People of Bangladeshi-American Hindu, Buddhist and Christian communities in America have urged newly elected President Donald Trump to intervene regarding the ongoing atrocities against religious and ethnic minorities in Bangladesh.
Describing the threat of Islamic forces posing an “existential crisis” to the minority community, he has requested Trump for help in protecting them in Bangladesh.
Urging Trump to ensure the immediate release of Hindu saint Chinmoy Krishna Das, the group on Sunday said the threat of radicalization is growing in Bangladesh, which could have far-reaching implications not only in South Asia but also the rest of the world.
In a memorandum addressed to Trump, the group suggested linking Bangladesh’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations to the end of internal ethnic and religious persecution.
The memorandum also proposes a comprehensive Minority Protection Act to officially recognize minorities and indigenous groups, according to the press release.
According to the release, key recommendations include the establishment of protected areas for minority communities, separate electoral system for minorities and enacting laws against inciting crime and hate speech to protect religious practices and cultural heritage.
