Community organizations in Canada have raised alarm and called for urgent action from Ottawa following reports of atrocities against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. The violence erupted after Sheikh Hasina resigned as Prime Minister, leading to an interim government taking charge in Dhaka.
CoHNA’s Campaign for Support
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), Canadian chapter, highlighted the dire situation, stating, “The Hindu population in Bangladesh is currently facing extreme vulnerability and fighting for their survival.” Following Hasina’s departure to India, reports have emerged of attacks on temples, homes, and businesses of Hindus, along with murders by extremist elements.
CoHNA launched a campaign urging Canadians to write to their elected representatives, seeking a public condemnation of the violence and human rights violations against Bangladesh’s Hindu minority. The organization called on Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly and Global Affairs Canada to monitor the situation proactively, especially for religious and gender-based targeting. They also urged Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada to expedite the resettlement of the most vulnerable Bangladeshi Hindus under the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP).
Support from Other Organizations
The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) endorsed CoHNA’s action alert to bring this crisis to the attention of Canada’s elected officials. CIJA stated, “Religious minorities in Bangladesh are being targeted in violent attacks. Dozens of Bangladeshi Hindus have been killed, several temples destroyed, and homes and businesses systematically vandalized and set on fire.”
Additionally, the advocacy group Bangladeshi Canadian Hindus is planning a vigil and a protest in Toronto later this week to honor the victims of the violence. The Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce (CHCC) also expressed deep concern about the escalating situation and its impact on the Hindu community in Bangladesh. CHCC called on the international community to monitor the situation closely and advocate for the protection of vulnerable populations in Bangladesh.
Canadian Government’s Response
On Monday, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly called for “a quick and peaceful return to a democratic and inclusive civilian-led government in Bangladesh,” emphasizing the need for stability and protection of minority communities during this period of turmoil.
