'Protecting Human Rights': US NSA Jake Sullivan Urges Yunus To Protect Bangladesh Minorities Amid Violence Against Hindus

Amid escalating global concern over attacks on minority Hindus and their places of worship in Bangladesh, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan held a discussion with Bangladesh's interim government Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, on 23 December. The call focused on safeguarding human rights in the troubled South Asian nation.

“Both leaders expressed their commitment to respecting and protecting the human rights of all people, regardless of religion,” stated the White House in its official readout of the conversation. 

The violence in Bangladesh has drawn sharp criticism globally. Indian American Democratic Congressman Shri Thanedar recently urged the White House to strongly address the issue with Bangladesh's interim leadership. 

Thanedar emphasised the urgency of raising concerns over the ongoing violence against Hindus, including killings, temple destruction, and atrocities targeting priests and community leaders.

During the call, Sullivan acknowledged the challenges faced by Bangladesh and expressed appreciation for Muhammad Yunus's leadership during this turbulent period. However, Yunus’s ability to manage the escalating situation is under intense scrutiny.

Utsav Chakrabarti, Executive Director of HinduACTion, condemned the ongoing violence, citing it as a failure of Yunus's leadership. "What has happened in the last five and a half months in Bangladesh clearly reflects that Muhammad Yunus has failed to contain his allies in the Jamaat-e-Islami, who are now running around the country, burning temples, killing people, raping women, and indulging in atrocities against priests and leaders from the Hindu community by incarcerating them,” said Chakrabarti.

The violence against minority Hindus, attributed to radical elements associated with Jamaat-e-Islami, has raised questions about the interim government's ability to uphold law and order and protect its minority citizens.

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