By Geeta Sikand
Geeta Sikand is an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of California, Irvine. She is a community activist, an author specializing in combating anti-Hindu hate narratives in the media, and an influencer to retract anti-Hindu hate narratives.
Did you know that since August 5th, 2024, news of the unrelenting attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh has been subverted by the mainstream media? Why is there no news coverage on the treacherous killings of Hindus, the desecration of Hindu Mandirs (Hindu temples), land grabbing, mob attacks after false blasphemy charges, rapes/forced conversions, and hate speeches?
A study by Prof. Abul Barakat of Dhaka University revealed that no Hindus will be left in Bangladesh by 2050 due to the systemic and institutionalized persecution imposed upon them by radical Islamists.
Press Conference held by Congressman Shri Thanedar
On December 18th, 2024, a press conference was held by Congressman Shri Thanedar at Capitol Hill. Members of the American Hindu community from New York attended the conference, led by Utsav Chakraborty, Executive Director of HinduACTion.
Congressman Thanedar stressed, “Whether at home or abroad, we cannot remain silent while innocent people are subjected to unspeakable acts of violence due to their religious beliefs.” He added, “The United States has a storied history of championing the oppressed, and this issue should be no different. When we receive a global call for help, we must respond appropriately as the world’s bellwether of human rights.” “This is unacceptable, and I call upon my colleagues to stand together and strongly condemn these forms of aggression and hate,” he further added. “Since the start of this deadly conflict, I have sent multiple letters to the Department of State and Treasury suggesting immediate, tangible steps for Humanitarian Protection, Congressional Oversight, and Targeted Sanctions.” All to no avail!
Arrests of Hindu Monks
On November 25, 2024, Chinmay Krishna Das Prabhu, a Hindu monk and an advocate for the rights of Bangladeshi minorities, was unlawfully arrested by the Bangladesh police and security agencies at Dhaka Shahjalal International Airport. He was taken to an undisclosed location, raising serious concerns for his safety. Chinmay Krishna Das Prabhu, a disciple of Lord Krishna and an ISKCON monk, has been a steadfast supporter of Bangladeshi minorities, who face relentless oppression from radical Islamic groups like Jamaat-e-Islami backed by the Bangladesh government. ISKCON, alongside other Hindu minority groups, has tirelessly served Bangladesh in its times of need by providing food, shelter, and medical aid to victims of natural disasters — yet the Hindu community remains a target of violent persecution simply for practicing Hinduism which differs from the majority.
Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, the situation for minorities in Bangladesh has deteriorated further. Under the current caretaker government led by Muhammad Yunus, atrocities against Hindus and other non-Muslims have escalated, including targeted attacks, targeted killings in the name of blasphemy, destruction of temples, rape of minority women, and systemic discrimination. Chinmay Krishna Das Prabhu’s vocal advocacy for the rights to safety, freedom, and faith has made him a primary target. His arrest appears to be an attempt to silence this voice of resistance and advocacy.
Massive protests have erupted across Bangladesh, with thousands gathering in major cities like Dhaka to demand justice and Chinmaya Krishna Das’s safe release. However, peaceful Hindu protests are being attacked by pro-Islamic mobs with the apparent complicity of the authorities.
Need for long-term safe zones like Burytaria (Russia) or Kosovo
Utsav Chakrabarti spoke about the need for long-term safe zones for Hindus in Bangladesh along the lines of a Buryatia (Russia) or Kosovo. “Radical Islamists cannot be allowed to control the entirety of Bangladesh,” he added. Legacy Media betrays Hindus again!
The legacy media keeps denying the Hindu persecution in Bangladesh. CNN falsely claimed that “No Hindu temples were set on fire,” with fake online images of young people guarding Hindu temples. The truth was “A mob attacked our temple,” wrote the Temple Director of ISKCON Hindu temple, in Meherpur, Bangladesh.
Western media outlets and many of their progressive-leaning cheered the rebellion and framed it with disinformation such as an end to fascism and the restoration of democratic rule. The legacy media made completely false, outrageous, and deviously salacious claims! The presentations below by this author highlight the media bias against Hindus:
Leaked documents from The Grayzone state that the State Department of the United States was informed of efforts by the International Republican Institute (IRI) to advance an explicitly stated mission to “destabilize Bangladesh’s politics.” The United States government spent millions in the lead-up to Hasina’s overthrow, covertly coaching opposition parties and establishing a regime change network concentrated among the country’s urban youth. Among the front-line foot soldiers were rappers, ethnic minority leaders, and LGBT activists hosting “transgender dance performances” in the presence of US embassy officials – all groomed to facilitate what the US intelligence called a “power shift” in Bangladesh.
Silence of the Biden administration on the atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh?
Why has the Biden administration been silent about the ongoing persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh? Was the Biden Administration and the State Department working in concert with the radical Islamists? It has certainly struck a nerve with American Hindus. Presidential candidate Trump made a strong statement t against the genocide of Hindus in Bangladesh, but not President Biden. A report highlighting How American Hindus Contributed to Trump’s Triumph in 2024 (Part I, Part II, Part III)
Silence of the United Nations Forum on Minority Issues
On December 8th, 2024, at the United Nations Forum on Minority Issues in Geneva, Speaker Dipen Mitra stated, “If we fail to protect the Hindus of Bangladesh today, we fail humanity itself.” He added, “This is not just about one country; it is about the future of human rights everywhere. Let us rise to the challenge and stop this blatant crime staring at us every day.” To date, no action has been taken by the United Nations.
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi requested the US State Department for a briefing!
On October 17th, 2024, US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi requested a briefing before October 31st, 2024 from the State Department on reports of “the rise in harassment and violence against Hindus” and other minority communities in Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “I respectfully request a briefing by October 31, 2024, on the treatment of religious minorities in Bangladesh and the State Department’s efforts to promote the security and safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh, including during the Durga Puja festival, in addition to an assessment of the efforts of Bangladesh’s government to combat violence against religious minorities and prevent additional attacks,” he wrote.
US Congressman Shri Thanedar has also raised the issue of the safety and security of Hindus in Bangladesh before. “Sadly,” he added in a letter to Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, “this is not the first time that anti-government protests in Bangladesh have metastasized into anti-Hindu violence. The anti-Hindu riots in October 2021 left 9 people dead amidst the destruction of hundreds of homes, businesses, and temples. In 2017, more than 107 Hindus were killed and 37 ‘disappeared’ according to Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu. The anti-Hindu riots of 2013, following the International Crimes Tribunal conviction of Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delwar Sayeedi for war crimes, were especially destructive.”
In this ongoing genocide of Hindus in Bangladesh, a frightening display of political moral inversion is happening. On the streets of Mymensingh town in Bangladesh, a brutal murder has left the Hindu community numb. Swapan Kumar Bhadra, a 65-year-old Hindu journalist and Vice-president of the Tarakanda Press Club, was hacked to death in front of his home. Known for his fearless reporting on injustices against minorities, Swapan’s brutal murder raises serious concerns about the culture of impunity in Bangladesh, particularly when it comes to crimes against the minority Hindu community.
In the wake of multiple reports of vandalism of Hindu deities (moortis) along with looting and burning of Hindu Mandirs (temples), Hindus were denied permission to worship in Bangladesh. For example, the recent Durga Puja was banned by the interim government and various Muslim bodies. Hindus were asked to maintain silence during Namaz offerings and pay ₹5 lakh each as ‘jizya.’ Jizya is a tax paid by non-Muslims to Muslim rulers in Islamic states. Of note, Hindu Mandirs were vandalized by anti-Hindu Islamists at the Batrish Residential Area near Narasunda Road in the Kishoreganj district headquarters.
Hindu Americans demand timely intervention from the US government
Demand the safe and unconditional release of Chinmay Krishna Das Prabhu from Bangladeshi authorities.
Call for an independent investigation into his detention and treatment.
Urge the Bangladesh government to protect its minority communities from persecution and violence.
Support monitoring mechanisms to ensure the safety of minorities and prevent further violence.
Conclusion
The Bangladesh situation is a global human rights crisis. Immediate action is essential to save Chinmay Krishna Das Prabhu from potential torture and to prevent further atrocities against the most vulnerable Hindu and other minority communities. Trump administration’s support is vital in ensuring the safety of those who cannot defend themselves.
President Trump’s timely intervention can save lives and uphold the principles of justice and humanity. Hate crimes against Hindus are triggered by the indoctrination of anti-Hindu hate/bigotry in certain Islamist countries. A hidden form of anti-Hindu hate exists in the mainstream media and academic institutions leading to Hinduphobia and hate crimes like the recent attacks on Hindu places of worship in the USA.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Voice of Hindus. Any content provided by our contributors or authors is their opinion.
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