USA (Commonwealth Union)_ A coalition of Bangladeshi American Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians has issued a formal appeal to US President-elect Donald Trump, urging him to take decisive action to safeguard religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh. The group, alarmed by the escalating violence against these communities, has raised grave concerns over the growing threats posed by Islamist forces, which they describe as an existential threat to the minority populations in the country. In their letter to Trump, the coalition highlighted several incidents of increasing persecution and violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, especially targeting Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. These communities have reportedly been subjected to physical assaults, forced conversions, and the destruction of religious sites. The group emphasized that this situation is not only a humanitarian crisis but also a destabilizing force within the broader South Asian region.
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One of the most pressing issues highlighted in the memorandum is the case of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a monk and former leader of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), who was arrested in Dhaka on November 25, 2024. Das faces sedition charges after allegedly insulting the Bangladeshi national flag at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Despite his arrest, which has sparked widespread outrage among his followers and human rights activists, the Chattogram court has denied him bail. A hearing for his appeal is set for January 2, 2025. The coalition has called for Trump’s intervention to help secure Das’s release and address the broader issue of religious persecution in the country. The group also warned of the growing radicalization in Bangladesh, stressing that the consequences could extend far beyond its borders, affecting neighboring countries and global peace. They urged the international community, particularly the United States, to take stronger steps to prevent the further deterioration of religious freedom and ensure the protection of minorities.
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To address these concerns, the coalition has proposed a series of recommendations in their memorandum to Trump. Among the key suggestions is the establishment of a comprehensive Minority Protection Act, aimed at creating legal frameworks to protect the rights of religious minorities. The coalition also called for the creation of safe havens for persecuted communities, particularly in areas where violence is most widespread. Furthermore, the group also proposed the formation of a minority-only electorate, which would allow members of these communities to have a voice in the political process and protect their interests in the face of rising persecution. They also advocated for the enactment of laws against hate speech and hate crimes, which would ensure that any attacks on the cultural heritage or religious practices of minorities would be met with strong legal repercussions.
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As concerns over religious persecution in Bangladesh continue to mount, neighboring India has echoed similar calls for action. Leaders from Kolkata, representing the Hindu Sanatani Sangathan and the All India Imams Organisation, expressed their solidarity with Bangladeshi minorities during a recent meeting. The religious leaders unanimously condemned the violence targeting religious sites, particularly the destruction of Hindu temples and the assault of women. Furthermore, Faizen Munieer, a prominent leader from the All India Imams Organisation, expressed his deep concern for the safety of minorities in Bangladesh, stating, “Every community should have the right to practice its religion without intimidation. Reports of attacks against minorities in Bangladesh are very alarming. We stand for the rights of every minority member everywhere.”
The religious leaders also offered to mediate between the Indian and Bangladeshi governments to facilitate dialogue on ensuring the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh. They proposed sending a peace delegation to the country, provided both governments are open to the initiative. Accordingly, Radharamn Das, Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata, added, “The situation is very disturbing. Even women are not immune to such brutal attacks. We pray for peace and for it to come to an end.” Furthermore, as tensions rise and the situation grows more dire, the coalition of Bangladeshi Americans and religious leaders in India remain hopeful that international pressure will compel the Bangladeshi government to take immediate steps to address the violence and protect the vulnerable minority communities. They stress the need for swift action to prevent further bloodshed and to restore peace in the region. The appeal to Trump marks a critical moment in the ongoing struggle to secure religious freedom in Bangladesh, and it remains to be seen how the former president and the US government will respond to the urgent call for action.
