The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS), an Indian-American advocacy group, has called on U.S. leaders to address the escalating violence against minorities in Bangladesh. In separate letters to President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, the organization raised serious concerns over the safety of minority groups, particularly Hindus, in the country.
Khanderao Kand, President of FIIDS, wrote to Donald Trump, urging him to take action against the rising radicalization of Bangladesh. He said, “Bangladesh is rapidly becoming a radicalized Islamic state, with this happening under the watch of the US, the State Department, and the UN. Immediate action is required to restore democracy and protect minorities. I request President Biden to prioritize this issue, and I also urge President Trump and his transition team to do the same.”
In his letter to President Biden, Kand stressed the importance of protecting vulnerable populations for the democratic future of Bangladesh. He said, “Bangladesh’s development as a democratic and inclusive nation depends on safeguarding the rights of all its citizens, especially those most at risk. We trust that your leadership will help restore hope for those enduring oppression and displacement.”
Violence Against Hindus on the Rise
FIIDS highlighted over 200 reported incidents of violence against Bangladesh’s Hindu minority since August 5, when tensions escalated after the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government. Many of these attacks targeted religious sites, including Hindu temples.
Protests Erupt Following Arrest of Hindu Leader
The arrest of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges has further fueled unrest in the country. Das, who was arrested earlier this week, was denied bail by a Bangladeshi court, sparking protests in cities like Dhaka and Chattogram. Demonstrators have demanded his immediate release and stronger protections for minority communities.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has also expressed concern over the situation, calling on Bangladeshi authorities to take decisive action to ensure the safety and security of minorities.
Growing Alarm Over Radicalization
FIIDS raised alarm that Bangladesh is increasingly leaning toward radicalization, with international bodies like the US, the State Department, and the UN failing to intervene. The organization warned that the ongoing violence could destabilize the region and tarnish Bangladesh’s reputation as an inclusive society.
Global Call for Action
FIIDS has appealed to global leaders, including the US and international organizations, to take immediate action to address the worsening situation in Bangladesh. Their calls for action focus on restoring democracy, protecting minority communities, and ensuring Bangladesh remains an inclusive and democratic state.
These letters reflect the growing concerns of the Indian diaspora, calling for a united international effort to protect the rights and freedoms of Bangladesh’s minority populations.