Desk:Amid ongoing attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, the United Nations and the United States have issued stern warnings to the interim government in Dhaka. The UN has urged Bangladesh to ensure the protection of human rights for all citizens. Meanwhile, during a phone call between US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Bangladesh’s interim government head, Muhammad Yunus, the issue was discussed at length.
Yunus assured Sullivan of Bangladesh’s commitment to safeguarding human rights. A statement from the White House read, “Both leaders expressed their commitment to respecting and protecting the human rights of all individuals, regardless of their religion.” This conversation occurred as the Biden administration prepares to transfer power to Donald Trump, who will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20.
Escalation of Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh
Recent months have seen a rise in attacks on the Hindu community and their places of worship in Bangladesh, particularly following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. The White House stated on December 13 that President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the situation and will hold the interim government accountable for ensuring the safety of religious and ethnic minorities.
US Congressman Appeals for Action
Indian-American Democratic Congressman Shri Thanedar recently urged the White House to prioritize the issue of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. He said, “America has always been a voice for the oppressed, and we must do the same here. Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus must fulfill his promise to rebuild the nation on principles of peace and equality.”
Human Rights Groups Sound the Alarm
According to NDTV, human rights organization HinduAction reported a surge in violence over the past few months. Executive Director Utsav Chakrabarti remarked, “The events of the past five-and-a-half months show that Muhammad Yunus has failed to rein in his Jamaat-e-Islami allies, who are burning temples, killing people, and targeting women from the Hindu community.”
He further called for the US to impose sanctions on Bangladesh and establish safe zones for Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities.
This alarming situation has raised questions about the role of the Bangladeshi government and the international community in protecting minority groups. Hindu communities and other minorities have appealed for peace and security.