On 21st August 2024, representatives from various religious and social organizations in Rampur gathered to express deep concern over the continued violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh following the coup on 6th August 2024, which forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee the country. The ongoing atrocities, including massacres and attacks on religious and business establishments, have been alarming.
A special appeal was sent to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva through the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Civil) of Rampur Bushahr, urging immediate international intervention.
The delegation included representatives from Thakur Satyanarayan (Kapuria) Mandir Trust, Vishva Hindu Parishad, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Art of Living, Manav Utthan Seva Samiti, Sarv Hitkari Vyapar Mandal, Nirankari Mission, Radha Soami Satsang Beas, D.J. Nation, Vedanta Seva Samiti, Aryavarta Society, Brahma Kumari Ishwariya Vidyalaya, Gayatri Parivar, Agrawal Sabha, Seva Bharti, Mahavir Mandir Samiti, along with CAs, advocates, professors, and other distinguished individuals from the town.
The representatives shared their concerns about the escalating violence, the declining Hindu population, the destruction of heritage temples, the mistreatment of Hindu women, and the looting and burning of Hindu homes and shops. Based on information from newspapers and social media, they demanded swift action from the international community.
The appeal urged the UN to send a fact-finding mission to Bangladesh to assess the situation, ensure the safety of minorities, hold perpetrators accountable, and press the Bangladeshi government to protect human rights. Additionally, they called for international pressure on Bangladesh to stop the human rights violations and provide safe passage for those fleeing the violence. Immediate aid to those who have lost everything and measures to prevent future violations were also requested.
Vinay Sharma
Secretary, Thakur Satyanarayan (Kapuria) Mandir Trust
Rampur Bushahr