Bangladeshi Americans call on Trump to safeguard religious minorities in Bangladesh

Bangladeshi American Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians call on President Trump to protect minorities in Bangladesh from ongoing violence

A coalition of Bangladeshi American Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians has appealed to President-elect Donald Trump to take action in protecting minority communities in Bangladesh, describing the current persecution of religious and ethnic minorities as an "existential threat" posed by Islamist forces. The group emphasized the urgency of securing the immediate release of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a monk who they claim has been unjustly imprisoned on sedition charges.

Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON leader, was detained on November 25 at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. He faces sedition charges for allegedly insulting the national flag, with a Chattogram court denying him bail and remanding him to custody. His case is scheduled for a hearing on January 2, 2025.

In their memorandum to Trump, the coalition recommended tying Bangladesh’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions to ending internal ethnic and religious persecution. They also proposed the establishment of a comprehensive Minority Protection Act to formally recognize minorities and indigenous tribes. Key measures suggested include creating safe havens, establishing a minority-only electorate, and enacting laws against hate speech and hate crimes to preserve cultural heritage and religious practices.

Religious leaders in Bengal demand an end to violence in Bangladesh

Muslim and Hindu religious leaders in West Bengal voiced concern over the situation in Bangladesh, urging an end to the persecution of the Hindu minority, especially women, and the restoration of peace and harmony.

At a meeting in Kolkata, members of the "Hindu Sanatani Sangathan" and the "All India Imams Organisation" condemned the attacks on minorities and their places of worship in Bangladesh. Faizen Munieer of the All India Imams Organisation stressed the need for all communities to practice their faith without fear, adding, "Reports of continued attacks against minorities in Bangladesh deeply sadden us. We demand an end to these hostilities and stand in solidarity with minority communities everywhere."

Munieer suggested engaging with the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety and security of minorities and proposed sending a peace delegation if both Indian and Bangladeshi authorities agreed.

Radharamn Das, Vice-President of ISKCON Kolkata, highlighted the frequency of such attacks in Bangladesh, noting that even women are targeted. "We are holding prayers for peace and an end to hostilities. The situation is dire, and we hope for immediate action to restore harmony," Das said.

The coalition and religious leaders emphasized the global implications of escalating radicalization in Bangladesh, calling for concerted efforts to protect vulnerable communities and foster lasting peace.