Coalition of Hindus of North America appeals to US Lawmakers to protect Bengali-Hindus amidst escalating violence in Bangladesh

Washington, DC: Own Punjab Media: Coalition of Hindus of North America (COHNA) has issued a heartfelt appeal to US lawmakers, urging them to take immediate and decisive action in response to the alarming increase in violence. The Hindu minority in Bangladesh has reported widespread attacks over the past few days, including the killing of dozens of Hindus, the vandalism of temples and the systematic targeting of Hindu homes and businesses. This tragic situation has created widespread fear among the Hindu community living in Bangladesh and the United States. () According to COHNA, the violence has reached worrying scales, with reports of sexual violence against Hindu women adding to the community’s frustration. ()CoHNA said in a statement, “This situation bears disturbing parallels with the atrocities committed during Operation Searchlight in 1971, when Bengali Hindus faced genocide.” The coalition fears that if immediate action is not taken, the current wave of violence could lead to another loss of life and property. () The COHNA statement highlights the ongoing persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, saying that despite making up less than eight percent of the population today, they face existential threats. It added, “Historical data reflects the seriousness of the situation: in 1971, a US State Department report showed that more than 60 percent of Bengali refugees fleeing to India were Hindus, although Hindus constituted less than 18 percent.” Population in East Pakistan at that time. The Coalition is particularly concerned about the lack of media coverage of the targeted nature of this violence. The focus is on broader geopolitical tensions, with little attention paid to the plight of the Hindu minority. ()CoHNA is calling on US lawmakers to acknowledge this crisis and take action to prevent further atrocities.