The United States Hindu Alliance organized a virtual Global Summit on Bangladesh, on Saturday, August 17th, bringing together spiritual, political and community leaders from the United States and India. The 3-hour event addressed various aspects of the violence and atrocities attacks against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.
On August 6, 2024, Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, resigned from office and fled to neighboring India. In the aftermath of the resignation, the Jamaat-e-Islami and other radical Islamic groups carried out targeted attacks on Hindus. Women and young girls were raped, hundreds were brutally killed, thousands of homes, and businesses and temples & other places of worship were burnt or destroyed, including entire villages. The extremist elements succeeded in spreading terror among the minority Hindus, who number more than 15 million. Other minorities in Bangladesh include 1 million Buddhists and half a million Christians.
The global event summit started with an address by Gokul Kunnath, USHA’s national President. He expressed shock and concern for the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh and called for global attention to the ongoing genocide against them and other minorities in the Islamic nation. He expressed solidarity with them and stated USHA’s commitment to monitoring events in the region and taking appropriate actions to support and protect the victimized populations.
Scholars who spoke at the event included Dr. Sachi Dastidar, a retired professor of Political Science at State University of New York and author of books such as “Bengal’s Hindu Holocaust”, “Empire’s Last Casualty” and “Mukti: Free to Be Born Again” and Dr. Andrew Bostom, author of “The Legacy of Jihad: Islamic Holy War and the Fate of Non-Muslims” and “The Legacy of Islamic Antisemitism” and they focused on the history of persecution and genocide against Hindus in Bangladesh.
Dhiman Deb Chowdhury, founder and President of Human Rights Council for Bangladeshi Minorities, a US based Human Rights Organization, shared graphic details of the situation prevailing in Bangladesh. He called for UN fact finding investigation and for an immediate UN intervention to ensure peace and order in Bangladesh. Mousume Sarkar, a New York based entrepreneur and Bangladeshi activist noted that she is afraid of even talking to her friends and relatives, given the risks involved for her family members back home.
Several spiritual leaders attended the event and enlightened the audience about the need to protect Hindus, and how historical awareness and Hindu Sacred Texts such as the Puranas can help us navigate through these tough times. Those who spoke included Param Poojya Swami Paramatmananda Saraswatiji, Secretary General of the Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha, the Apex body of all Hindu Sampradayas of India, Param Poojya Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Shankara Bharati Mahaswamiji of Kudali Sringeri Peetham, Param Poojya Shri Vishwaprasanna Teertha Swamiji of Pejavar Mutt and Param Poojya Shri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Puthige Mutt encouraged and blessed the efforts of USHA.
Poojya Swami Paramatmanandaji stated that the Acharya Sabha is very concerned about the tragic developments in Bangladesh and has condemned the atrocities against Hindus. The powerful body has also conveyed to the Government of India its responsibility to protect Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.
Dr. Bawa Jain, Secretary General of the World Council of Religious Leaders and a globally recognized interfaith leader, condemned the attacks on Hindus.
Shri Alok Kumarji, President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad of India, condemned the attacks and asked the Interim government of Muhammad Yunus to ensure law and order and protect the lives of Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. He also stressed the need for that India also take all possible actions to protect the Hindus and other minorities of Bangladesh.
Indian American Congressman, Shri Thanedar, the founder of the Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Sikh Caucus in the US Congress, asked the Biden administration to pay greater attention to the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh. He expressed his deep concern for the continuing attacks against Hindus.
Others who spoke included Dr. Ajay Shah, President of VHP of America, Falguni Pandya, Co-Chair of NJ Democrats Hindu Caucus, Niraj Antani, Ohio State Senator and Dr. Sampat Shivangi, a prominent Indian American Republican Leader. Sohini Sircar, Chair of the Hindu Students Council moderated the event and Praveen Sharma, General Secretary of USHA gave the vote of thanks to all the distinguished speakers, volunteers and viewers across the globe.
To view the complete video, please visit https://ushaonline.org/support-hindus/.
