Houston (USA): An exhibition of photos and panels vividly describing the atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh created a stir at the India Culture Center (ICC) Independence Day event on Saturday, August 18, 2007, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.
The exhibition entitled "Asru" (tears) was first held in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Capitol on July 30 and 31. The exhibit of 27 panels, which graphically chronicled the deteriorating condition of the Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh over the past several decades, was put together by Foundation Against Continuing Terrorism (FACT) and Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM). “Asru” examines the history, politics and social parameters of Bangladesh and its surrounding regions and aims to create awareness and activism in order to alleviate the plight of Hindus and other religious minorities in that area. The panels displayed chronologically the transformation of Bangladesh from a diverse and culturally pluralistic society into a monolithic Islamic state.
The exhibit was very well-received by a large majority of visitors. Many viewers expressed surprise at the lack of awareness about the issue. One of them, Susan Davis, commented, "I am astonished to see the level of atrocities that have been committed on the Hindus in Bangladesh. It is sad that this exhibit has shown something, that has otherwise gone unnoticed in the media."
The following day, Sunday, August 19, 2007, the exhibit was shown at the Durga Bari, one of the largest Hindu community centers in Houston, with the Bengali community attending the event in full strength. Nearly 500 visitors attended the event that was included as part of a concert by noted Bengali vocalist Pt. Ajoy Chakraborty. The exhibit will be shown again at other Houston venues in the coming month.
