As the Islamist onslaught against Hindu and other non-Muslim minorities continues in Bangladesh, protests were held in various city centres across the United States on Saturday. The peaceful protests were organised across 22 cities, with Artesia witnessing the largest turnout. The protestors demanded justice for the victims of Islamist violence in Bangladesh.
The protests saw placards calling for peace and paying homage to the Bangladeshi Hindus killed by Muslims since the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Leaders of various faiths organised the Artesia rally, with members of Jewish and other communities joining the gathering to express solidarity.
In a statement, Geeta Sikand, the media representative of the Global Coalition for the Protection of Hindus in Bangladesh, said, “This is about ensuring the world pays attention to the suffering of vulnerable communities. We are asking for protection, accountability, and peace.”
Similar peaceful protest rallies were held across the West, Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast, with gatherings near university campuses, including Princeton University.
The horrific mob lynching of Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das was particularly highlighted by the protestors to draw global attention to the extent of brutalities Islamists are subjecting Hindus to in Bangladesh under the Yunus regime.
The protestors called on international organisations and governments to look into what is happening in Bangladesh and protect religious freedom.
Several participants of the protests urged Indian, American, and European lawmakers to recognise atrocities committed by Pakistan during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War as genocide.
Recently, the Bangladesh Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian Unity Council said that over 522 incidents of communal violence and 61 murders have been reported in Bangladesh over the past year. This includes 61 murders, 28 rapes, gang rapes, and violence against women. 95 incidents include attacks on religious sites and the desecration of idols of deities. 21 incidents include land grabbing. 102 incidents include the demolition of homes and business establishments of minorities. 47 incidents include death threats and torture.
