Remembering the victims of ongoing violence against minority communities in Bangladesh.

Hakikul Islam Khokan

An interfaith memorial service and vigil was held at the Jewish Center in Jackson Heights, New York despite the bitter cold. The event was held in memory of those killed in the ongoing violence against religious minorities, particularly the Hindu community, in Bangladesh.
The vigil, held on Sunday evening, February 1, 2026, was part of a series of awareness programs held in more than 20 cities across the United States. Kohna and Hindu Action were organized.
Coordinating at the local level were Hindu Action advisors and community activists Shubo Roy and Pankaj Mehta. Originally planned to hold an outdoor vigil in Times Square, the event was moved to Jackson Heights due to extreme cold and weather. Nevertheless, a significant presence of people from different religions and communities can be observed.
Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist and Christian religious leaders addressed the event. Andre Fadel, representative of the World Peace Organization HWPL, highlighted the importance of interfaith unity in protecting human dignity.
ISKCON New York President Hans Roop Das emphasized on compassion and justice. Muslim leader Suraya Din strongly condemned the violence in the name of religion. Khabar Ibn News.
The message read by Charul Kothari on behalf of the Jain community highlighted the philosophy of non-violence and mutual respect. Sikh leader Kamal Puri speaks of the Sikh tradition of standing for justice.
New York State Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar attended the event to condemn the persecution of minorities and vowed to raise the issue in her legislature and in the public sphere. He hoped for a peaceful and inclusive Bangladesh. Inter-community organizer Pankaj Mehta’s role in this organization was significant. Satya Senapati cooperated on behalf of the Indian diaspora.
The central part of the ceremony is the reading of the names of the victims, the lighting of lamps and candles and silence with each name. Pankaj Mehta says,”This vigil is not just commemoration. We will take these issues directly to Congress through a congressional briefing on Capitol Hill on February 9.”