In a powerful demonstration of solidarity and urgency, Hindu American organizations recently showcased a massive airline banner urging a stop to violence against Hindus in Bangladesh over New York City’s Hudson River. The banner, which circled the iconic Statue of Liberty—a symbol of freedom and human rights—called for immediate global action to address the dire situation faced by Hindus in Bangladesh. This dramatic display aimed to draw attention to what many are describing as an ongoing genocide.

The banner’s appearance follows protests against the Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus, who took power on August 8 after the resignation and flight of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina’s departure came in the wake of riots over a controversial quota system. Protesters at the UN General Assembly in New York accused Yunus of capturing power through “dirty politics” and called for his removal, chanting slogans in favor of the deposed Hasina. Slogans of ‘Hindu Killer’ were raised in reference to Muhammad Yunus.

The political turmoil in Bangladesh has exacerbated the plight of the Hindu community. The transition of power was marked by significant unrest and violence. The controversial quota system, which sparked the riots leading to Hasina’s resignation, has been a point of contention in Bangladeshi politics. The system was seen by many as discriminatory and unfair, leading to widespread protests and ultimately, the collapse of Hasina’s government.

The plight of Hindus in Bangladesh is not a new issue. The 1971 genocide in Bangladesh, acknowledged by a US Congress resolution in 2022, claimed 2.8 million lives and saw over 200,000 predominantly Hindu women raped. This tragic event drastically reduced the Hindu population from 20% to 8.9%. Today, the Hindu community, which numbers between 13 to 15 million, faces severe threats including targeted violence, poverty, lynchings, kidnappings, and forced resignations. These issues and property seizures pose a significant risk to their survival.

The historical context of the 1971 genocide is crucial to understanding the current crisis. The genocide was one of the most brutal in modern history, with widespread atrocities committed against the Hindu population. The acknowledgment by the US Congress in 2022 was a significant step in recognizing the horrors faced by the Hindu community. However, the current situation suggests that the violence and persecution have not ended but have evolved into different forms.

Attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, have dramatically increased since the transition of power. Hindu groups in Bangladesh have staged multiple protests, demanding that the interim government address their concerns. In Chittagong, protesters presented an eight-point agenda to tackle the violence and persecution against the Hindu community. The minority population has faced vandalism of businesses, destruction of temples, and other forms of violence during student-led unrest.

The rise in violence since Sheikh Hasina’s ousting has been alarming. Reports of targeted attacks on Hindu businesses and temples have become increasingly common. The student-led unrest, which played a significant role in overthrowing Hasina regime, has continued to be a source of violence and instability. The Hindu community has been particularly vulnerable during this period, with many fearing for their safety and livelihoods.

Upcoming Durga Puja Celebrations

With Durga Puja set to be celebrated from October 9 to 13, there is heightened concern over potential unrest. The interim government has pledged to take necessary measures to ensure peaceful celebrations. Last month, Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain warned of tough action against those disrupting communal harmony during the festival.

Durga Puja is one of the most significant festivals for Hindus, and its celebration in Bangladesh has often been marred by violence and unrest. The interim government’s pledge to ensure peaceful celebrations is a welcome step, but many remain skeptical. The warnings from the Religious Affairs Adviser highlight the ongoing tensions and the potential for violence during the festival. The Hindu community is hoping for a peaceful celebration, but the threat of unrest looms large.

The “Monsoon Revolution”

Yunus has described the revolution that ousted Sheikh Hasina as “meticulously designed.” At the Clinton Global Initiative on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, he introduced key figures from the ‘Monsoon Revolution,’ including Mahfuz Alam, whom he credited as the “brain behind the whole revolution.” Yunus praised the dedication and commitment of the student leaders who led the coup, stating that they are creating a new version of Bangladesh.

The student-led movement “Monsoon Revolution”, which played a crucial role in the overthrow of Hasina, has been both praised and criticized. The involvement of key figures like Mahfuz Alam has been instrumental in shaping the new political landscape of Bangladesh.

Global Call to Action

The global call to action is a crucial aspect of the ongoing efforts to address the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh. The dramatic display over New York City aims to draw international attention to the crisis and galvanize support for the Hindu community. The hope is that increased awareness and pressure from the global community will lead to concrete actions to protect the rights and safety of minorities in Bangladesh.

Manbilas Singh

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Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.

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