USA (Commonwealth Union)_ As reports of growing persecution of Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh continue to surface, Indian-American leaders are intensifying their efforts to press the US government to take action. Spearheading this initiative is Dr. Bharat Barai, a well-known physician and advocate for human rights, who is calling for the US administration to impose economic sanctions on Bangladesh if the government does not halt its ongoing human rights abuses against Hindus. The campaign, gaining traction among Indian-American community leaders and US lawmakers, comes amid rising concerns over violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh. Over the past several years, incidents of damaging Hindu temples, attacks on religious festivals, and other forms of violence against Hindus have intensified, drawing widespread condemnation from international human rights organizations.
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Accordingly, Barai, who has long been an outspoken advocate for the rights of religious minorities, particularly Hindus in South Asia, is urging President-elect Donald Trump to use his political influence to address the situation. The initiative has received support from a growing number of Indian-American activists and US lawmakers, many of whom are planning to meet with the Trump administration and Congress early next year to press for a strong response to the ongoing persecution in Bangladesh. In a recent interview, Dr. Barai emphasized the urgent need to take action in response to the attacks on Hindus and the desecration of their sacred sites. He argued that the issue goes beyond human rights, stressing that it is fundamentally about safeguarding the essential values of freedom and religious tolerance.
Violence against Hindus in Bangladesh
The plight of Hindus in Bangladesh has become a matter of increasing international concern. Hindus, who make up around 8–10% of the population in the Muslim-majority country, have faced violence, harassment, and systemic discrimination for years. Reports of mobs attacking Hindu homes and temples, often during religious festivals, have been particularly alarming. The situation worsened in the lead-up to the November 2024 US elections, with various reports pointing to a sharp increase in attacks.
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Dr. Barai, who has been actively involved in advocacy for Hindu rights, believes that economic sanctions are a critical tool to bring about change. He argues that sanctions, particularly if they disrupt trade relations with the US, would significantly impact Bangladesh’s economy, heavily reliant on its garment industry. The garment sector accounts for approximately 80% of Bangladesh’s exports, making it a key driver of the nation’s economy. According to Barai, imposing sanctions would force the Bangladeshi government to reassess its policies toward minorities. However, the goal is not to harm the people of Bangladesh but to put enough pressure on the government to stop these human rights violations.
Garnering support from Trump and US lawmakers
Indian-American leaders have found an ally in President-elect Donald Trump, who has previously condemned the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. Speaking just days before the November 2024 elections, Trump denounced the attacks on Hindus, Christians, and other minorities in the country. He called the violence ‘barbaric’ and promised to take stronger action against such abuses. Trump said in a statement, “I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are being attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh”. He added, “This would have never happened under my administration. We will fight for the freedom and security of Hindus and all religious minorities, across the world and in America.”
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Barai, along with other Indian-American activists, has expressed optimism that Trump’s administration will take tangible steps to address the issue. More than two dozen US lawmakers, along with Indian-American community leaders, have also joined the cause, pushing for sanctions and urging the US government to hold the Bangladeshi regime accountable. According to Barai, Indian Americans are mobilizing across the country. He further noted that they are working closely with members of Congress to ensure that this issue is front and center in Washington, D.C.
The role of the Bangladesh government
The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been the subject of increasing international criticism due to its failure to protect religious minorities. Critics argue that the Bangladeshi government, which has been in power for over a decade, has either ignored or enabled the persecution of Hindus. Some even allege that the military has played a significant role in maintaining the status quo, further complicating the situation. Barai has also raised concerns about the growing influence of the military in Bangladesh’s political system. He claims that the country’s caretaker government, led by Muhammad Yunus, is effectively a puppet regime controlled by the military. Barai asserted, “It is really the army that is in control of the country”.
Calls for Indian government action
In addition to lobbying the US government, Dr. Barai has also called on the Indian government to take a stronger stance against Bangladesh. He suggested that India should consider imposing its own sanctions if the situation does not improve. He said, “If they keep harassing Hindus and minorities, India should also impose sanctions on them”. Furthermore, Indian-American leaders are optimistic that pressure from both the US and India will compel the Bangladeshi government to reassess its strategy and cease its persecution of religious minorities. Dr. Barai noted that he will continue to fight for the freedom and dignity of all religious communities in Bangladesh. The coming months will likely see increased diplomatic activity as Indian-American leaders press for stronger action, with the Trump administration’s stance on religious freedom potentially playing a pivotal role in shaping the response to this ongoing crisis.
