Introduction
Bangladesh, born from the Liberation War of 1971, was envisioned as a secular sanctuary where all religions could thrive. For decades, Hindus like myself have worked to uphold this dream despite the odds. Yet today, my heart aches as I witness the relentless persecution of my community. Temples desecrated, homes destroyed, families attacked—the hatred feels like an unending storm.
As a Hindu activist and believer in the teachings of Krishna, this is not just an abstract issue for me. It is personal. The Bhagavad Gita tells us to stand up for dharma (righteousness), even in the face of adversity. Watching the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh, I feel both the anguish of Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra and the resolve he found through Krishna’s wisdom. Our struggle is not just for survival—it is for justice, for dignity, and for the right to worship freely.
The Pain of Watching Temples Burn
The recent wave of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh is not just heartbreaking; it is soul-crushing. Temples—our sacred spaces of devotion—have been set aflame, idols of Krishna and Durga reduced to rubble. A VOA report described mobs storming places of worship, leaving behind destruction that goes beyond physical damage. For Hindus, our temples are not merely buildings; they are the heart of our spiritual life, repositories of our collective memory, and symbols of resilience.
One story still haunts me—a family whose home was torched while they gathered around a small altar, praying for divine protection. The flames consumed their belongings but not their faith. They escaped with nothing but the clothes on their backs and the image of Krishna clasped in their hands. This resilience reminds me of Krishna’s words in the Gita:
"Whatever happened, happened for the good. Whatever is happening, is happening for the good. Whatever will happen, will also happen for the good."
These words are not a call to passivity but a reminder of the impermanence of suffering and the need to focus on action. As Hindus in Bangladesh, we carry this lesson in our hearts, finding ways to rebuild even when everything is taken from us.
A Political Vacuum and Rising Intolerance
The surge in attacks on Hindus is not an isolated phenomenon. It is rooted in the political instability that has gripped Bangladesh. Under Sheikh Hasina’s government, there was at least a semblance of protection for minorities. But as political dynamics shift and extremist ideologies gain traction, that fragile shield has shattered.
Radical groups exploit this instability, turning Hindus into scapegoats for their grievances. The attacks are not random but calculated—a chilling attempt to erase a community that has called this land home for millennia. This, too, reminds me of the lessons of the Gita. Krishna tells Arjuna that it is adharma(unrighteousness) to remain silent in the face of injustice. If we turn away, we become complicit.
The Haunting Shadows of History
This is not the first time Hindus in Bangladesh have faced persecution. The Partition of 1947 uprooted millions, forcing countless Hindu families to flee East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in search of safety. My grandparents were among those who stayed behind, clinging to their ancestral land despite the risks. They faced systemic discrimination under policies like the Vested Property Act, which stripped Hindus of their land and livelihoods.
I often think of my grandmother’s stories of resilience. She would speak of how our family rebuilt their temple after it was destroyed during riots, planting tulsi plants and lighting lamps to reclaim the sacred space. She would quote Krishna’s assurance to Arjuna:
"Whenever righteousness declines and unrighteousness rises, I manifest Myself. To protect the righteous, to annihilate the wicked, and to reestablish dharma, I appear in every age."
Her faith gave her strength to endure, but it pains me to see history repeating itself. The violence today is not just a continuation of past injustices—it is a reminder of how much work remains to secure equality and safety for Hindus in Bangladesh.
The Deafening Silence of the World
One of the most painful aspects of this crisis is the lack of global attention. As conflicts like Israel-Palestine dominate headlines, the plight of Bangladeshi Hindus barely registers on the world’s radar. The silence feels like betrayal, as if our suffering is too small or insignificant to matter.
This is why I write. Through my blog, Tipsy Monk, I aim to amplify our voices, to tell the stories that are often ignored. If Krishna taught us anything, it is that the greatest battles are often fought not with weapons but with words and conviction.
Stories of Strength and Faith
Amid the darkness, there are sparks of hope. I recently learned of a Hindu family in a rural village whose temple was destroyed in an attack. Instead of giving up, they began rebuilding it with their own hands. Brick by brick, they worked tirelessly, finding solace in their devotion to Krishna.
Their story reminds me of the perseverance of the Pandavas, who never lost faith even during their exile. Just as Krishna stood by their side, guiding them toward victory, so too does our faith sustain us through these trials.
A Call to Action
What can we do in the face of such hatred? As Krishna advises in the Gita, we must act with purpose and determination. Here are some steps we can take:
- Educate Yourself: Learn about the history and current situation of Hindus in Bangladesh. Knowledge is the first step toward meaningful action.
- Amplify Our Voices: Share stories of persecution and resilience. Let the world know that Hindus in Bangladesh will not be erased.
- Support Organizations: Contribute to groups working to protect religious minorities and uphold human rights.
- Foster Unity: Build alliances with people of all faiths who believe in justice and equality. Together, we are stronger.
Conclusion
The Hindu community in Bangladesh faces immense challenges, but our faith and resilience remain unshaken. As Krishna assures us, dharma will always prevail, even in the darkest times. Let us honor that promise by standing together, speaking out, and fighting for a future where every person can worship freely.
To my readers: thank you for joining me on this journey. Together, we can amplify these stories and demand the justice our community so desperately needs. Let’s not let the world forget that Hindus in Bangladesh, too, deserve peace, dignity, and freedom.