Trump Condemns Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh
In the wake of escalating attacks on religious minorities in Bangladesh following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump has voiced strong condemnation, describing the situation in the country as being in a “total state of chaos.”
In a Diwali message shared on the social media platform X, Trump expressed outrage over the violence, stating, “I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are under attack in Bangladesh.” He remarked that such violent episodes “would never have happened on my watch” and directed criticism at the current U.S. administration, accusing it of neglecting the global Hindu community. “Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus across the world and in America,” he said, pledging to “Make America Strong Again and bring back Peace through Strength.”
Trump’s message also included a commitment to protecting Hindu Americans from what he described as the radical left’s “anti-religion agenda.” He emphasized his plans to deepen ties with India, notably with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he referred to as his “good friend.” Trump contrasted his economic track record with that of Vice President Kamala Harris, claiming that her policies, which he criticized for raising taxes and regulations, harmed small businesses. “In contrast, I cut taxes, reduced regulations, unleashed American energy, and built the greatest economy in history. We will do it again, bigger and better than ever before — and we will Make America Great Again,” he declared.
Religious freedom, a hallmark of Trump’s political ideology, was also a key focus in his statement. Trump asserted that under his leadership, the United States would adopt a more robust approach to defending religious minorities both domestically and internationally, especially in regions like South Asia where the persecution of religious groups, particularly Hindus, is on the rise.
India has echoed Trump’s condemnation, with the government strongly denouncing the attacks on Hindu temples and communities in Bangladesh. The Indian government has called for enhanced protections for religious minorities in Bangladesh, expressing deep concern for the safety and well-being of Hindus in the country. Reports from the region indicate that, since the ousting of the Hasina government in August, there have been over 205 incidents of attacks on Hindus across 52 districts. To address the growing crisis, the Bangladeshi authorities have set up an interim hotline to encourage citizens to report incidents involving minority groups and institutions.
Human rights organizations have also raised alarms about the rising tide of religious intolerance in Bangladesh. Many have called for urgent action to ensure the protection of religious minorities and for those responsible for the violence to be held accountable. These groups warn that the ongoing attacks are part of a larger pattern of religious persecution in South Asia, which has seen an alarming surge in recent years.
The recent violence in Bangladesh underscores the vulnerability of religious minorities in the country, which has been facing political turmoil following the change in leadership. The instability has created a volatile environment where religious intolerance is flourishing, leaving communities at risk. Observers are urging the international community to act swiftly, calling for a coordinated response to prevent further violence and to ensure the safety of all religious groups, irrespective of their faith.
The situation in Bangladesh has prompted widespread international concern, with calls for stronger diplomatic efforts to address the issue of religious persecution in the region. As the attacks continue, it is clear that a global, united approach is necessary to bring about lasting peace and protect the rights of minority communities facing escalating violence and discrimination.
