Title: Bangladesh Hindus seek protection
Author: Waliur Rahman
Publication: BBC
Date: Oct 10, 2001 
URL: http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/south_asia/newsid_1591000/1591794.stm

Leaders of the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh have met the country's president and asked him to ensure the safety of the country's minorities. 

The meeting followed reports in the Bangladesh media of an increase in attacks on Hindus since the victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led coalition in last week's general elections. 

The European Union has also raised concerns over the reports. 

The minorities are widely considered to be supporters of the rival Awami League party which was defeated in the polls. 

Festival concerns 

The Hindu leaders said they feared they might not be able to celebrate the forthcoming Hindu festival of Durga Puja beginning later this month. 

President Shahabuddin Ahmed said the government would take necessary action to ensure the safety of the minorities. 

Earlier, similar concerns were raised by the European Union envoy to Dhaka, Antonio de Souza Menezes, who said he has received complaints of violence against the minorities. 

Mr Menezes said many non-governmental organisations have contacted his office and expressed concern at the level of violence against the minorities. 

He said he has discussed the issue with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, whose leader Khaleda Zia, was sworn-in as the country's new prime minister on Wednesday.