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US's Hindu community leaders call for action in Bangladesh
The Hindu population in Bangladesh has plummeted from 18.5 percent in the 1970s to less than 8 percent today, alleged Priyasha, a Hindu from Bangladesh who is now residing in Washington.
The event highlighted the targeting of religious minorities in Bangladesh, with speakers calling for urgent US action. / Shri Thanedar
The escalating human rights violations in Bangladesh took center stage during a press conference held at the US Capitol on Dec.18, organized by Congressman Shri Thanedar.
The event highlighted the targeting of religious minorities in Bangladesh, with speakers calling for urgent US action. New India Abroad spoke to several attendees who shared their personal accounts and appeals.
Priyasha, a Hindu from Bangladesh now residing in the Washington, D.C., area, described the dire situation. “I lost my home and 300 acres of land to Islamist forces, supported by the government. The Hindu population in Bangladesh has plummeted from 18.5 percent in the 1970s to less than 8 percent today,” she said.
“Attacks on temples, villages, and individuals are state-sponsored. From Aug.5 to Aug.20 alone, 69 temples were vandalized, eight girls were raped, and 2,010 places were attacked. Terrorists are being released, further endangering minorities,” she alleged, adding, “We need urgent U.S. action to save the 18 million Hindus still in Bangladesh.”
Ashwani Bedi, a healthcare worker from New York, highlighted the pain he witnesses in his community. “I work in Elmhurst Hospital, Queens, and hear daily about the brutal killings and torture faced by Hindus in Bangladesh. It’s heartbreaking. We are here to lobby the U.S. government and international organizations to stop these atrocities,” he said.
Beena Sabapathy, founder and president of Indo-American Community Voice, emphasized the broader humanitarian crisis. “No one should live in fear in the 21st century,” she stated. “The United Nations and elected officials must prioritize humanity. Hindus in Bangladesh are suffering, and we, as a peaceful community, are deeply worried. We need immediate action to protect them.”
Holocaust survivor Sami Steigmann drew parallels with the horrors of the past. “Hate starts small and escalates to a point of no return. What’s happening in Bangladesh is a tragedy. The U.S. must take immediate action to prevent further escalation,” he said.
Dr. Susmita Jasty called for peace and accountability, emphasizing the transformative potential of peace education. “If we invest in peace education, the world would be a better place,” she noted, urging Congress to investigate the violence and impose sanctions.
Dr. Sumita Sengupta, founder of the Arts4All Foundation, echoed calls for unity and action. “The violence impacts not only Bangladesh but the entire globe. Hindus worldwide are uniting to say their identity matters,” she said.
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