“A moment of existential threat not only to Bangladesh’s minorities but to the entire country: Former USCIRF commissioner criticizes Yunus government”

Johnny Moore, former commissioner of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), expressed concern over the global silence on the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh.

Speaking to ANI, Moore said, “Human rights organizations and religious freedom organizations demand to raise their voice for every other right. I feel that many times when the Hindu community is persecuted around the world, unfortunately very few people speak about it. I am committed to doing just the opposite. I am calling on the world’s human rights and religious freedom organizations to do the same.

“When Muhammad Yunus came as the interim leader of the country, he/she made promises related to democracy, rule of law and all the values ​​that are cherished by the West and our international institutions. This is a moment of existential threat not only for the minorities of Bangladesh but for the entire country. “This is a call to advocate for human rights and religious freedom of speech.”

Moore also said that the current US administration under Joe Biden has not paid enough attention to Bangladesh and this will change under Trump.

“I am surprised that the current administration is not paying more attention to Bangladesh. But the fact is that one of the reasons there is a change of administration in the United States in just a few weeks is that this administration’s foreign policy has not addressed many issues. That’s why there have been more than 50 conflicts around the world, the most since World War II. But I can also tell you, Donald Trump is coming to the city of Washington DC and he/she is coming to the city with an incredible team of advocates for American values ​​who will help countries like India shape the future of the world. See us as indispensable allies,” he/she said. Said.

Moore’s comments come in the backdrop of the arrest of priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, spokesperson of Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jot.

Earlier, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) had also expressed solidarity with Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested on sedition charges for allegedly hoisting the flag on a stand displaying the national flag of Bangladesh .

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also condemned the ‘unjust’ arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and demanded his/her ‘immediate release’.

“A senior leader of the Sanatan Dharma community has been unjustly arrested, and I demand his/her immediate release. Temples have been set on fire in Chittagong. Earlier, mosques, shrines, churches, monasteries and homes of the Ahmadiyya community were attacked, vandalized, looted and burnt. Religious freedom and security of all communities must be ensured, Sheikh Hasina said in a statement.

The Foreign Ministry also reacted to the arrest on Tuesday and urged the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety of Hindus.

“We have expressed deep concern over the arrest and denial of bail to Mr. Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote,” the statement said.

“This incident follows several attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. “There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minority homes and business establishments as well as theft and vandalism and desecration of deities and temples,” the statement said.