Peaceful rallies and prayer vigils took place in nearly two dozen US cities as Hindu Americans protested what they termed as targeted assaults on Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh. Demonstrations occurred in various cities like Princeton, Los Angeles, Chicago, the Bay Area, Detroit, and Tampa, with organizers aiming to raise awareness and demand accountability.
During a rally in Princeton, a speaker highlighted the support for Bangladeshi Hindus and other minorities facing what was described as a genocide in Bangladesh, citing over 3,000 attacks since the previous year. The protester at the event emphasized the need to speak out and put an end to the atrocities.
Protesters in Detroit referred to the situation as a “drip-drip genocide,” expressing concerns about the targeting of Hindus and urging people to contact their lawmakers, come together locally, and participate in an upcoming event in Washington. In Los Angeles, speakers combined prayers with calls for civic engagement, encouraging the crowd not to remain silent and to stand up against injustice.
Organizers, including the Coalition of Hindus of North America and FIA-Chicago, highlighted the brutal attacks on innocent Hindus based solely on their religious identity. They emphasized the importance of not staying silent and passive, as it could contribute to further violence. Similar events were reported in Boston, Houston, and Los Angeles, with a congressional hearing scheduled at the US Capitol in early February.
At a rally in the Bay Area, the movement was described as a growing grassroots initiative spanning the country, stressing that silence is not an option when innocent lives are at stake.
