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VHPA condemns attacks on minorities in Bangladesh
Amitabh Mittal, general secretary of VHPA, expressed concern over what he called the “deafening silence” of global media on these issues.
World Hindu Council of America. / VHPA
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) has issued a strong condemnation of atrocities against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.
The organization criticized the recent arrest of Chinmay Prabhu, a leader from ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), and the reported vandalism of Hindu temples, describing these incidents as part of a broader pattern of religious intolerance in the country.
Amitabh Mittal, general secretary of VHPA, expressed concern over what he called the “deafening silence” of global media on these issues. "The recent arrest of an ISKCON priest and the violent attacks on Hindu temples underscore the alarming rise in religious intolerance," he said.
"These incidents are part of a broader pattern of discrimination, as reported by organizations like Human Rights Watch. The lack of international condemnation only further emboldens the perpetrators and threatens the safety and freedom of minority communities in Bangladesh," he added.
VHPA president Ajay Shah stressed efforts by Hindu organizations to bring the issue to the attention of international policymakers. "Over 150 Hindu organizations and temples recently submitted a letter to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, urging the U.S. State Department to press the Muhammad Yunus government in Bangladesh to protect its religious minorities," Shah said.
He also described the arrest of ISKCON's Krishna Das Prabhu and the vandalism of the Kali Mandir in Chittagong as "disconcerting," adding, "Is this the human rights legacy the Biden administration wants to be remembered for?"
Shyam Tiwari, VHPA spokesperson and vice president, emphasized the global implications of remaining silent on such incidents. “Violent attacks on Hindus and targeting of Hindu leaders by law enforcement in Bangladesh should be condemned by all,” he said. “Silence around the world on the killing of Hindus and other minorities only spells doom for humanity in general and amounts to implicit if not complicit condonation.”
Tejal Shah, joint general secretary of VHPA, echoed these concerns, stating, "As a representative of all the Hindu Mandirs across the USA, I very strongly condemn the arrest of Krishna Das Prabhuji, as well as the vandalism and destruction of Hindu Mandirs in major cities of Bangladesh. The minorities are living in constant fear, and the world is silently watching."
The VHPA has called for international action to ensure the safety and rights of religious minorities in Bangladesh, saying that inaction could lead to further violations of human rights.
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