Washington, U.S.A. — Leaders of over 125 Hindu organisations worldwide have issued a strong joint appeal urging immediate and decisive intervention by the international community in response to escalating violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. The appeal was coordinated by the Hindus Advancing Human Rights Initiative (HAHRI), an initiative of HinduPACT, and has drawn support from organisations and prominent individuals across 15 countries.
The letter calls upon the United Nations, the United States, the European Union, India and other global institutions to take concrete and time-bound measures. It warns that continued silence and inaction could pave the way for what the signatories describe as the systematic eradication of religious minorities in the country.
Escalating attacks and growing insecurity
The coalition states that violence targeting Hindu individuals, homes and temples has intensified following Bangladesh’s political transition in August 2024. Reports cited in the appeal describe mob attacks, arson, intimidation, forced displacement and destruction of religious sites — incidents that have left minority communities living under sustained fear.
The letter also highlights demographic data showing that Hindus comprised roughly 22 per cent of Bangladesh’s population in 1951, declining to below 7 per cent today. This sharp and continuous reduction cannot be ignored and reflects long-standing systemic vulnerability.
Documented incidents and accountability concerns
The appeal references findings from bodies such as the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, along with reports from civil society organisations documenting killings, temple desecrations and the alleged misuse of blasphemy accusations to incite mob violence. Among the cases highlighted is the December 2025 lynching of Dipu Chandra Das following blasphemy allegations — an incident the coalition says exemplifies the dangers faced by minorities.
The organisations contend that a pattern of inadequate protection and limited accountability has emboldened perpetrators and deepened insecurity.
Call for decisive global measures
The coalition has urged the establishment of independent international fact-finding missions, mandatory and transparent reporting on minority rights conditions, and enforceable accountability mechanisms. It has further called for trade privileges, diplomatic engagement and development partnerships to be linked to measurable improvements in human rights protections.
The coalition states that its objective is not merely to highlight isolated incidents, but to secure immediate protection for vulnerable communities and ensure lasting structural safeguards guaranteeing equal rights, dignity and security for all religious minorities in Bangladesh.
