The United States expresses deep concern about ongoing violence in Bangladesh, including attacks against members of religious or political groups.
“We are deeply concerned by reports of continued violence in Bangladesh – including against members of religious or political groups. We are equally concerned by reports of violence against police and law enforcement agencies,” a State Department spokesperson told PTI on Tuesday.
“We reiterate our call for all parties to de-escalate tensions and return to peace. This is not the time for retaliation or revenge,” the spokesperson said in response to a question. “As a friend and partner of the Bangladeshi people, the United States will continue to support Bangladesh’s democratic aspirations and promote respect for human rights for all,” the spokesperson said.
Bangladesh is going through an unprecedented crisis where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was in power for 15 years, resigned from her post and fled the country after protests against a job quota scheme turned into a massive movement against her and her government. More than 300 people have been killed during the past few turbulent weeks.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) said incidents of vandalism, and in some cases setting ablaze, of Hindu temples were reported from across Bangladesh.
Although it is not yet clear to what extent religious minorities are being targeted in this widespread unrest, the picture is extremely worrying, HAF said in a statement.
Anita Joshi, HAF’s director of policy research, said, “These attacks are heartbreaking, but not surprising. It is well documented that Bangladesh’s Hindu population had been targeted and harassed in parts of the country for many years, even before the toppling of Sheikh Hasina’s government.”
Mr Joshi said, “As the Bangladesh Military is reportedly forming an interim government, we urge local law enforcement and military leadership to ensure the safety of all religious minorities in Bangladesh, and protect their homes, businesses and places of worship during this time of turmoil.”
“HAF also calls on the US Department of State to work closely with Bangladesh’s military leaders and interim government to immediately protect religious minorities in the country from violence as the country seeks to restore order,” Mr Joshi said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
