Several Hindu organizations held protests outside the White House in Washington DC, United Nations in New York, and in various locations across the country, calling for justice and protection for Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh.
Hindu groups such as HinduACTion, United States Hindu Alliance, Global Hindu Heritage Foundation, and Global Hindu Temple Network supported the protests.
US lawmakers also condemned the ongoing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.
In a statement, Congressman Shri Thanedar noted, “Political violence in Bangladesh is not a new phenomenon; the country has experienced many coups and leadership changes since its inception in 1971,” adding, “Targeting of its Hindu population is tragically also not new. Hindus only make up eight percent of Bangladesh’s population, exposing this minority to risk of discrimination and violence.”
Since the High Court ruling, there has been an increase in violent incidents targeting Hindus, said Rep. Thanedar pointing out Hindu temples have been torched and destroyed, and people have been beaten and chased through the streets. Additionally, thousands of them have fled to the borders of Bangladesh and India, seeking refuge from the violence.
Rep. Thanedar urged the United States to support the new Bangladeshi government, led by interim Prime Minister Muhmmad Yunus. To address ongoing violence and civil unrest, he also appealed to the Biden administration to grant temporary protected status as refugees, to persecuted Hindus and other religious minorities from Bangladesh.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi called on the Bangladesh’s new administration, police chief, and citizens to take urgent action to end the violence sweeping the country, especially against the Hindu minority, including attacks on their homes, businesses, and temples.
“The violence must stop and those responsible must be brought to justice to help the people of Bangladesh move forward as a nation,” said Rep. Krishnamoorthi emphasizing that he will work with the State Department to monitor the situation.
Strongly condemning the “ongoing political violence and religious persecution,” in Bangladesh, Congressman Pat Fallon requested the interim government immediately to end the violence. “The targeting of Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and any other religious minority is reprehensible. Those who have instigated and participated in these acts of violence must be held responsible,” added Rep. Fallon.
Congressman Rich McCormick expressed hope to witness “peace and stability,” in Bangladesh soon. He further added, “I’m deeply disturbed by the reports of sectarian violence targeting members of the Hindu minority and will work with my colleagues on the House Foreign Affairs Committee to help promote a peaceful democratic transition in Bangladesh.”
In its statement, American Jewish Committee voicing support for Hindus, stated, “We are deeply concerned by the violence in Bangladesh, and the need for investigations and accountability for those responsible. Now we are also receiving reports of violence against Hindus including the destruction of Hindu temples.”
