Fervent appeal for the Biden Administration to act immediately to protect Hindu minorities in Bangladesh
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| On Sunday, August 11, 2024, in Houston, Texas, a demonstration against the violence against minorities in Bangladesh is held. | Photo Credit: PTI |
Over 300 Indian Americans and Hindus of Bangladeshi descent came together at Sugar Land City Hall in Houston on Sunday, August 11, 2024, in a forceful yet nonviolent show of support to denounce the atrocious crimes carried out by Islamist extremists against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. As attendees banded together for a cause that profoundly connected with their identities and values, the atmosphere was charged with passion.
The organizers fervently urged the Biden Administration to act swiftly and forcefully to stop such crimes and safeguard Bangladesh's minority groups. It is necessary and concerning to take action now to protect the peace and security of the region given the recent spike in violence against Hindu groups.
The organizers vehemently demanded that all religious minorities in Bangladesh be given immediate protection and safety, and they urged the American government to stop being a silent spectator to these horrible crimes against humanity.
They urged Hindus in Bangladesh to remain watchful, band together to monitor the current situation, and take required action as a group in the event of an emergency.
The Global Voice for Bangladesh Minorities, an umbrella organization that represents significant Hindu groups in Houston, including Maitri, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, HinduAction, HinduPact, Houston Durgabari Society, ISKCON, Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora, and many more, organized the vigil, which was appropriately named "Save Hindus in Bangladesh."
The Global Voice for Bangladesh Minorities, an umbrella organization that represents significant Hindu groups in Houston, including Maitri, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, HinduAction, HinduPact, Houston Durgabari Society, ISKCON, Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora, and many more, organized the vigil, which was appropriately named "Save Hindus in Bangladesh."
With impassioned statements calling for a stop to the violence and horrors committed against Hindus in Bangladesh, participants held their placards high. Slogans like "Stop Hindu Genocide," "Stand Up and Speak Out Now," "Hindu Lives Matter," and "We Won't Run, We Won't Hide, Stop Hindu Genocide" echoed their urgent call for justice, and the throng exploded with fervor.
The organizers fervently asserted, quoting Martin Luther King Jr.'s moving remarks and Gandhi's ageless statement that "To forgive and accept injustice is cowardice," "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
Among the speakers for VHP and HinduAction was Achlesh Amar, who firmly told the crowded assembly, "We strongly condemn the assault on the Hindu community for their pluralistic beliefs." We are steadfastly united in our support of our Bangladeshi brothers and sisters. We want the Bangladeshi government to act immediately to apprehend those responsible and guarantee the safety and security of all of its people, irrespective of their religious convictions!
Among the speakers for VHP and HinduAction was Achlesh Amar, who firmly told the crowded assembly, "We strongly condemn the assault on the Hindu community for their pluralistic beliefs." We are steadfastly united in our support of our Bangladeshi brothers and sisters. We want the Bangladeshi government to act immediately to apprehend those responsible and guarantee the safety and security of all of its people, irrespective of their religious convictions!
Amar also shared a moving statement from HinduPACT co-convener Deepti Mahajan. Her voice quivered with anxiety as she said, "With the coup in Bangladesh, the 10 million Hindus are sitting on a ticking bomb of genocide." "Unimaginable torture, murders, and the burning of Hindu temples are documented in reports from Bangladesh, coupled with horrifying tales of women experiencing awful abuse.
The fundamental tenets of democracy in nations like the United States and India are seriously jeopardized by this instability, in addition to Hindus. Hindus in Pakistan are inevitably at risk from it as well. We demand that all minorities in Bangladesh be secure, and we need all Western countries to be paying attention to this Asian catastrophe!"
At the event, an American woman of Bangladeshi descent spoke with intense emotion, falling into tears as she said, "The horrific acts of violence back home are devastating." It breaks our hearts to hear of these heinous actions every day when we get on the phone with our family. There have been countless innocent lives lost! Religious buildings have been set on fire or defaced, and women have suffered horrendous mistreatment. This needs to end right away! We cannot watch helplessly as our people suffer!
The event served as a potent reminder that the fight for justice is an international effort. They were brought together by love and compassion, and they used their platform to demand change, speak out against injustice, and make sure that the suffering of Bangladesh's Hindu population was not forgotten.
The event served as a potent reminder that the fight for justice is an international effort. They were brought together by love and compassion, and they used their platform to demand change, speak out against injustice, and make sure that the suffering of Bangladesh's Hindu population was not forgotten.
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