Protests Against Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh: March from the White House to the U.S. Capitol

A large group of Indian Americans participated in a march from the White House to the U.S. Capitol to protest the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. Chanting slogans like "We want Justice" and "Protect Hindus," the peaceful demonstrators urged both the Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration to press the new Bangladeshi government to protect Hindus and take action against those responsible for the violence. The march, held on December 9, 2024, was organized by StopHinduGenocide.org, Bangladeshi diaspora organizations, and HinduACTion. The organizers also called on U.S. companies to stop sourcing garments from Bangladesh, a country heavily reliant on its exports to the U.S.

"This march is not just a cry for justice; it is a demand for accountability," said Utsav Chakrabarti from HinduACTion. "Today, the Bangladeshi Hindu community and the broader Hindu diaspora from the Indian subcontinent have come together to support the Hindu community in Bangladesh, as violence continues in areas like Chittagong and Rangpur, among others." 

The marchers highlighted the ongoing attacks on Hindu temples and homes, with some even facing looting and destruction. "Hindus are being targeted, temples are being destroyed, and their homes are being looted. Chinmoy Das, a Hindu leader in Chittagong, has been imprisoned and tortured. The global Hindu community is extremely concerned," Chakrabarti added. Narasimha Koppula from Virginia emphasized the need for justice for Bangladeshi Hindus, while Srikanth Akunuri from HinduACTion condemned the atrocities, calling for the release of ISKCON leader Chinmoy Das.

Prasenjit Dutta, head of a Bangladeshi community organization in Atlantic City, demanded the release of Das and questioned the Biden administration’s lack of response. Mohinder Gulati, president of the Global Hindu Temple Network, called the attacks an assault on the Hindu minority in Bangladesh and urged the international community to hold Bangladesh accountable. "We’ve written to the UN Human Rights Organization, UN Women, and UNICEF, asking them to ensure Bangladesh upholds its international obligations," he said. Additionally, Gulati suggested that organizations like the World Bank, IMF, and the Asian Development Bank should ensure Bangladesh complies with gender and social justice policies before receiving further funding.