Washington, DC: The United States has unequivocally communicated to Bangladesh that it opposes the involvement of the government in violent responses to peaceful protests.
This declaration comes in the wake of a recent altercation between members of the Hindu community and law enforcement agencies in the port city of Chittagong, Bangladesh. The conflict was sparked by a Facebook post critical of ISKCON.
Upon inquiries regarding the reported crackdowns on protests and the treatment of minority groups in Bangladesh, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller reaffirmed the United States' stance on the right to peaceful assembly and its opposition to any governmental involvement in violent reactions to such demonstrations.
"I am unable to comment on private diplomatic exchanges at this time, but we have clearly conveyed our support for the right to peaceful protest to the government of Bangladesh, as we have to all nations globally," Matthew Miller stated during a press conference.
Earlier, India expressed its condemnation of the November 6 attacks on the Hindu community in Chittagong, Bangladesh, asserting that such actions would only serve to exacerbate tensions within the community.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, noted, "We have observed a series of attacks on the Hindu community in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Their properties and businesses have been subjected to looting following posts on social media that incited violence against Hindu religious organizations."
Jaiswal called upon the government of Bangladesh to take decisive action against "extremist elements" and to ensure the protection of the Hindu community.
He further stated, "It is understood that extremist groups are responsible for these posts and the ensuing criminal activities. Such incidents are likely to further inflame tensions within the community. We once again urge the Government of Bangladesh to implement robust measures to safeguard Hindus and to decisively confront extremist elements."
In Chittagong, the confrontation between the Hindu community and law enforcement escalated, culminating in a joint operation by police and army forces. According to the Bangla daily Prothom Alo, the operation was marred by the firing of blank shots.
