The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), a grassroots organization focused on enhancing the understanding of Hinduism in North America, on Aug.12 held a congressional briefing on the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.
The event featuring Congressman Rich McCormick, drew 500 attendees, including experts and officials from various organizations like HinduACTion, Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities, Unity Council USA, and the Michigan Kalibari Temple.
They discussed the history of anti-Hindu violence and the ongoing ethnic cleansing since 1947, presenting evidence of murders, rapes, lynchings, vandalism, and destruction. The speakers emphasized the urgent actions that the U.S. and the international community must take to prevent the extinction of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh in the coming years.
A Bangladeshi American student from CoHNA's Youth Action Network shared the hardships his family and friends have faced since early August. A mother with young children recounted how her family has been living in constant fear in Bangladesh, expressing deep concern for their safety. She also voiced her sorrow over being unable to connect her children with their cultural roots by visiting Bangladesh, as the country has become increasingly dangerous for Hindus.
CoHNA highlighted in a social media post that Hinduphobia was openly displayed during the congressional briefing. Some extremists reacted to the emotional testimonials—where speakers detailed the murders, rapes, and vandalism of temples—with mocking heart and laughing emojis. This was followed by hate mail accusing Hindus of exaggerating the violence and denying that they have been targeted for their religious backgrounds.
Sadly, #Hinduphobia was also on naked display during the briefing as some extremists put hearts and laughing emojis during emotional testimonials from speakers who described the murders, rapes, and vandalism of temples. This was then followed by hate mail claiming that Hindus are… pic.twitter.com/ovGNJiklLU
— CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America) (@CoHNAOfficial) August 13, 2024
CoHNA expressed gratitude to Congressman McCormick for listening to the testimonies and reports from the speakers and standing in solidarity with the Hindu community. They stated their intention to continue engaging with his office and other lawmakers to demand justice for Hindus in Bangladesh.
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