Indian-American body urges Biden, Trump to interfere

An Indian-American organisation has appealed to US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump to urge the Bangladesh government to safeguard the minority Hindu community in the country.

In separate letters to Biden and Trump, the Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) on Wednesday (27 November) expressed concern over the escalating violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh and the recent arrest of Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari.

Chinmoy Krishna was arrested on Monday in a sedition case and later denied bail by a court, triggering protests by community members in various locations, including the capital Dhaka and the port city of Chattogram.

Chinmoy Krishna was a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and was recently expelled.

Calling for an independent inquiry into the violence against minorities, Khanderao Kand, President and Chief of Policy and Strategy, FIIDS requested Biden to urge Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus to release Chinmoy, provide protection to minority communities and publicly commit to upholding secular principles.

"Bangladesh's progress as a democratic and inclusive society depends on safeguarding the rights of all its citizens. We trust that your leadership will champion these values and help restore hope for those who continue to face oppression and displacement," he said.

In his letter to Trump, Kand said, "As the incoming leader of the free world, you have the unique opportunity to prioritise the protection of vulnerable communities and reinforce America's commitment to religious freedom and human rights."

He urged Trump to appeal to the interim government to ensure Chinmoy' release, safeguard ISKCON's operations and protect minority communities from further violence and encourage Bangladesh to reaffirm its secular constitution and hold free and fair elections to restore democratic governance.

Source : The Hindu