Over 300 Indian Americans and Bangladeshi-origin Hindus gathered peacefully outside Sugar Land City Hall on Sunday morning to protest the ongoing violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
The event, named “Save Hindus in Bangladesh,” was organized by the Global Voice for Bangladesh Minorities. It brought together various major Hindu organizations from Houston, including Maitri, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, HinduAction, HinduPact, Houston Durgabari Society, ISKCON, Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora, among others.
Protesters called on the Biden Administration to take immediate action against the violence targeting Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Emotional speeches were delivered, urging the U.S. government to intervene and protect these vulnerable communities. The speakers emphasized that the recent escalation in violence poses a significant threat to both regional peace and stability.
A Bangladeshi-origin American woman at the vigil spoke with deep emotion, her voice trembling as she recounted the devastating news from home. She expressed that the violence back home is deeply distressing, stating that hearing about these brutal incidents daily is heartbreaking. She highlighted the loss of innocent lives, the destruction of places of worship, and the severe abuse of women. She emphasized the urgent need for action, insisting that they cannot remain passive while their community endures such suffering.
Achlesh Amar, representing the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America and HinduAction, addressed the crowd with a sense of urgency. He condemned the assaults on the Hindu community for their inclusive beliefs and expressed solidarity with those in Bangladesh, calling for immediate action from the Bangladeshi government to safeguard all its citizens.
Deepti Mahajan, co-convener of HinduPACT, voiced her fears of a potential genocide. She highlighted reports from Bangladesh detailing unimaginable torture, killings, and the burning of Hindu temples. Mahajan stressed the dire situation, calling for immediate international attention.
Participants brandished signs reading “Stop Hindu Genocide” and “Hindu Lives Matter,” with their rallying chants resonating powerfully throughout the crowd. The event concluded with a collective call for urgent global action to end the violence and protect religious minorities.
Protests have been spreading worldwide, aimed at protecting minorities in Bangladesh following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The absence of law enforcement has led to chaos, with extreme Islamists targeting and attacking Hindus.
Demonstrations have also taken place in front of the United Nations headquarters, demanding international intervention in the political unrest and protection for Hindus. Similar protests occurred in the UK on Saturday, where participants urged nations to stand up for vulnerable Hindus in Bangladesh.
