An Indian-American pressure group has asked US President Joe Biden and President-Elect Donald Trump to urge the Bangladeshi government to take steps for the prevention of "violence against Hindus" in Bangladesh.
The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) sent two letters in this regard on November 27, in which the organization expressed concern over the acts of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and the recent arrest of Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, reported The Hindu.
Chinmoy was arrested on charges of sedition and denied bail by a court, which sparked protests in different parts of Bangladesh, including Dhaka and Chattogram, FIIDS wrote in their letters.
Chinmoy was an expelled member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
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 Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus to release Das, 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, including its most vulnerable populations. 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 prioritize 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 Das' 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.
