Washington, Feb 10 (NationPress) Members of the Hindu community, alongside human rights advocates, organized a peaceful demonstration outside the US State Department, calling on the government to intensify its efforts against what they termed the persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh.

The protesters braved the cold, brandishing banners and signs demanding justice and accountability. Numerous speakers directly appealed to US officials, international organizations, and global human rights groups for intervention.

Srikanth Akunuri from Hindu Action urged US authorities to take definitive action. “We ask the US State Department to ensure that the persecution of minorities comes to an end, and that those responsible are prosecuted vigorously, either in the US or at the International Court of Justice,” he stated.

Akunuri also advocated for international oversight during Bangladesh’s forthcoming elections. “We also ask the US Government to deploy neutral observers to Bangladesh for the elections in February 2026 to help restore democracy there,” he added.

Pankaj Mehta, a human rights advocate from Interfaith Peace Vigil Against Terror, resonated with these concerns, stating that the issues raised during the protest were deeply alarming.

“Today’s testimonies were profoundly troubling—they highlight targeted violence against minorities and insufficient accountability,” Mehta remarked. “As advocates for interfaith human rights, we stand with the victims and strongly denounce the Bangladeshi government’s failure to protect minorities and bring perpetrators to justice.”

Mehta emphasized that minority safety should be viewed as a fundamental global responsibility. “Human rights and the safety of minorities are non-negotiable—global attention must now turn to Bangladesh,” he added.

Participants expressed that the protest aimed to spotlight what they regarded as ongoing abuses against Hindu minorities while urging democratic nations to react swiftly.

Aruna Pal, a physician and human rights advocate, framed the issue as a moral test for the international community.

Pal condemned the violence faced by minorities in South Asia. “The barbaric actions against Hindus in Bangladesh and Pakistan must be universally condemned,” she stated.

She argued that there is an obligation for global institutions to respond decisively.

“It is the duty of the global community and organizations to stop funding these cowardly individuals who engage in anti-minority activities,” Pal asserted.

She further contextualized the issue within broader cultural and spiritual frameworks. “We must all strive to empower forces stronger than those demonic influences funding these actions,” Pal said. “Those with virtuous intentions must counteract the malevolent ideologies.”

Bangladesh has faced intermittent international scrutiny regarding minority rights, with concerns raised by various rights organizations and foreign governments in recent years.

The United States has stated that it monitors human rights conditions worldwide, addressing such matters in both bilateral and multilateral discussions.