Indian-American pressure group requests Biden, Trump to take steps for preventing 'violence against Hindus' in Bangladesh

An Indian-American pressure group has asked US President Joe Biden and soon-to-be President Donald Trump to urge the Bangladeshi government to take steps for the prevention of "violence against Hindus" in Bangladesh.

The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) sent two letters in this regard yesterday (27 November), in which the organisation expressed concern over the acts of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and the recent arrest of Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, reported The Hindu.

Chinmoy was arrested on charges of sedition and denied bail by a court, which sparked protests in different parts of Bangladesh, including Dhaka and Chattogram, FIIDS wrote in their letters.

Chinmoy was an expelled member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

Calling for an independent inquiry into the violence against minorities, Khanderao Kand, president and chief of Policy and Strategy, FIIDS requested Biden to urge Bangladesh Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus to release Das, provide protection to minority communities and publicly commit to upholding secular principles.

"Bangladesh's progress as a democratic and inclusive society depends on safeguarding the rights of all its citizens, including its most vulnerable populations. We trust that your leadership will champion these values and help restore hope for those who continue to face oppression and displacement," he said.

In his letter to Trump, Kand said, "As the incoming leader of the free world, you have the unique opportunity to prioritise the protection of vulnerable communities and reinforce America's commitment to religious freedom and human rights."

He urged Trump to appeal to the interim government to ensure Das' release, safeguard ISKCON's operations and protect minority communities from further violence and encourage Bangladesh to reaffirm its secular constitution and hold free and fair elections to restore democratic governance.

"Bangladesh is rapidly descending into a radicalised Islamic state, all under the watch of the US, the State Department, and the UN who must act now to restore democracy and protect minorities. I request not only President Biden but would urge President Trump and his transition team to give priority to restoration of peace and protect minorities in Bangladesh," he said.

Instead of taking action against radical Islamist groups, the Bangladeshi government has shockingly labelled ISKCON, a globally respected humanitarian organisation, a "religious fundamentalist organisation", Kand said.

This baseless accusation, spearheaded by the attorney general, comes alongside a petition to ban ISKCON, which has fed millions worldwide, promoted interfaith harmony, and provided critical humanitarian aid in Bangladesh during disasters. Such a move undermines global religious tolerance and human rights, he said.

India media has often accused of disproportionate violence against Hindu communities in Bangladesh, although most are unsubstantiated or downright false allegations.