ADVERTISEMENTs
.png)
Bangladeshi Americans appeal Trump to protect minorities
The coalition wrote a memorandum to US President-elect Donald Trump.
.jpg)
A coalition of Bangladeshi American Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians came together to support the minority communities in Bangladesh / Courtesy Photo
A coalition of Bangladeshi American Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians has appealed to US President-elect Donald Trump, highlighting the alleged persecution of religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh. The coalition, composed of community leaders and organizations, has expressed concerns about the alleged violence and discrimination faced by minority communities, particularly Hindus, whom they describe as facing an “existential threat” from Islamist forces.
The letter to Trump was signed by Dwijen Bhattacharya, a Bengali language instructor at Columbia University; Bishnu Gopa, general secretary of the United States Unity Council; and advisor Dilip Nath. Additional support came from Liton Majumder, general secretary and Sanjay K. Saha, president of the Hindu Bengali Society of Florida; Bhajan Sarkar, president of United Hindus of the USA, and general secretary Ramdas Gharami; Paresh Sharma, president of the Jagannath Hall Alumni Association USA, and general secretary Sushil Sinha.
Since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government on Aug.5, violence against minorities has allegedly surged, leading to mass displacement and forcing tens of millions to flee the country. The coalition’s letter details alleged atrocities such as the burning of homes and businesses, desecration of temples, land seizures, torture, mass rape, forced conversion to Islam, and brutal killings.
The appeal to Trump emphasizes the urgency of the situation, calling for both immediate relief and long-term solutions to halt the alleged persecution.
Among their immediate demands is the release of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, who they assert has been falsely imprisoned on sedition charges. The coalition also urges the preservation of Bangladesh’s secular and democratic principles during constitutional revisions, which they view as critical to safeguarding minority rights.
.jpg)
A coalition of Bangladeshi American Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians came together to support the minority communities in Bangladesh / Courtesy Photo
The coalition proposes linking Bangladesh’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions to its progress in halting ethnic and religious cleansing. They also demand the prosecution of individuals named in the 2011 Judge Sahabuddin Commission Report for crimes against minorities. To counter Islamist influence, they advocate for allowing progressive political parties representing minorities and moderate Muslims to participate in upcoming elections.
For long-term solutions, the coalition recommends the implementation of a comprehensive Minority Protection Act. This act would officially recognize minorities and indigenous groups, establish safe zones, create a separate electorate for minorities, and introduce laws against hate crimes and hate speech. Judicial reforms, such as creating a Civil Rights Division in the Supreme Court and enacting laws to protect religious properties, are also proposed.
.jpg)
A coalition of Bangladeshi American Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians came together to support the minority communities in Bangladesh / Courtesy PhotoAdditionally, the leaders call for the establishment of a National Minority Commission, a Ministry of Minority Affairs, and community-specific foundations for Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians to support their development and safeguard their cultural heritage. They emphasize the need for legal protections against forced religious conversions and respect for traditional religious rights, including inheritance laws.
The coalition warns that without international intervention, Bangladesh risks descending into further radicalization, with dire consequences for the region.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
.jpg)
Video
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login