In a strong plea to the global community, Hindu American groups flew a massive banner over the Hudson River, circling the Statue of Liberty, urging immediate action to stop the ongoing persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh.
The 1971 genocide, recognized by US Congress Resolution HR 1430 in 2022, resulted in the deaths of 2.8 million people and the rape of over 200,000 predominantly Hindu women. Since then, Bangladesh’s Hindu population has declined from 20% in 1971 to just 8.9% today.
Recent reports highlight escalating violence, kidnappings, lynchings, and property seizures targeting up to 200,000 Hindus, posing a grave threat to the remaining 13 to 15 million Hindus. Since August 5, 2024, there have been approximately 250 confirmed attacks and over 1,000 reported incidents.
Sitangshu Guha from the Bangladesh Hindu Community, one of the event organizers, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Hindus in Bangladesh are on the verge of extinction.” He hopes the event will raise awareness and prompt UN action against militant Islamic forces. Pankaj Mehta, from the Interfaith Human Rights Coalition, urged the UN Human Rights Council to officially recognize the 1971 genocide in Bangladesh, the largest since World War II, and take preventive measures against potential future atrocities.
Surjit Chowdhary, a member of Sree Gita Sangha, called on the Bangladeshi government to halt violence against Hindus and resolve political differences democratically. Concerns about the rise of Islamist fundamentalism in Bangladesh echo fears of regional instability, particularly for India.
Americans are being urged to boycott Bangladeshi garments, which make up 85% of the country’s exports, until the violence ceases. Major companies like Walmart, H&M, and Gap Inc. are being asked to stop shipments, as supporting the economy is viewed as enabling violence against minorities. The Jewish community in America has shown solidarity with the Hindu minority, drawing parallels to the violence in Israel.
The event was live-streamed on StopHinduGenocide.org, where ongoing atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh are being documented, highlighting the urgent need for global intervention.
(ANI)