Bangladesh News: Devkinandan Maharaj, a prominent Hindu religious leader and President of the Sanatan Nyas Foundation, has appealed to the United Nations to take immediate action regarding the ongoing violence against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Maharaj highlighted the alarming rise in attacks on Hindus by Muslim extremists in the country. These incidents, including assaults, arson, and the abuse of women and children, have been rampant since August 2024.Global Silence on Hindu Persecution in BangladeshIn his letter, Devkinandan Maharaj expressed frustration over the global communitys silence on the attacks against Hindus, contrasting it with the immediate attention given to violence involving the Muslim community. Maharaj pointed out the double standards, stating, Every incident involving the Muslim community makes international headlines, but why is the world silent when it comes to the violence against Hindus He further emphasized the need for the United Nations to intervene and safeguard the lives of Hindus in Bangladesh.Ongoing Attacks on Hindu Temples and HomesThe letter detailed several recent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, including 69 Hindu temples and 231 homes and businesses being looted and set on fire. These incidents, occurring between August and October 2024, have left the Hindu community in Bangladesh feeling vulnerable and unsupported. Devkinandan Maharaj called these acts not just a failure of the Bangladesh government but also a crime against humanity.Devkinandan Maharajs Previous ProtestBefore sending the letter to the UN, Devkinandan Maharaj led a protest march in opposition to the arrest of Chinmayananda Krishna Das, an ISKCON member who had been raising his voice against the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. The protest, held in Mathura, was aimed at drawing attention to the increasingly hostile environment faced by Hindus in Bangladesh, where their temples and properties are routinely targeted by radical groups.Urging Immediate Action from the Indian GovernmentIn a related statement, Vijay Sharma, the Secretary of Sanatan Nyas Foundation, announced that a formal request has also been made to the Indian government to take urgent steps to end this violence. He stressed the need for India to act swiftly to curb the growing hostility toward the Hindu minority in Bangladesh and protect its citizens abroad.Call for the Formation of a Global Hindu Advocacy BoardMaharaj further proposed the establishment of a global Hindu advocacy body under the Sanatan Board, which would work within the constitutional framework in India to ensure the protection and welfare of Hindus worldwide. This board, he asserted, would serve as a beacon of hope for Hindus facing persecution anywhere across the globe.
