US Congressman Emphasizes Bangladesh's Duty to Safeguard Hindu Minorities
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Washington, Dec 4 (NationPress) A prominent US legislator has emphasized that the interim government of Bangladesh, under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, bears an unwavering duty to protect the Hindu minority community in the nation, particularly after the recent downfall of the democratically elected government led by Sheikh Hasina.
"The interim government of Bangladesh is compelled to ensure the safety of its Hindu minority and to take meaningful action in response to the protests from thousands of minority Hindus who are voicing their concerns over the recent surge of attacks and harassment," Congressman Brad Sherman stated on Tuesday in a declaration.
"In light of the calls for an investigation from the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, regarding killings and other human rights violations during the violent unrest leading up to and following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, the current administration must exhibit leadership in eradicating violence against the Hindu community," Sherman added.
Recently, Hindus from Bangladesh staged a rally at the White House, demanding the release of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das and protection for Hindus residing in Bangladesh.
Utsav Chakrabarti, the executive director of HinduACTion, urged the outgoing Biden-Harris administration to take all necessary measures to prevent further escalation of violence perpetrated by radical Islamists against Hindus in Bangladesh.
"According to the feedback we are receiving from #Bangladesh, Hindu monk and civil rights advocate Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, currently detained by the interim government, is facing a serious threat to his life while in custody," he remarked.
When responding to written inquiries in Lok Sabha regarding violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar mentioned that the Indian High Commission in Dhaka is closely observing the situation. He reiterated that the primary responsibility for the protection of minorities in Bangladesh rests with the interim government of that neighboring country.
"Our stance on this issue is clear—the interim government in Dhaka must fulfill its obligation to protect all minorities. We are troubled by the increase in extremist rhetoric and the rising incidents of violence and provocation. These developments cannot merely be dismissed as media exaggerations," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated.
While expressing concern over extremist rhetoric, the MEA also called for a "fair, just, and transparent legal process" in the case of religious leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested on charges of sedition.
Amidst calls in Dhaka for a ban on ISKCON, with which Das was previously associated, the Indian government also expressed support for the organization, with MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal stating that it is a "globally respected entity with a strong record of social service."
Concerning the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, the MEA indicated that, regarding cases against individuals, India acknowledges the ongoing legal processes.
"We anticipate that these processes will address the case in a just, fair, and transparent manner, ensuring full respect for the legal rights of all parties involved," they noted.
In Lok Sabha, EAM Jaishankar informed that the Indian government has received multiple reports regarding incidents of violence against Hindus and other minorities, including attacks on their homes, businesses, and places of worship, which have occurred across Bangladesh.
