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United States Hindu Alliance hosts virtual summit on Bangladesh
Congressman Shri Thanedar, who attended the event, urged the Biden administration to pay greater attention to the situation of violence against Hindus in the country.
Speakers present at the virtual summit. / Courtesy/United States Hindu Alliance
The United States Hindu Alliance (USHA) held a virtual Global Summit on Bangladesh on Aug.17, bringing together prominent spiritual, political, and community leaders from the United States and India.
The three-hour event focused on the escalating violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier this month.
Sheikh Hasina stepped down on Aug.6, 2024, and fled to neighboring India, prompting a surge of violence by radical groups, who have been accused of carrying out targeted attacks on Hindus, resulting in the rape of women and young girls, the brutal killing of hundreds, and the destruction of thousands of homes, businesses, and places of worship.
The minority Hindu population in Bangladesh, which exceeds 15 million, has been terrorized alongside other minority groups, including one million Buddhists and half a million Christians.
Gokul Kunnath, USHA’s national president, opened the summit with an address expressing deep concern over the ongoing violence. "We are shocked and horrified by the atrocities being committed against Hindus in Bangladesh. This genocide demands global attention," Kunnath stated, affirming USHA’s commitment to monitoring the situation and taking necessary actions to support those affected.
Notable scholars contributed to the discussion, including Dr. Sachi Dastidar, a retired professor of political science at the State University of New York, and Dr. Andrew Bostom, an author known for his works on Islamic history and its impact on non-Muslims. Both highlighted the historical context of persecution and genocide against Hindus in Bangladesh.
Dhiman Deb Chowdhury, founder and president of the Human Rights Council for Bangladeshi Minorities, provided graphic details of the violence. He called for a United Nations fact-finding investigation and immediate intervention to restore peace in Bangladesh. "The situation is dire, and we need the international community to step in before more lives are lost," Chowdhury urged.
The event also featured spiritual leaders who emphasized the importance of protecting Hindus and the guidance that Hindu sacred texts offer in times of crisis. Among them were Swami Paramatmananda Saraswati, secretary general of the Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha, and Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Shankara Bharati Mahaswami of Kudali Sringeri Peetham.
"The Acharya Sabha is deeply concerned and has condemned these heinous acts. We have urged the Government of India to take responsibility for protecting Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh," Swami Paramatmananda stated.
Dr. Bawa Jain, secretary general of the World Council of Religious Leaders, and Alok Kumar, president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad of India, also condemned the attacks. Kumar specifically called on Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, to restore law and order and protect the lives of minorities. He stressed that India must take all possible measures to safeguard these vulnerable communities.
Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar, founder of the Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh Caucus in the U.S. Congress, urged the Biden administration to pay greater attention to the situation. "The ongoing attacks against Hindus in Bangladesh are deeply concerning, and the U.S. must take a stand to protect these communities," Thanedar said.
Other speakers included Dr. Ajay Shah, president of VHP of America, Falguni Pandya, co-chair of NJ Democrats Hindu Caucus, Ohio State Senator Niraj Antani, and Dr. Sampat Shivangi, a prominent Indian American Republican leader. The event was moderated by Sohini Sircar, chair of the Hindu Students Council, and concluded with a vote of thanks from Praveen Sharma, general secretary of USHA.
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