“Bangladesh Failing Minorities: USCIRF Criticizes Yunus Government”
Former USCIRF Officer Criticizes Bangladesh’s Interim Government for Failing to Protect Hindus Johnny Moore, a former commissioner of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), has issued a scathing critique of the interim government in Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus. Moore raised alarm over the dire situation of Hindus and other religious minorities, emphasizing their growing sense of insecurity.
Speaking to ANI, Moore called the current environment in Bangladesh an “existential threat,” not only to the country’s minority populations but to the very fabric of its society. He underlined the essential role of any government in safeguarding vulnerable communities and lamented that this responsibility was being neglected.
- Arrest of Hindu Priest Sparks Global Concern.
- Bangladesh’s Religious Diversity Under Threat.
- Muhammad Yunus Faces Scrutiny for Leadership Failures.
- Call for Action: Learn from India and the US.
- ISKCON Stands in Solidarity.
- Leadership Accountability.
Arrest of Hindu Priest Sparks Global Concern.
The arrest of Hindu priest Chinmay Krishna Das has drawn global outrage, highlighting the deteriorating conditions for minorities in Bangladesh. Das was apprehended on questionable charges, a move Moore described as emblematic of the hostility and systemic discrimination faced by minority groups.
This incident escalated further when the lawyer defending Das was brutally killed amidst public protests. Moore pointed out that such events amplify the fear among minority communities, creating a perception that anyone could become a target. “The message is clear: if they can go after one of us, they can go after anyone,” he said.
Moore reiterated the solidarity of the global Christian community with Hindus in Bangladesh. He called for unified global action to ensure justice and protect religious freedom in the country.
Bangladesh’s Religious Diversity Under Threat.
Bangladesh has long been recognized as a Muslim-majority nation with a rich tapestry of religious diversity. However, Moore expressed concern that this diversity is increasingly under threat. “There is no minority in the country that does not feel endangered at this moment,” he said, highlighting the precarious situation faced by Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and other groups.
The arrest of a prominent Hindu religious leader and the violent consequences that followed have sent shockwaves through the global community. Moore warned that these actions undermine Bangladesh’s image as a tolerant and inclusive society.
Muhammad Yunus Faces Scrutiny for Leadership Failures.
Interim leader Muhammad Yunus faced sharp criticism from Moore, who accused him of failing to uphold the basic tenets of governance. Moore stated that Yunus’s inability to protect minorities and enforce the rule of law has left the Bangladeshi people without hope.
“As a leader, your first obligation is to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens,” Moore said. He expressed particular dismay over the government’s dismissive response to the crisis, which he described as both shocking and unacceptable. Moore also criticized the reported efforts by the Bangladeshi attorney general to remove the word “secular” from the constitution, calling it a move that could further alienate minorities and destabilize the country.
Call for Action: Learn from India and the US.
Moore urged the Bangladeshi government to seek guidance from countries like India and the United States, which, despite their challenges, have developed frameworks for managing religious diversity. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and learning from nations with pluralistic traditions.
“Bangladesh should seek advice from India and the US,” Moore said. “These nations, while not perfect, have found ways to navigate religious competition and coexist peacefully. Bangladesh must take this crisis seriously and work toward restoring trust and security for all its citizens.”
ISKCON Stands in Solidarity.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has also condemned the arrest of Chinmay Krishna Das. The organization described the charges against Das, which include sedition for allegedly mishandling the national flag, as baseless and politically motivated.
ISKCON officials warned that the mistreatment of minorities could have long-term consequences for Bangladesh’s standing in the international community. Moore echoed these sentiments, noting that continued discrimination risks isolating Bangladesh from its allies, particularly India. “Good relations with India, an economic and technological superpower, are crucial for Bangladesh’s future,” Moore stated.
Leadership Accountability.
Moore concluded his remarks by emphasizing the urgent need for leadership accountability in Bangladesh. He warned that the continued failure to protect minorities and uphold democratic values could lead to widespread instability.
“It’s not too late to correct this course,” Moore said. “But decisive action is needed now. The world is watching, and failure to act will have dire consequences for the country’s future.”
The responsibility, Moore believes, lies squarely with Muhammad Yunus and his administration. By taking immediate steps to address the crisis, Bangladesh can restore its reputation as a nation that values diversity and inclusivity.
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