The United States has expressed deep concern over the ongoing attacks on Hindu minorities and the destruction of temples in Bangladesh, with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan engaging in a call with Muhammad Yunus, the interim government’s Chief Adviser. This conversation comes amid increasing international outrage about the violence faced by Hindus in Bangladesh, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to protecting human rights for all citizens, regardless of their religion.

The US-Bangladesh Dialogue

On Monday, Jake Sullivan spoke with Yunus, highlighting the US’s firm stance on human rights, especially in regions facing religious persecution. According to a White House statement, both leaders reiterated their shared commitment to ensuring human rights for all individuals in Bangladesh, irrespective of their religious affiliation. The ongoing violence against Hindu minorities has prompted urgent calls from various quarters, particularly from members of the Indian American community.

Sullivan’s call comes less than a month before the administration transitions to Donald Trump, who is set to assume office as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2024. As the situation in Bangladesh grows increasingly volatile, the timing of these discussions underscores the Biden administration's resolve to address these human rights concerns before the transition.

US Legislators Demand Action

Indian American Democratic Congressman Shri Thanedar has been vocal in urging the White House to take stronger action on the issue, particularly regarding the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh. Last week, Thanedar called on the Biden administration to raise the issue with Bangladesh’s leadership, emphasizing that the United States, as a global advocate for human rights, must respond decisively to protect the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. Speaking to reporters at the US Capitol, Thanedar said, “The United States has a storied history of championing the oppressed, and this issue should be no different. When we receive a global call for help, we must respond appropriately.”

Thanedar further urged Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus to fulfill his promise of restoring peace and rebuilding Bangladesh based on equality and justice. The congressman’s comments reflect the growing frustration in the US over the government of Bangladesh's inability to control the escalating violence against Hindus.

The Role of Muhammad Yunus

While Jake Sullivan thanked Muhammad Yunus for his leadership during what he called a challenging period, the situation on the ground has continued to deteriorate. According to HinduAction, a grassroots organization advocating for the rights of Hindus in Bangladesh, disturbing reports of brutal attacks on Hindus have been coming in, especially over the past two weeks. The organization’s executive director, Utsav Chakrabarti, expressed concern over the continued violence, stating that Yunus has failed to contain the influence of Jamaat-e-Islami, a fundamentalist political group in Bangladesh that has been linked to the violence. Chakrabarti cited reports of temples being burned, people being killed, rape, and other forms of violence against Hindu community leaders and priests.

Calls for Sanctions and Safe Zones

In response to the ongoing violence, HinduAction has demanded that both the current and the incoming US administration consider sanctions on Bangladesh. This would be in line with the calls from Congressman Thanedar to hold the Bangladesh government accountable for failing to protect religious minorities. The organization has also proposed the establishment of safe autonomous zones for Hindus, as well as for other minorities, including Buddhists and Christians within Bangladesh.

The call for safe zones is part of a broader plea for the protection of religious freedoms and minority rights in Bangladesh, a country that is predominantly Muslim but is home to a significant number of Hindus, estimated at about 15 million. Chakrabarti emphasized the need for immediate international action to ensure that minority communities are not subjected to atrocities and that they can live without fear of violence.

The International Community’s Responsibility

The US response to these developments reflects a growing recognition that Bangladesh’s ability to maintain peace and security for all its citizens is at a critical juncture. The international community, particularly Western nations like the US, has long played a role in advocating for the protection of religious minorities around the world. The current crisis in Bangladesh calls for strong diplomatic engagement, as well as practical measures like sanctions or international pressure on Bangladesh’s leadership to take action to restore peace and uphold justice.

The situation in Bangladesh also highlights the broader global struggle for religious freedom and human rights, especially in countries where minority groups face systemic violence and persecution. The US, under both the Biden and Trump administrations, will need to decide how best to engage with Bangladesh in a way that pressures the government to take stronger actions to protect its Hindu minority and prevent further religious violence.

Conclusion

As the crisis in Bangladesh deepens, the role of the US government in advocating for human rights and the protection of religious minorities becomes ever more important. With Jake Sullivan speaking directly to Muhammad Yunus and Congressman Shri Thanedar pushing for stronger US intervention, there is growing momentum for the US to take a stronger stance in addressing the ongoing violence. Whether this leads to sanctions, the creation of safe zones, or other measures remains to be seen, but the focus is squarely on Bangladesh and the future of its religious minorities. The world is watching as Bangladesh faces this pivotal moment in its history.

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