Attacks on minorities in Bangladesh: Indian-American body urges Biden, Trump to intervene

Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu leader associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), who faces several charges, is escorted by police from the Chattogram Metropolitan Magistrate Court. File | Photo credit: Reuters

An influential Indian-American organization has urged US President Joe Biden to do so President-elect Donald Trump appeal to the government of Bangladesh wants to protect the Hindu minority community in the country.

In separate letters to Biden and Trump, the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) on Wednesday (Nov 27, 2024) expressed serious concerns over escalating human rights violations against religious minorities in Bangladesh and the recent arrest of Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy. Krishna Das Brahmachari.

Also read: India urges Bangladesh after arrest of ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das

According to FIIDS, Bangladesh’s Hindu minority groups have suffered more than 200 attacks, including on their temples, since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5.

Das was arrested in a sedition case on Monday and was later denied bail by a court, sparking protests by community members in several locations including the capital Dhaka and the port city of Chattogram.

He was a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and was recently expelled.

Khanderao Kand, President and Chief Policy and Strategy Officer, called for an independent investigation into violence against minorities and urged Biden to urge Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Yunus Mohammed to release Das, provide protection to minority communities and to publicly commit to upholding secular principles.

“Bangladesh’s progress as a democratic and inclusive society depends on protecting the rights of all its citizens, including the most vulnerable populations. We trust that your leadership will defend these values ​​and help restore hope to those who continue to face oppression and displacement,” he said. said.

In his letter to Trump, Kand said: “As the new leader of the free world, you have the unique opportunity to prioritize protecting vulnerable communities and strengthening America’s commitment to religious freedom and human rights.” He urged Trump to call on the interim government to secure Das’s release, safeguard ISKCON’s activities and protect minority communities from further violence and encourage Bangladesh to reaffirm its secular constitution and free and hold fair elections to restore democratic government.

“I strongly condemn Bangladesh for its atrocities against minorities, the arrest of a Hindu monk and its shocking attempt to ban the humanitarian religious minority organization ISKCON while ignoring jihadist extremist organizations,” Kand told PTI.

“Bangladesh is rapidly descending into a radicalized Islamic state, all under the supervision of the US, the State Department and the UN, which must act now to restore democracy and protect minorities. “I not only urge President Biden, but would also urge President Trump and his transition team to prioritize the restoration of peace and protection of minorities in Bangladesh,” he said.

Instead of taking action against radical Islamist groups, the Bangladesh government has shockingly labeled ISKCON, a globally respected humanitarian organization, as a “religious fundamentalist organization,” Kand said.

This baseless accusation, led by the Attorney General, comes along with a petition to ban ISKCON, an organization that has fed millions of people worldwide, promoted interfaith harmony and provided crucial humanitarian aid in Bangladesh during disasters. Such a move undermines global religious tolerance and human rights, he said.

In a post on social media, popular African-American singer Mary Millben condemned the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.

“The capture of Chinmoy Krishna Das and the continued attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremists in Bangladesh must now be addressed by world leaders. We must preserve the religious freedom and safety of all people of faith worldwide,” she said.

Indian-American groups have held peaceful protests in several US cities against Das’ arrest.