File photo of US President Joe Biden | Photo credit: Reuters
President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh, and the United States will hold the country’s interim government accountable for ensuring protections for religious and ethnic minorities, the White House announced.
White House National Security and Communications Advisor John Kirby said the security situation in Bangladesh has become difficult following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“We have worked closely with the transitional government and strengthened the capacity of law enforcement and security agencies to meet this challenge,” Kirby said at a press conference on Thursday.
Hasina was ousted from her post as prime minister following large-scale anti-government protests in August.
Bangladesh has seen a spate of violence against Hindus and other minorities and attacks on temples in recent weeks.
“We have made it clear in our engagement with all leaders of Bangladesh that the protection of religious and ethnic minorities is of absolute importance, and the leaders of the transitional government have “We have repeatedly promised to provide security to all Bangladeshis, regardless of their ethnicity,” he said. Said.
“We want to hold them to that,” Kirby said in response to a question.
Over the past few weeks, Indian Americans have staged peaceful protests and marches in front of the White House and in several cities including Chicago, New York, SFO, Detroit, Houston, and Atlanta, calling out Mr. He appealed to people to help stop atrocities against American Americans. Bangladesh’s minority Hindu community.
Earlier in the day, Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi urged the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to address violence against minorities, primarily Hindus, in Bangladesh during Sen. Marco Rubio’s confirmation hearing as Secretary of State. requested members.
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Sen. Rubio to the top diplomatic post. The date for his confirmation hearing has not yet been announced.
“Amidst the turmoil in Bangladesh and continued targeted violence against Hindus and other minorities, he asked the members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to support the confirmation of Senator Rubio as the next U.S. Secretary of State. I urge you to directly address this crisis in future hearings.” Mr. Krishnamoorthi said.
march from the white house
Last weekend, scores of Indian-Americans marched from the White House to the U.S. Capitol over alleged attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.
Protesters raised slogans such as “We want justice” and “Protect Hindus,” urging the Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration to take steps to protect Hindus from Bangladesh’s new government. It also called for action to be taken against those responsible.
“The Hindu community of Bangladesh and the larger Hindu diaspora from the Indian subcontinent have supported the Hindu community in Bangladesh, especially in the Chittagong and Rangpur regions, and in some other parts of the country. “This is because it continues,” said Utsav Chakrabarti of Hindu Action.
issued – December 13, 2024 12:05 PM IST
