300 Indian-Americans and Bangladeshi-origin Hindus gathered at Sugar Land City Hall in Houston to demonstrate solidarity and condemn the violent acts of Islamist extremists against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.
The atmosphere was charged with emotion as participants joined together on Sunday morning to support a cause that deeply resonated with their identities and convictions.
The organisers fervently urged the Biden Administration to take prompt and resolute measures to prevent further atrocities and safeguard vulnerable minority groups in Bangladesh.
The recent escalation in violence against Hindu communities presents an immediate and concerning threat to peace and stability in the region, necessitating timely action.
The organisers called for immediate protection and security for all religious minorities in Bangladesh, urging the US government not to stand idly by as these atrocious crimes against humanity unfold.
They advised Bangladeshi Hindus to remain vigilant and come together to monitor the ongoing situation, taking collective action in case of any emergencies.
The vigil, titled “Save Hindus in Bangladesh,” was organised by the Global Voice for Bangladesh Minorities, an umbrella organisation representing major Houston Hindu groups, including Maitri in Houston, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, HinduAction, HinduPact, Houston Durgabari Society, Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora, and many more.
Participants raised their placards high, bearing passionate messages demanding an end to the violence and atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh.
The crowd erupted with fervour as slogans like “Stop Hindu Genocide,” “Stand Up and Speak Out Now,” “Hindu Lives Matter,” and “We Won’t Run, We Won’t Hide, Stop Hindu Genocide” rang out, echoing their urgent plea for justice.
Quoting the timeless words of Mahatma Gandhi, “To forgive and accept injustice is cowardice,” along with the poignant words of Martin Luther King Jr., the organisers passionately declared, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Achlesh Amar, one of the speakers representing VHP and HinduAction, addressed the packed crowd and said, “We strongly condemn the assault on the Hindu community for their pluralistic beliefs. We stand united in unwavering solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Bangladesh. We demand immediate action from the Bangladeshi government to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety and security of all its citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs!” Amar also shared a heartfelt statement from Deepti Mahajan, co-convener of HinduPACT.
“With the coup in Bangladesh, the 10 million Hindus are sitting on a ticking bomb of genocide,” she warned.
“Reports from within Bangladesh reveal unimaginable torture, killings, and the burning of Hindu temples, alongside harrowing stories of women subjected to unspeakable abuse," she said.
This instability poses a grave danger not only to Hindus but also to the very foundations of democracy in countries like India and the US. It is an inevitable threat to Hindus in Pakistan as well. We need the eyes and ears of all Western nations focused on this crisis in Asia, and we demand safety for all minorities in Bangladesh!”
A Bangladeshi-origin American woman present at the vigil spoke with palpable emotion, her voice breaking as she shared, “The horrific acts of violence back home are devastating. When we call home and hear about these brutal acts every single day, it tears us apart. So many innocent lives have been lost! Places of worship have been burned or vandalised, and women have been horrifically abused. This must stop now! We cannot stand idly by while our people suffer.”
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