Washington, February 4: Protests against violence towards Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh have been taking place across the United States. In recent days, peaceful awareness rallies were held in 25 cities nationwide.
Despite frigid temperatures, snowfall, and icy roads, a significant number of people participated in these rallies. They expressed solidarity with the victims of religiously targeted violence in Bangladesh. Demonstrators gathered at city halls and civic centers, emphasizing that their efforts were non-political and humanitarian.
Participants maintained silence and offered prayers. According to a media release, they also issued peaceful appeals for the protection of vulnerable minorities.
From the Midwest to the East and West Coasts, protesters highlighted reported incidents of lynching, arson, sexual violence, and targeted killings, raising awareness about these issues. This nationwide campaign was coordinated by Dapayan Deb, Deepti Mahajan, Geeta Sikand, and Divya Jain.
Dapayan Deb stated, “These rallies were peaceful, dignified, and aimed at humanitarian purposes.”
Deepti Mahajan emphasized that the events were driven by compassion rather than politics. She remarked, “This was about standing for human dignity, not politics. When innocent people are targeted, compassion must rise above fear or discomfort.”
Geeta Sikand noted that the rallies showcased unity among communities and religions. She mentioned that Bangladeshi Hindu Americans also participated, expressing deep concern for the existence of Hindus amid ongoing violence in Bangladesh. She added that the indifference of the Bangladeshi government is alarming, as it has not taken effective measures to ensure the safety of Hindus and other minorities.
Divya Jain described these campaigns as symbols of quiet yet impactful resolve. She said, “What we witnessed today was a peaceful power. It shows that the beginning of awareness comes from standing up.”
Local elected representatives and civic leaders also participated in many of the protests. According to the organizers, this highlighted the importance of peaceful civic expression and community-led efforts in bringing global human rights issues to the forefront.