Washington, Jan 17 (NationPress) A Hindu advocacy organization has expressed grave concerns regarding the worsening situation of religious minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh. The group is calling on the U.S. Congress and administration to take more decisive action against what it describes as rising violence and persecution.

During an event at the U.S. Capitol, Utsav Chakrabarty from HinduAction highlighted their efforts to “educate members of Congress and their staff” about the plight of Hindus in South Asia, including Pakistan and Bangladesh, using engaging exhibits, films, and direct conversations with lawmakers.

Chakrabarty pointed out that Hindus in Pakistan, who constitute merely “one and a half percent of the population,” are the “original inhabitants of the region,” yet currently endure abductions, forced conversions, and trafficking. He noted that HinduAction is bringing attention to these issues while also documenting the experiences of Hindu refugees from Pakistan who have escaped to India.

“We have individuals here assisting refugees in India and working to rescue underage Hindu girls who are frequently kidnapped and forcibly converted and trafficked,” he stated, describing the Capitol event as a “comprehensive experience” aimed at informing policymakers.

Addressing the situation in Bangladesh, Chakrabarty recounted that the nation gained independence from Pakistan in 1971, during which “approximately 2.8 million Hindus were killed in Bangladesh within just ten months by the Pakistani Army and allied radical Islamists from Jamat Islami.” He cautioned that conditions have deteriorated once more in the past year and a half, particularly after political shifts in the country.

“In the last 18 months, we have observed that Jamat Islami in Bangladesh has gained significant power,” he remarked, adding that the group is poised to likely win the upcoming elections in February. Chakrabarty noted that following the recent regime change, “the situation for Hindus has worsened significantly, almost daily.”

He alleged that Hindus in Bangladesh are being “publicly beaten, humiliated, murdered, and then burned, in shocking public displays of violence,” stating that such incidents have incited “immense anger and sorrow among communities globally.” HinduAction intends to address these issues in an upcoming congressional briefing, anticipated around February 10.

When asked if U.S. lawmakers have shown adequate sensitivity to the plight of Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh, Chakrabarty candidly replied, “No, I don’t believe so.” He asserted that Congress “must rise to the occasion” and articulate “more aggressively, more factually” regarding the abuses faced by Hindu minorities in both nations.

“One reason Congress has not paid enough attention is due to their ignorance,” he added, emphasizing that HinduAction’s outreach aims to bridge that gap. “We believe that as Hindus in America, we have a responsibility to ensure that our lawmakers, the White House, and the State Department are informed about these issues, and we strive to compel them to act to protect these communities.”