Connecting Global Threads of Faith
From the Editorial Team
Dear Readers,
Though shadows fall and darkness looms,
Our spirit shines, it never dooms.
With every stone, our strength we find,
In scars, our courage is defined.
Through trials faced and battles won,
Our fire burns—undaunted, strong
The Fragile Existence of Hindus in Bangladesh
In the shifting sands of Bangladesh's political landscape, the Hindu community remains caught in a storm of vulnerability and fear. As the nation's political turmoil deepens, so too does the plight of its Hindu minority, who find themselves once again in the crosshairs of violence and hatred. Temples, long-standing symbols of their faith and heritage, are desecrated; homes that should offer sanctuary are instead targets for looting and destruction. The echoes of their suffering resonate across the country, a poignant reminder of the fragile existence they endure.
Following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, the Hindu community in Bangladesh has become a prime target in a wave of violent attacks. Over 205 incidents of violence, including killings, assaults, and looting, have been reported, with Hindu women also facing brutal sexual assaults. These attacks, concentrated primarily in rural areas where Hindus are most vulnerable, underscore the deep-rooted animosity towards the minority community in the Muslim-majority nation. The actual number of incidents may be even higher than reported, as multiple homes and shops were targeted in many instances. Hindus in Bangladesh are shivering in fear, with many afraid to even open their doors. Despite promises of protection from the new government, the community remains skeptical, demanding immediate action to ensure their safety and bring the perpetrators to justice. Their plight highlights the persistent Hindu hatred in Bangladesh, exacerbated by political turmoil, and the absence of any political party willing to stand up for their rights.
These acts of violence are not isolated incidents but part of a broader, more sinister pattern of persecution. The Hindus of Bangladesh, comprising nearly 8% of the population, have historically faced marginalization, yet their spirit has never wavered. Today, however, their resilience is being tested like never before. Reports of kidnappings, vandalism, and targeted attacks paint a grim picture of a community under siege. Despite promises of protection, the reality on the ground tells a different story—one of abandonment and despair.
For decades, Hindus have aligned themselves with political forces that promised secularism and protection. Yet, as the current crisis unfolds, the trust placed in these assurances appears woefully misplaced. The disillusionment runs deep, with many now questioning whether any political entity in Bangladesh truly has their interests at heart. The cries for refuge in India, and the international outcry, underscore the desperation felt by a community that sees no future in the land they have called home for generations.
The emotional toll on the Hindu community is profound. For generations, they have contributed to the fabric of Bangladesh, yet they now find themselves grappling with a profound sense of betrayal. The absence of robust safeguards and the continued threats to their safety leave them questioning their place in a country they have long called home. This insecurity is not just a physical reality but a deep emotional wound that festers with each new act of violence.
As the world watches, the cries of Bangladesh's Hindus must not go unheard. Their story is one of a community striving to survive in the face of relentless adversity. The international community, along with neighboring nations, bears a responsibility to stand in solidarity with them, to ensure that their rights and dignity are upheld. The situation of Hindus in Bangladesh is not merely a political issue—it is a moral one, demanding urgent attention and action to prevent further suffering and to safeguard the future of this vulnerable community.
Sincerely
Dr Vinay Nalwa
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August Newsletter - 1 (August 1 – August 15)
South-East Asia
Bangladesh
Following the ouster of Bangladesh's long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Hindu minority in Bangladesh faces a surge in violence and uncertainty. Hindu temples have been attacked, homes looted, and many Hindus feel betrayed by the escalating anti-minority sentiment. Despite the interim government's promises of protection and compensation, the community remains disillusioned and fearful, seeking stronger safeguards or potential refuge in India.
Hindu community people have started protesting in Khulna with eight point demands. On 12 August, they held a rally at Picture Palace in Khulna, raising these demands. Local BNP activists in Khulna's Paikgachha upazila have allegedly attacked the home of Hindu businessman Shivapad Mondal in the Soladana Union. The attack involved widespread looting, vandalism, and arson.
Amid escalating violence following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, hundreds of Bangladeshi Hindus attempted to flee to India but faced resistance at the border. Widespread attacks on Hindu homes, businesses, and temples were reported in 45 out of 64 districts, with many Hindus fearing for their safety as tensions rise in the Muslim-majority nation.
Following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, widespread attacks have targeted the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, with hundreds of homes, businesses, and temples vandalized. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reports 200-300 properties damaged and 15-20 temples attacked, leaving the community in fear. India, concerned by the violence, has voiced worries over the safety of minorities.
In response to violent protests that left over 200 dead, Bangladesh has banned the Jamaat-e-Islami party and its students affiliates body as militant organizations. The crackdown raises concerns among the Hindu minority, who fear further instability and persecution in the wake of escalating violence.
Lakhs of Hindus in Bangladesh have taken to the streets to protest against widespread violence following Sheikh Hasina's resignation. With over 205 attacks on Hindu homes, businesses, and temples, the community demands protection and justice. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus condemned the violence and urged national unity to protect minority families.
In Bangladesh, the Hindu community faces severe attacks amid ongoing unrest, with temples burned, homes vandalized, and lives lost. The violence, which has intensified following Sheikh Hasina's departure and the formation of an interim government, includes targeted attacks by Jamaat-e-Islami. Distressing reports feature a girl pleading for help in Pirojpur and widespread destruction of Hindu properties.
Following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Hindu homes, businesses, and temples in Bangladesh have been heavily targeted, leading to significant vandalism and violence. India has evacuated non-essential staff from its embassy amid growing concerns about the safety of minorities. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reports widespread damage and injury among Hindus, highlighting a dire situation for the community.
The recent attack on an ISKCON center in Meherpur, Bangladesh, has destroyed sacred Hindu deities and highlights the growing anti-Hindu violence amid political turmoil. The broader unrest has led to targeted attacks on Hindu temples and properties, contributing to a grave situation for the community. Despite the devastating impact, devotees at the ISKCON center escaped unharmed.
India
Kanaka Mahalakshmi temple in Visakhapatnam will conduct special pujas throughout Sravana Masam, from August 5 to September 3. Highlights include the ‘Varalakshmi Vratam’ on August 16 and Sravana Pournami on August 19. The APSRTC will run special buses to manage the increased flow of devotees during this period.
The Bihar government has mandated the registration of all unregistered temples, mutts, and trusts, requiring detailed information on their immovable assets to be submitted to the Bihar State Board of Religious Trusts (BSBRT). This directive aims to ensure proper management and protection of religious properties. District magistrates are tasked with overseeing the registration process and reporting asset details, with stringent action planned against illegal property transactions.
North America
Canada
Thousands of Canadians rallied in Toronto to protest the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh following Sheikh Hasina's resignation. The diverse crowd, which included Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and Jews, called on the Canadian government to pressure Dhaka for better protection of Hindus. Despite their efforts, there has been limited response from local Bangladeshi mosques and Canadian politics.
United States of America
Indian-American lawmaker Shri Thanedar has urged U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to intervene in Bangladesh to protect Hindus amid escalating violence. He requested temporary protected status for persecuted Bangladeshi minorities and emphasized the need for U.S. support in stabilizing the situation. The violence has intensified since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, with over 205 attacks on the Hindu minority.
The UN has expressed its opposition to racially based attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh amidst ongoing violence following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The organization emphasized its hope for a reduction in violence and is awaiting formal requests from the new government for further involvement. The UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh attended the swearing-in ceremony of the interim government leader.
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