The Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh: Interview with Hindu Activist from Bangladesh
I am writing to bring to your urgent attention a series of grievous attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh. These incidents are deeply concerning and indicative of a broader pattern of religious persecution of Hindus that necessitates immediate intervention.
On August 7, 2024, Bangladesh newspaper The Daily Star provided a comprehensive overview, noting that Hindu houses, temples, and businesses have been systematically targeted, with many Hindu business owners losing their livelihoods. The coordinated nature of these attacks suggests a deliberate strategy to weaken the Hindu community both economically and socially.
Firstpost has highlighted violent incidents targeting Hindu temples and community leaders, including the brutal murders of two councilors and the vandalization of the sacred Kali temple and ISKCON temple. These attacks aim to erode the social fabric of Hindu society in Bangladesh, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
On August 5, 2024, reports emerged of a mob of Islamists looting and burning down the house of renowned Bangladeshi Hindu singer Rahul Ananda. The attackers destroyed thousands of handcrafted musical instruments, a devastating loss for Ananda and the cultural heritage of Bangladesh. Ananda, a celebrated figure in the music community, has been targeted due to his Hindu identity and outspoken nature.
India Today has reported that the unrest is fueled by political machinations involving Khaleda Zia's son, Tarique Rahman, and alleged funding from Pakistan's ISI and China. These external influences have emboldened Jaamat-E-Islami to reinvigorate their pogrom to make Bangladesh Hindu-free.
This wave of violence is eerily reminiscent of the atrocities committed during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 when Pakistani forces and their Islamist allies killed an estimated 3,000,000 Hindus. The recent violence echoes the same patterns of Hindu persecution and intolerance.
Given the gravity of the situation, I urge you to act urgently and demand that the Bangladeshi military protect the lives of Bangladeshi Hindus, their properties, and Hindu temples. Your intervention can make a significant difference in ensuring that the Bangladeshi government takes the necessary steps to safeguard its Hindu citizens and uphold their rights.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.
Sincerely,
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Send me occasional emails about this issue
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Introduction:
"Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I am a concerned citizen calling to bring attention to the recent attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh. I am urging [Elected Official's Name] to take immediate action to address this critical issue. May I please speak with [Elected Official's Name] or a representative who handles international human rights issues?"
If Transferred to the Appropriate Person:
"Thank you for taking my call. As I mentioned, my name is [Your Name], and I am deeply concerned about the escalating violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. I wanted to highlight a few key points and urge [Elected Official's Name] to take action to protect this vulnerable community."
Key Points:
1. Targeted Violence:
There have been violent incidents targeting Hindu temples and community leaders, including the brutal murders of two councillors and the vandalization of sacred sites such as the Kali temple and ISKCON temple. These attacks aim to create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among Hindus
2. Economic and Social Impact:
3. Recent Attacks:
4. Broader Political Context:
5. Historical Context:
This wave of violence is reminiscent of the atrocities committed during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, when an estimated 3,000,000 people, predominantly Hindus, were killed by Pakistani forces and their Islamist allies. The recent violence echoes the same patterns of Hindu persecution and intolerance.
Call to Action:
"I urge [Elected Official's Name] to act urgently and demand that the Bangladeshi military protect the lives of Bangladeshi Hindus, their properties, and Hindu temples. Your intervention can make a significant difference in ensuring that the Bangladeshi government takes the necessary steps to safeguard its Hindu citizens and uphold their rights."
Conclusion:
"Thank you for your time and attention to this critical issue. I hope that [Elected Official's Name] will consider taking immediate action to address the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. If you need any further information or wish to follow up, please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number]."
"Thank you again, and have a great day."
If Unable to Speak with the Appropriate Person:
"Thank you for your time. Could you please pass along my message to [Elected Official's Name]? It is a matter of urgent human rights concern, and I hope to hear back regarding any actions that can be taken to protect the Hindu community in Bangladesh."
Ending the Call:
"Thank you for your assistance. I appreciate your time and attention to this urgent matter. Goodbye."
