In a powerful demonstration, American Hindu groups protested for Bangladesh genocide recognition on Friday, staging a banner protest along New York’s Hudson River. The protest aimed to draw international attention to the atrocities committed against Hindus during the 1971 Bangladesh genocide and to address the ongoing violence against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. The event highlighted the need for global acknowledgment of the historical genocide and urgent action to protect the remaining Hindu population in the country.
Historical Context of the Bangladesh Genocide
The 1971 Bangladesh genocide remains one of the darkest chapters in South Asian history. During the Bangladesh Liberation War, approximately 2.8 million people, predominantly Hindus, were killed by Pakistani occupation forces and their Islamist allies. In addition to the mass killings, more than 200,000 women were subjected to brutal sexual violence. These atrocities led to a significant decline in Bangladesh’s Hindu population, which has dropped from 20% in 1971 to just 9% today.
Despite the passage of more than five decades, the wounds of the Bangladesh genocide are far from healed. Reports of continued violence, including riots, lynchings, and kidnappings, have escalated, putting the 13 to 15 million Hindus still living in Bangladesh at constant risk. American Hindu groups are now pushing for international recognition of the genocide, warning that history could repeat itself if the violence is not addressed.
Calls for Global Recognition
The protest along the Hudson River was organized by prominent Hindu activists, including Sitangshu Guha and Pankaj Mehta, who called on the United Nations and the global community to officially recognize the 1971 genocide. Mehta emphasized the need for swift action, stating, “It is time for the UN Human Rights Council to put aside politics and officially recognize the 1971 Bangladesh genocide, the largest genocide since World War II.”
Three major U.S.-based organizations—The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention, Genocide Watch, and the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience—have already classified the 1971 atrocities as genocide. These organizations have urged the global community, particularly the UN, to follow suit and take proactive steps to prevent another looming genocide in the region. The protesters believe that official recognition of the genocide could serve as a critical step in bringing justice to the victims and preventing further violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.
Growing Concerns Over Continued Violence
While the 1971 Bangladesh genocide remains unrecognized by some international bodies, the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh has not abated. Since August 2024 alone, over 250 attacks on the Hindu community have been reported, with incidents ranging from arson to forced conversions. As Bangladesh’s Hindu population continues to dwindle, concerns are growing that these attacks could escalate into a full-blown genocide.
During the protest, Sitangshu Guha warned of the regional consequences if the violence continues unchecked, comparing the rise in militancy in Bangladesh to the escalating situation in Afghanistan. “If Bangladesh becomes ‘Hindu liberal’ like Afghanistan, the entire region will face dire consequences,” Guha stated, underscoring the urgency of international intervention.
Solidarity and Unity
The American Jewish community has expressed solidarity with Hindus in Bangladesh, drawing historical parallels between the violence faced by Jews in Europe and the ongoing persecution of Hindus in South Asia. This act of solidarity highlights the universal importance of standing against genocide and violence, regardless of the community targeted.
Activists also called on the public to take a stand against the violence, with some urging people to boycott Bangladeshi goods, such as textiles, as a form of protest. “We can’t keep supporting a country that turns a blind eye to the suffering of its minorities,” one protester said, encouraging shoppers to reconsider their purchases as a form of activism.
What’s Next for the Movement?
The American Hindu groups protesting for Bangladesh genocide recognition are hopeful that their efforts will lead to tangible results. The protest organizers have pledged to continue raising awareness and pressing for international action until justice is served for the victims of the 1971 genocide. They are urging other countries and organizations to join the call for recognition and take steps to prevent further atrocities.
As the world grapples with rising instances of violence and ethnic conflict, the movement to recognize the Bangladesh genocide and safeguard the Hindu minority in the region has gained new urgency. For activists like Pankaj Mehta and Sitangshu Guha, this cause goes beyond historical grievances—it’s about ensuring a safer, more equitable future for millions of people at risk today.
Conclusion
The protest by American Hindu groups for Bangladesh genocide recognition near the Hudson River has brought renewed focus on one of history’s most overlooked genocides and the ongoing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. As the global community watches, the call for the United Nations to act grows louder. With continued advocacy, protesters hope that their efforts will finally lead to justice for the victims and protections for those who remain vulnerable today.
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