An international conference addressing the Ethnic Cleansing of Minority Hindus, Buddhists, and Adivasi Tribal in Bangladesh convened in Los Angeles on October 26, 2024, with a powerful call to the global community: to end the atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh.
Hosted by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC) USA, World Hindu Federation (WHF) USA Chapter, Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM), and World Buddhist Federation USA, the conference pursued to galvanize international support to protect Bangladesh’s vulnerable minority populations from escalating violence and displacement.
The conference, led by chief guest Kali Prodip Choudhury, Chairman of KPC Group, and coordinated by Swami Shuvananda Puri, spotlighted the urgent crisis facing Bangladesh’s minority communities. Participants from around the globe—human rights advocates, religious leaders, and organization heads—echoed a shared message: the world cannot stand by as religious extremists target Hindus, Buddhists, and tribal groups through systematic violence, forced conversions, and desecration of religious sites.
Though unable to attend, U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a prominent advocate for minority rights in Bangladesh, had voiced his concerns in recent letters to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Citing disturbing reports from the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, Krishnamoorthi documented over 2,000 cases of violence against minorities in just August 2024. His appeals underscored a grave call for U.S. intervention to press the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, to safeguard minorities from this cycle of oppression and impunity.
In solemn reflection, conference participants observed a minute of silence and lit candles to honor those lost to violence since 1971, including recent attacks that have surged following political upheavals in Bangladesh. Human rights advocate Richard Benkin denounced the silence of the international community, asserting that only through united global opposition can the ethnic cleansing in Bangladesh be halted. Dhiman Deb Chowdhury, President of HRCBM, shared a historical perspective, tracing decades of unbroken hostility against minorities in the region—a reality that, he emphasized, must be addressed for Bangladesh’s future.
Ashok Karmaker of BHBCUC USA and Shradhanand Sital, Chairman of GHRD, emphasized the need for global pressure on Bangladesh’s government to uphold the safety and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of religious affiliation. As the conference concluded, organizers reiterated a resolute appeal to the international community to act decisively and prevent the expulsion and erasure of Bangladesh’s minority communities.
Dr. Kanda Swamy, International Secretary of WHF mentioned that Hindus all over the world are very concerned about the situation of the minorities in Bangladesh. He demands Professor Yunus, Chief Advisor of Bangladesh, to stop atrocities against minorities and take strong initiatives to ensure their rights. Attorney Ami Ghosh said today the whole world knows how minorities are being tortured consistently in Bangladesh. Bangladesh has become a country of Islamic extremism. She also mentioned that we cannot remain silent against the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh.
Chinmoy Das Brahmachari said that Hindus are sons of the land of Bangladesh. Oppression and torture will not be accepted on all minority Hindus in Bangladesh. No minority will be allowed to be expelled from the country. He demanded the Bangladesh Government to ensure the safety of all minorities otherwise the government will be forced to fulfill the demands of Hindus.
Ashoo Mongia, National Secretary of WHF India Chapter and Richa Gautam, Executive Director of CaresGlobal spoke about the vulnerable status of minorities in Bangladesh. They pointed out that the international community and world leaders should take strong initiatives to save and protect the Hindus and other minorities of Bangladesh. Mr. Mongia reminded that India cannot deny its responsibility to ensure the protection of all minorities in Bangladesh.
Dipan Mitra, President of WHF European Chapter demand fair trial and exemplary punishment of the criminals in every incident of attack on minorities in Bangladesh. He also demands an end to forced conversion of minority girls to Islam. He also mentioned that Bangladesh cannot have any state religion. He appealed all global leaders to stand-by the vulnerable minorities of Bangladesh and take strong initiatives to ensure safe and peaceful lives for all minorities.
Advocate Rana Dasgupta, General Secretary of BHBCUC Bangladesh, Manik Paul from Belgium, Priya Saha from USA, Chitra Paul from Sweden and other speakers protested against ethnic cleansing of minorities in Bangladesh and demand Bangladesh government to take measures to stop atrocities on minorities in Bangladesh.