Bangladeshi Americans, Buddhists, and Christians have urged the US President-elect Donald Trump to secure immediate release of arrested Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das. They have also requested for Trump’s intervention ongoing atrocities against religious and ethnic minorities in the country.In a memorandum sent to Trump, the group proposed connecting Bangladesh’s involvement in United Nations peacekeeping missions on the end of internal ethnic and religious persecution. The memorandum also called for the creation of a comprehensive minority protection act to formally recognize minorities and indigenous groups. Key suggestions included the establishment of safe zones, a separate electorate for minorities, and the introduction of laws to combat hate crimes and hate speech, all aimed at safeguarding religious practices and cultural heritage, as stated in a media release.Das, a former Iskcon leader, was imprisoned on November 25. He was later sent to jail by a Chattogram court, which rejected his bail petition. Das is facing charges of sedition for allegedly insulting the national flag. The case is set to be heard in court on January 2, 2025.
Bangladeshi Americans urge Donald Trump to secure Chinmoy Krishna Das’s release, protect minorities
