NewKerala.com

Hindu Americans Rally Nationwide Against Attacks on Minorities in Bangladesh

Hindu Americans organized coordinated rallies and prayer vigils in cities across the United States to protest what they describe as targeted attacks and a "drip-drip genocide" against Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh. Organizers claim there have been more than 3,000 such attacks since last year and are urging U.S. lawmakers and international bodies to take action. A congressional hearing on the issue is scheduled for February 9 in Washington, D.C., and an online petition has been created to help people contact their elected officials. The movement, described as an unprecedented coast-to-coast grassroots effort, emphasizes that "silence is not an option" when innocent lives are lost.

Key Points: US Hindus Protest Attacks on Minorities in Bangladesh

  • Protests in nearly two dozen US cities
  • Calls for US and international action
  • Claims of over 3,000 attacks in Bangladesh
  • Congressional hearing scheduled for Feb 9
  • Online petition launched to contact officials
2 min read

Hindu Americans hold rallies, prayer vigils to highlight targeted attacks on minorities in Bangladesh

Hindu Americans hold rallies and prayer vigils across the US, calling for action against targeted attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh.

"Innocent Hindus are being brutally attacked solely for their religious identity. - FIA-Chicago and National India Hub"

Washington, Feb 1

Peaceful rallies and prayer vigils were held across nearly two dozen US cities as Hindu Americans protested what they described as targeted attacks on Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh, urging the US lawmakers and international bodies to take action.

Demonstrations were reported in multiple cities, including Princeton, Los Angeles, Chicago, the Bay Area, Detroit, and Tampa. Organisers said the coordinated protests aimed to raise awareness and press for accountability.

At a Princeton rally, one speaker said participants had gathered "in support of the Bangladeshi Hindus and other minorities who are going through a genocide in Bangladesh", claiming "more than 3,000 attacks" since last year.

"It's time to speak up. It's time to stop," the protester demanded.

Protesters in Detroit described what they called a "drip-drip genocide," saying Hindus were being targeted, and urged supporters to "call your lawmakers", unite locally and attend a Washington event.

A Congressional hearing has been scheduled in Washington DC on February 9.

In Los Angeles, speakers blended prayer with calls for civic action. "Please don't be silent. Speak up because silence is acceptance," one speaker told the crowd. "Stand up and be counted."

An official with the Coalition of Hindus of North America said organisers have created an online petition to help people contact elected officials.

"Innocent Hindus are being brutally attacked solely for their religious identity," said FIA-Chicago and the National India Hub, which organised a demonstration in Schaumburg, Illinois. "Silence and passiveness only enable genocide," they said.

Organisers said similar events were held in Boston, Houston and Los Angeles, and that a congressional hearing is scheduled at the US Capitol in early February. A coalition of human rights and Hindu advocacy groups, including HinduPact, said the protests were intended to highlight the plight of Bangladeshi minorities and push for policy attention.

At a Bay Area rally, an opening statement said the movement has grown into "an unprecedented grassroots movement spanning from coast to coast," adding, "when innocent lives are lost, silence is not an option".

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is a serious humanitarian issue that goes beyond borders. The term "drip-drip genocide" is chilling. Hope the congressional hearing leads to concrete action and pressure on the Bangladeshi government.
D
David E
While the cause is just, I hope the advocacy remains focused on human rights for all minorities in Bangladesh, not just one community. A balanced approach will have more credibility internationally.
A
Ananya R
Silence *is* acceptance. More power to those organizing these events. We need to keep the spotlight on this. The online petition is a good start - will definitely sign and share.
S
Siddharth J
As an Indian, it pains me to see such news from a neighboring country. The diaspora is doing what it can from afar. The real change has to come from within Bangladesh's civil society and government. Ya Allah, give them strength.
K
Kavya N
Blending prayer with civic action is the right way. It shows this is not just political, but a moral issue. Hope the February 9 hearing is productive.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50