Over 300 Indian Americans and Bangladeshi-origin Hindus held a peaceful protest in Houston, Texas, on Sunday, condemning the rising violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. The protesters urged the Biden administration to take swift action to protect religious minorities in Bangladesh, which has been in turmoil following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The protest was organized by the Global Voice for Bangladesh Minorities and attracted participants from various Hindu organizations. They carried placards with messages such as "Stop Hindu Genocide" and "Hindu Lives Matter," voicing their concern over the escalating violence.
Achlesh Amar, representing Vishwa Hindu Parishad and HinduAction, expressed strong disapproval of the attacks on the Hindu community, urging the Bangladeshi government to bring the culprits to justice. Deepti Mahajan, co-convener of HinduPACT, warned of a potential genocide, citing reports of torture, killings, and the destruction of Hindu temples.
A Bangladeshi-American woman shared the emotional impact of the violence, lamenting the loss of innocent lives and the desecration of places of worship.
Protesters invoked the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. in their calls for justice and equality. The rally comes as international concern grows over the situation in Bangladesh, where Hindus, the largest minority group, have historically supported Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party.