HinduPACT has strongly condemned the recent surge of violence targeting the Hindu community in Bangladesh, marked by the murder of two councilors and the desecration of the sacred Kali temple and ISKCON temple during anti-government protests. This horrific act is viewed not merely as an attack on individuals but as a direct assault on the Hindu community for their pluralistic beliefs. In response, HinduPACT has expressed its solidarity with the Hindu community in Bangladesh and has called on the Bangladeshi government to take immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice and to ensure the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.
HinduPACT has also urged the international community to take notice of these grave crimes and to support measures aimed at protecting religious minorities worldwide. They have called on human rights organizations and governments around the globe to condemn these actions and to work towards safeguarding the rights of all minority communities.
Deepti Mahajan, co-convenor of HinduPACT, highlighted the severity of the situation by stating: “With the coup in Bangladesh, the 10 million Hindus are sitting on a ticking bomb of genocide. Reports are coming in from inside Bangladesh of unimaginable torture, killings, and burning of Hindi temples.” She emphasized that the instability in the region poses a significant threat to democracies like India and represents an inevitable danger to Hindus in Pakistan as well. Mahajan stressed the need for Western countries to pay attention to this instability in Asia and to demand the safety of minorities in Bangladesh.
Ajay Shah, President of the World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) and co-convenor of HinduPACT, drew a historical parallel to the current situation, stating: “This incident is a grim reminder of the atrocities committed against Hindus during the 1971 genocide, where an estimated 300,000 Hindus were brutally killed.” He noted that these echoes of past horrors underscore the urgent need for vigilance and protection of religious minorities.
HinduPACT remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for the rights and safety of Hindus globally. The organization has vowed to continue working tirelessly to ensure that justice is served in this grievous matter.
About HinduPACT:
HinduPACT is an initiative of the World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) focused on the advocacy and policy research of issues concerning the American Hindu community. The organization promotes human rights, voter education, and policies affecting American Hindus, with the aim of fostering peace and understanding through informed policy initiatives and grassroots advocacy. HinduPACT’s dedication to protecting the rights and safety of Hindus worldwide reflects its broader commitment to ensuring justice and safeguarding the interests of vulnerable communities.