Washington, D.C. – In response to the alarming surge of violence against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh following the recent fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, a united front of Hindu organizations like Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America and community members have mobilized to demand urgent action and justice. Demonstrations held over the past weekend in Washington, D.C., and across the globe have brought significant international attention to the crisis.
In the past week, the Hindu community in Bangladesh has faced unprecedented violence, including the destruction of homes, burning of temples, ransacking of businesses, and widespread assault against women. This pattern of violence against Hindus, who have seen their population decline from approximately 22% in 1971 to around 7% today, has intensified following the recent political upheaval.
On Saturday, a large demonstration was organized in front of the White House by various Hindu organizations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America and other prominent groups from the Washington, D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area. Participants, spanning diverse age groups and backgrounds, voiced a unified call for justice and safety for the Hindu population in Bangladesh.
Key Demands :-
1. Immediate Action from the U.S. State Department: We urge the State Department to actively engage with Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of minorities and to investigate the reported human rights abuses.
4. Accountability: We demand thorough investigations into the violence and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
This crisis echoes the tragic events of the 1971 Hindu genocide, and it is imperative that lessons from that dark chapter are learned to prevent further atrocities.
The global Hindu community stands united in its demand for justice and protection for its brethren in Bangladesh.
We urge individuals, organizations, and governments worldwide to lend their voices and support to this critical cause. Together, we can work towards a safer and more just world for all.
Here’s one historical perspective :-
https://thediplomat.com/2021/03/how-the-cold-war-shaped-bangladeshs-liberation-war/ – By Shah Tazrian Ashrafi, dated March 20, 2021