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The Importance of Voices: Standing Up for Minorities in Bangladesh
Not all communities are treated equally and many, like the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, face systemic persecution and violence
Maitri Student protest in Houston / Rishi Nandi
My name is Rishan Nandi and I am a Bangladeshi-American. Although I was born in the United States, my parents as well as my family are from Bangladesh, giving me the strongest source of motivation to participate in this rally organized by Matiri In Houston along with other Indian organizations.
As a member of the younger generation, stepping into the realm of activism can be both empowering and daunting. When I participated in the Bangladesh Hindu Awareness Protest, these emotions were heightened by a deep sense of responsibility and urgency.
The experience was a blend of cultural solidarity, the pursuit of justice, and the desire to stand up for those who are often silenced. For me, it was not just about being present at a protest, but about being part of a larger narrative that seeks to bring attention to the plight of minorities in Bangladesh.
My involvement in the Bangladesh Hindu Awareness Protest was motivated by several factors. Growing up in a multicultural environment, I have always been aware of the diverse fabric that makes up our world.
However, with this awareness came the understanding that not all communities are treated equally and that many, like the Hindu minority in Bangladesh, face systemic persecution and violence. The stories of oppression, violence, and forced displacement that I have seen through social media and news outlets were impossible to ignore.
The more I learned about the situation, the more I realized that this was not just an issue of one community in one country but a reflection of the broader issues of religious intolerance and human rights abuses that persist worldwide. This realization was a powerful motivator for me. I knew that silence was not an option, and action, even in the form of protest, was a necessary response.
The protest itself was largely organized through communication and communities coming together to spread the word and gather support. My father was the most significant person that helped me participate in this protest. He would give me updates every day on the current situation in Bangladesh and helped organize the protest we did on Sunday, August 11th.
Attending the protest was an experience that will stay with me for a long time. Seeing people from different backgrounds, ages, and walks of life come together for a common cause was incredibly inspiring.
The protest was not just a demonstration of dissent; it was a celebration of resilience and the unyielding spirit of those who refuse to accept injustice as the norm. As all of us chanted “Justice, justice, we want justice!” and held up our signs, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of connection to those who have suffered. Every step felt like a tribute to those who have been silenced, and every chant was a reminder that their struggles have not gone unnoticed. For many of us, it was a moment to reclaim our power and use our voices to speak out against the injustices that others endure daily.
Participating in the protest also led to personal growth. It challenged me to confront uncomfortable truths about the world and my place in it. It pushed me to think critically about the role of activism in driving social change and the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is not easy.
I learned that activism is not just about the big gestures but also about the small, consistent efforts to educate oneself and others, to stay informed, and to continue advocating long after the protest is over.
The protest also reaffirmed my belief in the power of the younger generation to effect change. We are often dismissed as being too idealistic or disconnected from reality, but I believe it is precisely our idealism that drives us to demand a better world. We are not bound by the cynicism that sometimes comes with age; instead, we are fueled by the belief that change is possible and that it starts with us.
(Rishan Nandi is a 3rd year student from the University of Texas, Austin.)
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad.
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