Emphasizing the “urgency,” of raising awareness about the escalating crisis of human rights violations in Bangladesh, Indian American Congressman, Shri Thanedar urged Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus to fulfill his promise of restoring peace and rebuilding the nation on principles of equality and justice.
Speaking at a press conference on December 18, 2024, at the US Capitol, Rep. Thanedar was joined by a group of South Asian Hindu Americans. He stressed, “Whether at home or abroad, we cannot remain silent while innocent people are subjected to unspeakable acts of violence due to their religious beliefs,” adding, “The United States has a storied history of championing the oppressed, and this issue should be no different. When we receive a global call for help, we must respond appropriately as the world’s bellwether of human rights.”
Thanedar highlighted that since July 2024, Bangladesh has experienced a surge in political violence, which led to the resignation and departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Since then, the country has plunged into political turmoil, with its Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian minorities suffering violent attacks against their people and places of worship by segments of the majority Muslim population.
“Hindu temples have been vandalized, burned, and desecrated,” he said noting over 70 temples throughout Bangladesh have faced similar attacks by mobs persecuting Hindu minorities. “Hindu religious leaders are regularly arrested on dubious charges, and vulnerable communities have been forced to flee their homes in fear,” he added.
One of the most prominent examples is the arrest of Hindu Monk Chinmoy Krishna Das. Previously associated with the influential global Hindu organization, ISKCON, Mr. Das has been unfairly portrayed as a bad actor. When the protests outside the court turned violent, Mr. Das’s lawyer was tragically murdered by the crowd.
Thanedar underscored reports from the United Nations indicating that hundreds of people have lost their lives, and tens of thousands have been displaced in the last few months. Hindus in Bangladesh live in constant fear of being attacked simply due to their religious beliefs and traditions.
“This is unacceptable, and I call upon my colleagues to stand together and strongly condemn these forms of aggression and hate,” he added. “Since the start of this deadly conflict, I have sent multiple letters to the Department of State and Treasury suggesting immediate, tangible steps for Humanitarian Protection, Congressional Oversight, and Targeted Sanctions.”
Founder of Arts4All Foundation, Dr. Sumita SenGupta, stated, “The issue with Bangladesh is long standing. It has had quite a violent history with religious minorities. However, we stand here today to plead and to ask the government of Bangladesh, as well as our elected officials and the State Department to root out the violence that’s occurring, the persecution that’s occurring, and to bring peace.”
Sami Steigmann, a Holocaust survivor, emphasized that the United States should take the lead in raising global awareness about the situation in Bangladesh. According to him, there is no reason why people should be discriminated or should be murdered just because they come from a different religion or practice a different way of life.
Prof. Dr. Sachi Dastidar, highlighted the historical and ongoing violence stating, “Our families are being attacked, gods abused, and temples destroyed.” He noted that since 1947, over 50 million Hindus have been displaced, and over 3.1 million Hindus have been murdered by terrorists in the name of religion.
Dr. Susmita Jasty, physician and Volunteer at the Art of Living (AOL) Foundation, said she participated not just as a physician, but also as an Ambassador of Peace. “We must act now to protect the lives of Hindu minorities before it is too late. Hindus are among the most peaceful communities in the world,” she said, highlighting AOL’s breathwork meditation workshops and other programs, which have transformed countless lives.
Executive Director of HinduACTion, Utsav Chakrabarti, condemned the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, stating, “it clearly reflects that interim leader Mohammed Yunus has failed to contain his allies in the Jamaat-e-Islami, who are now running around the country, burning temples, killing people, and committing atrocities against priests and leaders from the Hindu community by incarcerating them.”
Mrs. Universe USA Elite for 2024, Parul Kumar, told South Asian Herald, “We are here at the capital in Washington, DC, supporting the cause of Hindus in Bangladesh and the atrocities and unfair arrests that are currently happening there right now. We need everyone to come together, raise our voices and cause the change in what is currently happening.”
