Bangladeshi American Groups Urge Trump to Intervene for Minorities and Free Iskcon Monk Chinmoy Krishna Das
In a dramatic escalation of concerns over the safety and rights of minorities in Bangladesh, Bangladeshi American organizations have called on President-elect Donald Trump to intervene, urging him to address the escalating persecution of religious minorities under the caretaker government of Muhammad Yunus. This appeal comes in the wake of the arrest of Iskcon monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is reported to be “seriously ill” while incarcerated. Activists and human rights groups argue that the situation in Bangladesh has reached a critical point, posing an “existential threat” to minority groups, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians.
Chinmoy Krishna Das Arrested on Sedition Charges
The immediate focus of these appeals is the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent figure in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) movement and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Shommilito Sanatan Jagaran Jote (BSSJJ), a group advocating for Hindu rights. Das was detained on November 25 at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, where he was accused of sedition after allegedly disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag. A Chattogram court rejected his bail petition, and the next hearing is scheduled for January 2, 2024.
The sedition charges stem from an incident in October when Das reportedly led a rally in the southern city of Chittagong, where he was accused of insulting the national flag—an allegation that many see as politically motivated. Human rights advocates argue that the charges are part of a broader campaign by the Yunus government to suppress dissent, particularly from religious minorities.
“Chinmoy Krishna Das Is Seriously Ill”
The situation has taken a concerning turn, as Das’s health reportedly continues to deteriorate in custody. According to the Bangladesh Shommilito Sanatan Jagaran Jote (BSSJJ), Chinmoy Krishna Das is “seriously ill” and not receiving adequate medical care while in prison. The group claims that he has been hospitalized twice during his detention, and his treatment under the current regime has been inadequate, exacerbating his condition. In response, the BSSJJ has called for public prayers for his recovery, asking temples across Bangladesh to hold special services on January 1, 2024, to pray for Das’s speedy recovery.
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCOP) has also condemned the government’s actions, calling for the immediate release of Das. “We strongly demand that President Trump use his influence to ensure the release of Chinmoy Krishna Das and secure his health and safety,” said a BHBCOP representative.
Trump’s Record on Bangladesh and Minority Rights
The call for intervention comes at a time when President-elect Donald Trump has publicly criticized the government of Muhammad Yunus, particularly regarding its treatment of religious minorities. During his campaign and subsequent election win, Trump condemned the escalating violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, especially Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists. In a Diwali message last year, Trump stated: “I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos.”
Bangladeshi American activists are hoping that Trump’s administration will take a stronger stance on the human rights abuses facing religious minorities in the South Asian nation. They argue that the U.S. government’s intervention is critical to stopping the trend of radicalization and sectarian violence in Bangladesh, which they fear could have far-reaching consequences not only for South Asia but globally.
Bangladesh Risks Radicalization, Warn Activists
The situation in Bangladesh has raised alarms among several groups. BHBCOP has warned that the country is at risk of descending into radicalization, fueled by growing Islamist forces and an increasingly authoritarian government under Yunus. If left unchecked, activists fear this could destabilize the region and contribute to the global rise of extremism.
The coalition of Bangladeshi American Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians is calling for an overhaul of the laws protecting religious minorities in Bangladesh. Their proposed reforms include the establishment of safe zones for minorities, a separate electorate for religious and ethnic groups, and stricter laws against hate crimes and hate speech. They also recommend that Bangladesh’s participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions be contingent on its improvement of human rights protections, particularly for religious minorities.
A Call for International Action
Bangladeshi American groups are seeking not only U.S. government intervention but also international support to address the worsening situation in Bangladesh. The proposed Minority Protection Act would officially recognize and protect religious minorities, ensuring their rights are upheld by the state. By highlighting the urgency of the situation, these groups are hoping to generate widespread attention and pressure both the Bangladeshi government and international bodies to take action.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
As the struggle for religious freedom intensifies in Bangladesh, the fate of Chinmoy Krishna Das serves as a focal point for the growing call for international intervention. With the U.S. administration now under Trump’s leadership, Bangladeshi American groups hope that their appeals will be met with action. Whether or not their voices will be heard remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the call for justice and the protection of minorities in Bangladesh is becoming a rallying cry for human rights advocates around the world.