A policeman aims his weapon at protesters during a curfew imposed following violence during protests against Sheikh Hasina and her government, in Dhaka, on Monday. (Photo/AP)
Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on Thursday wrote to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging him to assist the Bangladeshi government in ending the violence against Hindus in the country.
A large crowd gathered outside the United Nations headquarters in New York, demanding protection for Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.
HinduACTion, a Washington-based NGO, said that people from all walks of life showed up spontaneously. The protests also took place at other places in New York, HinduACTion said.
The NGO praised several US Representatives for speaking out against the violence targeting Hindus in Bangladesh.
In a post on X, Republican Congressman Pat Fallon had said, “I strongly condemn the ongoing political violence and religious persecution that we are witnessing in Bangladesh. I implore the interim government to act in the shared interest of the Bangladeshi people and put an end to this violence at once.”
“The targeting of Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and any other religious minority is reprehensible. Those who have instigated and participated in these acts of violence must be held responsible,” he added.
Several other leaders spoke up against the violence in Bangladesh.
Congressman Krishnamoorthi Seeks US’ Help
Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on Thursday wrote to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging him to assist the Bangladeshi government in ending the violence against Hindus in the country.
Krishnamoorthi requested Blinken to engage with Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government on August 8, and bring violence to an end and perpetrators to justice.
Bangladeshi Hindus Hit Dhaka Streets Amid Attacks
Hundreds of people protested in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka on Friday against violence targeting the country’s minority Hindus since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina quit and fled the country earlier this week.
A school teacher was killed and at least 45 people injured as homes, businesses, and temples of Hindus in Muslim-majority Bangladesh were targeted following Hasina’s resignation on Monday.
Protesters – some of them carrying posters demanding Bangladeshi minorities be “saved” – chanted slogans of “who are we, Bengali Bengali” and appealed for peace as they blocked an intersection in the capital on Friday.
Hindus, who make up about 8% of Bangladesh’s population of 170 million, have traditionally supported Hasina’s Awami League party, which sparked people’s anger after violent clashes between anti-quota protesters and security forces last month.
Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council estimates at least 52 of the country’s 64 districts have been impacted by communal violence since Aug. 5 and has sought the help of Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize winning economist who took charge as head of a caretaker administration on Thursday.
“There is deep apprehension, anxiety and uncertainty among minorities across the country,” the council said in an open letter on Friday.
The office of the United Nations Secretary General has said the violence in Bangladesh should be “tamped down”, adding it stands against any “racially based attacks” or “racially based incitement to violence”.
Thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus have been trying to flee to neighbouring India to escape the violence.
Centre Sets Up Committee To Monitor Border Situation
The Government of India has set up a committee to monitor the current situation on the India-Bangladesh Border (IBB) amid the crisis in the neighbouring country.
In a post on X, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the committee will maintain communication channels with their counterpart authorities in Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals, Hindus, and other minority communities living there.
(With agency inputs)
