In the increasing attacks on minorities and unrest in Bangladesh, United States State Department’s Hindustani Spokesperson Margaret MacLeod expressed concerns over the country’s democracy and human rights.
Raising her concerns over the ongoing situation, the Spokesperson emphasised that the US desires to see the practice of a “healthy democracy” in Bangladesh where every individual’s human rights are protected.
While speaking to reporters on Thursday, the US official said, “America wants to see a healthy democracy for Bangladesh where the human rights of every person are safeguarded.” MacLeod added, “The news we are getting from Bangladesh right now is worrisome. We are observing the situation. We hope the people are able to live while following their faith.
The situation in Bangladesh remains volatile owing to the ongoing protests by Hindus and minority communities over recent attacks and harassment against them. Following a political upheveal, Bangladesh has witnessed chaos, further aggravated by increasing violence against minority communities following the arrest of a Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das over sedition charges and for allegedly disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag in Chittagong.
The atrocities against minorities, including Hindus, in Bangladesh has also sparked diplomatic tensions between New Delhi and Dhaka and India. Das, who is associated with the Sammilita Sanatani Jagaran Jote, was arrested in Dhaka on November 25. The arrest followed a complaint filed on October 31 by a local politician who accused him and others of disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag during a rally of the Hindu community.
Meanwhile, a Bangladesh court denied bail to Das and set January 2, 2025, as the next hearing date for Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Das. Das, who was once a member of ISKCON Bangladesh, will remain in jail on alleged sedition charges until next hearing. Chattogram Metropolitan Session Judge Saiful Islam set the new date for the hearing as the defence lawyer was absent from the court.
Following the arrest of Das, two more monks were arrested on November 29 in Bangladesh while they were returning after meeting Das. The two monks were identified as Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari.
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