Hezbut Tawheed USA organized a human chain at the in front of United Nations Headquarters, calling on Secretary-General António Guterres to take action against the escalating extremist attacks targeting Hezbut Tawheed members in Bangladesh.
The protest took place on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 11 a.m. (New York time) in front of the UN Headquarters in New York, USA.
This event aimed to draw attention to the urgent need for protection for the movement’s members, who have endured relentless violence from radical factions.
In the human chain, a plea was made to the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to take action to stop the ongoing attacks and threats, and a memorandum was submitted to him. Additionally, photos, and various documents of the threats and attacks on Hezbut Tawheed after August 5, as well as the destruction at the residence of the Imam of Hezbut Tawheed in 2009 and 2016, were provided.
Harun Al Rashid, the President of Hezbut Tawheed USA, delivered a speech during the event. He stated, The Hezbut Tawheed movement, a non-political religious reform initiative, has faced intensified attacks orchestrated by extremists aiming to eliminate the movement and its leader, Honorable Imam Hossain Mohammad Salim, in Noakhali District. Extremists have threatened to destroy the Imam’s residence, vandalized eight district offices, and attacked around fifty families, causing damages worth millions of BDT.
Over the past decade, Hezbut Tawheed has held 200,000 public awareness meetings against religious extremism, advocating interfaith harmony, women’s inclusion, and cultural activities—values that sharply contrast with radical clerics’ views,” stated Harun A Rashid. “This stance has made us targets for violent extremists.
Recently, extremists held multiple unlawful assemblies near the Imam’s residence, demanding that Hezbut Tawheed members vacate the area. This troubling trend includes incidents dating back to 2016, where false rumors led to looting, the destruction of a mosque, and the murder of two members, with no justice served since.
“We urge the United Nations to protect our members, particularly vulnerable women, children, and the elderly, from persecution and violence,” Harun A Rashid emphasized.
The demonstration featured powerful testimonies from Hezbut Tawheed USA members, underscoring the immediate need for international intervention to prevent further violence and safeguard human rights in Bangladesh.
