it was amended to establish equal rights for all. If there was any prerequisite for religion, Hindu-majority countries would not amend the law,” she said.
He mentioned nine specific reasons for reforming Hindu law, including the core consciousness of religion, the establishment of fair rights as human beings, and the conversion of women due to discrimination and deprivation.
During the written speech, the president of the organization raised five demands from the press conference. These are: elimination of gender inequality under the Hindu Inheritance Act, granting equal guardianship and rights to parents over their children, reforming the Hindu Adoption Act, changing the provisions of divorce, making marriage registration compulsory.
Later, in response to a question from reporters, the general secretary of the council Pulack Ghatack said, “Some people are misleading everyone by not reforming Hindu laws. But if one speaks fairly, everyone should support him. All should unite and support the amendment of the laws which are not in line with the reality.”
Meanwhile, the leaders of the Bangladesh Jatiyo Hindu Mohajote have strongly protested against the reform of Hindu laws. They have termed such an initiative as a conspiracy against Hindus.
Rina Roy, vice-president of Bangladesh Hindu Law Reform Council, Subhash Saha, teacher and joint secretary of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at Dhaka University, Neeru Barua, Ratna Das, executive member of the organization, Rakesh Acharya, Babla Sen Gupta, Pranesh Roy and others were present.
Courtesy: Bangladesh Live News