Hindu American groups hung a huge airline banner over the Hudson River, waving around the Statue of Liberty. It is a symbol of freedom and human rights. In their impassioned appeal to the world, they called for immediate action to put an end to violence against Bangladeshi Hindus.
Violence Against Hindu
The Bangladeshi Hindus have suffered severe discrimination, most recently several abuses of their business and temples following the political upheaval that forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from office. As the Durga Puja festival draws closer, Bangladesh's interim government promised to do whatever is necessary to prevent the celebrations from turning violent.
A History Of Persecution
According to NDTV, about 8% of Bangladesh's 170 million people are from the Hindu community. The history of violence and discrimination against them is long. The U.S. Congress, in a 2022 report, estimated that almost 2.8 million had died in the genocide of 1971, along with many other dreadful acts against Hindus. This has taken a great toll on the population of Hindus, which has come down to just 8.9% today from 20% in 1971.
Attacks And Community Reaction
There have been about 250 confirmed attacks on Hindus since August 5, 2024, with over a thousand incidents. Activists like Sitangshu Guha from the Bangladesh Hindu Community said that Hindus are on great danger. He warned that if Hindus disappear from Bangladesh, it will become chaotic like Afghanistan, which poses a threat to the entire region.
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Appeals For UN Intervention
Activists, however, have requested the United Nations Human Rights Council to officially declare what transpired in 1971 as genocide and do everything in their power to ensure it never happens again. In America, members of the Jewish Community have even emerged speaking out for the Hindus with a call to compare their suffering with the situation in Israel. Many are calling for a garment boycott in Bangladesh, an important industry in that country, until such time when there is no more violence and perpetrators are dealt with.
Documenting Atrocities
The event was streamed live on StopHinduGenocide.org-a site documenting ongoing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. Activists term this an immediate need for the international community to act with speed and protect easily targeted groups, ensuring human rights are upheld.