Last updated on August 29th, 2024 at 03:10 pm
The United States has expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in Bangladesh, which included attacks on religious and political groups.
“We reiterate our call for de-escalation on all sides and a return to calm. This is not a time for retribution or revenge,” the Spokesman said.
Bangladesh Of course, is undergoing a crisis like never before, after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country, where she had been in power for 15 years, following gargantuan protests that erupted partly in response to the deaths of more than 300 people over the past weeks in protests against a jobs quota scheme.
The HAF said in a statement: “The full extent of targeting of religious minorities in this unrest is not yet clear, but the situation is deeply concerning.
“These attacks are horrendous, yet sadly not surprising. It is well-documented that bangladesh’s Hindus had been victimized and harassed in parts of the country decades before the toppling of Sheikh Hasina’s government,” said Hindu American Foundation Director of Policy Research Anita Joshi.
“The Bangladesh Army is forming an interim government, and we urge local law enforcement and military leadership to ensure the safety of all religious minorities, protecting their homes, businesses, and places of worship during this turmoil,” Joshi added.
The HAF also impressed upon the US State Department the need to work with Bangladesh’s military leadership and interim government to guard religious minorities from violence as the troubled Bengal nation attempts to re-institute order.
