Bangladeshi Americans Call on Trump to Safeguard Minority Rights
Washington, Dec 30 (PTI) – In light of escalating violence against religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh, a coalition of Bangladeshi American Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians has appealed to President-elect Donald Trump to take decisive action to protect these vulnerable communities. The group has labeled the situation as an “existential threat” posed by Islamist forces.
The coalition has specifically called for the immediate release of monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, whom they claim is unjustly detained on sedition charges. They warned that Bangladesh’s potential slide into radicalization could have significant repercussions not only for South Asia but globally.
Chinmoy Krishna Das, previously associated with ISKCON, was apprehended at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on November 25. His bail plea was denied by a Chattogram court, which remanded him to custody over allegations of sedition linked to disrespecting the national flag. The case is scheduled for a hearing on January 2, 2025.
In a memorandum to Trump, the coalition suggested that Bangladesh’s involvement in UN peacekeeping missions be contingent upon halting internal ethnic and religious persecution. They also proposed a Minority Protection Act to officially recognize minorities and indigenous groups. Key recommendations included creating safe enclaves, establishing a separate electorate for minorities, and enacting laws against hate crimes and hate speech to safeguard religious and cultural practices, according to a media release.
Category: International Politics
