We at Hindus for Human Rights are deeply anguished by the communal violence in Bangladesh, which has targeted the country’s minority Hindu population during Durga Puja celebrations.

Almost fifty years ago, Bangladesh became a nation-state, with the promise of crafting a democracy that would include all of the country’s citizens, of all faiths and persuasions. This violence is a violation of that promise—and it goes against the Bengali people’s long and storied history of striving for justice and reform. Indeed, Durga Puja is an occasion that has often seen joint Hindu-Muslim celebrations, as was reported this year from Kolkata.

The people of India and Bangladesh have a shared history – and India played an important role in sheltering Bengalis – Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists - who were fleeing violence in East Pakistan in 1971.  The relationship between the two countries remains strong, to this day. We note, with sadness, that the circumstances surrounding the violence in Bangladesh- the spread of malicious and false rumors online and the resulting violence resulted—has parallels with much of the anti-minority violence that has been happening in India. We call upon civil societies in both countries, and, especially, members of the majority communities – Hindus in India and Muslims in Bangladesh – to speak up for communal harmony, justice and accountability. By living up to their founding ideals, the people of India and Bangladesh can carve a future that provides security and dignity for all. In doing so, they will provide a positive pathway for diverse nations all over the world.

If you represent a South Asian diaspora organization, please sign our joint statement condemning anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh.

If you are a religious leader or representative of a faith-based organization, please sign our multi-faith statement.

For media inquiries, please write to info@hindusforhumanrights.org or HfHR Advocacy Director Nikhil Mandalalaparthy at nikhil@hindusforhumanrights.org.