CoHNA Educates Canadian Lawmakers on Growing Human Rights Crisis Facing Bangladeshi Hindus

Several lawmakers have acknowledged the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh in response to the briefings from CoHNA. MP Rob Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement  addressing the difficult situation for Hindus in Bangladesh and the safety of Hindu Canadians here. MP Melissa Lantsman stressed the need for Canadian Hindus to unite and raise their voices against injustices faced by Hindus worldwide. MP Michelle Ferreri emphasized the importance of ensuring that Bangladeshi Hindus have the freedom and rights to practice their religion. 

The public briefing for MP Kevin Vuong, attracted hundreds of participants from Canada and around the globe, who tuned in live to witness this first-of-its-kind event in Canada. MP Vuong, a former entrepreneur, lecturer, and military officer, also stood in solidarity with over a thousand Hindu Canadians during a vigil on August 10th, where they demanded immediate action to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi Hindus. Vuong expressed deep concern over the ongoing genocide of minorities in Bangladesh and called on the Canadian government to take decisive action. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Hindu community in their fight against this crisis.

Personal Testimony and Data

Bangladeshi Hindu speakers shared harrowing personal accounts of decades-long violence that has deeply affected their families and communities—violence that often goes unreported.

Jyoti Purkayastha of the Toronto Durgabari Temple recounted the horrific events that unfolded in the first 24 hours after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country on August 5. Purkayastha shared a personal account of her cousin’s disappearance following an attack, later found in a pond and now in a coma. She also told the tragic story of a young mother and her 15-month-old son who were brutally murdered to intimidate their family and usurp their business. “For those who say this is not happening—it’s very real. Please don’t deny it,” she said.

Adeeti Asnora from CoHNA Youth Action Network (CYAN) elaborated on the deteriorating situation, highlighting 278 attacks across 48 of Bangladesh’s 64 administrative districts. Adeeti reported that “Over 470 temples have been attacked or destroyed since 2001, with 2021 being a particularly devastating year, witnessing 315 attacks. On average, there were 400 attacks on temples, households, and individuals in Bangladesh from 2013 to 2021.”

Dhiman Chowdhury, President of the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities, criticized the United Nations for its apparent inaction regarding the crisis, urging immediate international intervention. He warned that Bangladeshi Hindus “continue to be hunted down for their belief and identity in a nation that has long struggled with religious intolerance.” Dhiman highlighted how the situation has worsened in recent weeks, “with reports from various districts painting a grim picture of widespread violence, intimidation, rape, murder, and systematic persecution. The very fabric of Hindu existence is under attack, and yet the world remains silent.” Dhiman also highlighted the dramatic decline in the Hindu population in Bangladesh—from 22% in 1951 to a mere 8% today—warning that if the international community fails to act, the complete genocide of Bangladeshi Hindus may become inevitable.

Anuja Jani, General Secretary of CoHNA Canada, shed light on the historical atrocities committed against Hindus in Bangladesh. She highlighted how, in 1946, during Direct Action Day, 4,000 Hindus were killed, and more than 100,000 were forced to flee; in 1964, 5,200 Hindus were brutally killed or burned alive, 100,000 fled their properties and migrated to India, and over 300 women were abducted—all due to the alleged theft of Prophet Muhammad’s hair from the Hazratbal Shrine in Jammu & Kashmir, India. Anuja also highlighted the systematic genocide of 2.5 million Hindus, with 3 million fleeing to India in 1971, where 200,000 women were taken as sex slaves and raped by the Pakistani army. She also brought attention to ongoing Hindu persecution, citing violence in 2001, post-poll violence in 2013-14, and 2016.

Silence in Canada

Rishabh Sarswat, President of CoHNA Canada, emphasized the alarming denial of violence against Hindus, drawing parallels to the institutional silence on Hinduphobia within Canada itself. He pointed out the disturbing lack of coverage from media outlets and human rights organizations regarding the violence in Bangladesh. 

Khushi Jetley of CoHNA Youth Action Network (CYAN) addressed the issue of academic Hinduphobia in Canada and how the turmoil in Bangladesh has exacerbated the challenges faced by Hindu students, particularly those from the Bangladeshi Hindu community.  “Far from getting support,  they are met with accusations of spreading Hindu right-wing propaganda when they try to raise awareness of the violence and persecution their community is facing.” Khushi added that “many Bangladeshi Hindu students we have spoken with are silenced by their Bangladeshi Muslim peers, denying them the right to their own narrative.” She also pointed out that “When Hindu students voice their concerns, they are often dismissed. We’re told our issues are ‘too political,’ ‘too controversial,’ or simply not real. The atmosphere in academia frequently manifests as bullying, unjust criticism, and other damaging forms of Hinduphobia.”

Jay Mehta, Vice-President of CoHNA Canada, criticized the silence of Canadian lawmakers on Hindu persecution in Bangladesh and the rising Hinduphobia in Canada. He pointed out that, along with Bangladesh, “Over 1,000 girls are abducted, raped, forcibly converted, and married off every year in Pakistan,” yet more often than not, “Lawmakers often speak out on international issues, even with a domestic mandate, but here they remain silent.”

The briefings underscored the urgent need for global action to address the ongoing crisis and protect the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. CoHNA continues to advocate for swift intervention by the United Nations and other international bodies.

Action

On August 5th, the day marking the exit of Sheikh Hasina, CoHNA launched a letter campaign that has already garnered over 175,000 signatures. This campaign sends letters directly to local and federal lawmakers in both Canada and the United States, urging them to take immediate action.

In addition, CoHNA, along with other diaspora organizations, organized protests across North America. Thousands of local community members have participated in events held in Toronto, Montreal, London, Calgary, Vancouver, and other cities in Canada and USA.

A complete recording of the live congressional briefing is available here.