Hindu group urges US action over violence against minorities in Bangladesh

WASHINGTON: A Hindu advocacy group has warned that the condition of religious minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh has sharply deteriorated in recent months, urging the US Congress and administration to respond more forcefully to what it described as escalating violence and persecution.

Speaking on the sidelines of an exhibition at the US Capitol, Utsav Chakrabarty of HinduAction said the organisation was working to “sensitize the members of Congress and the staffers” about the situation of Hindus in South Asia, including Pakistan and Bangladesh, through immersive exhibits, films, and direct engagement with lawmakers.

Chakrabarty said Hindus in Pakistan, who make up “barely one and a half percent of the population,” are “the natives of the land, the indigenous community for thousands of years,” yet today face abductions, forced conversions, and trafficking. He said HinduAction was highlighting these issues while also documenting the experiences of Hindu refugees from Pakistan who have fled to India.