Tarar emphasized that Trump is closely monitoring the situation, particularly following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August, which sparked protests and allegations of regular attacks on the minority Hindu community.
US President-elect Donald Trump is expected to take a strong stance on alleged human rights violations against Hindus in Bangladesh, according to Sajid Tarar, head of the “Muslims for Trump” organisation and a key supporter of Trump.
In an interview with PTI, Tarar emphasized that Trump is closely monitoring the situation, particularly following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August, which sparked protests and allegations of regular attacks on the minority Hindu community.
With Hindus comprising about 8% of Bangladesh’s population, Tarar suggested Trump’s administration would likely address these concerns directly.
Turning to Pakistan, Tarar clarified that Trump has no personal relationship with former Prime Minister Imran Khan, refuting claims by certain political groups, PTI reported.
While Trump hosted Khan at the White House during his presidency, Tarar underscored that Trump would not interfere in Pakistan’s judicial matters to influence Khan’s legal challenges.
However, he acknowledged that Trump might have a “soft corner” for Khan.
Tarar also pointed to Trump’s broader foreign policy priorities, including strengthening ties with India and rebuilding the Pentagon.
While maintaining a pragmatic approach to Pakistan due to its strategic location, Trump is expected to reassess US foreign policy across South Asia. Tarar described Trump’s second term as a turning point for both the US and global politics.
Bangladesh extends army’s magistracy power
The Bangladeshi interim government has extended the magistracy power given to commissioned army officers for another two months.
An official notification published by the Ministry of Public Administration on Saturday said their jurisdiction for exercising magistracy power will encompass all of Bangladesh.
The ministry issued a circular in this regard on Friday stating officers on deputation to Bangladesh Coast Guard and Border Guard Bangladesh will also be able to exercise magistracy power, reports Xinhua news agency.
Earlier on September 17, the government empowered only commissioned officers of the Bangladesh Army with executive magistrate authority for 60 days. An officer with magistracy power can arrest and send an individual to jail. In self-defence, the officer can open fire.
Later, on September 29, the government empowered commissioned officers of the Air Force and Navy with executive magistrate authority to help maintain law and order.
On August 5, the then Sheikh Hasina government was toppled. Three days later, on August 8, an interim government was formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus. Despite the formation of the interim government, army personnel remain deployed across the country to firmly tackle the anarchic situation.
Biden admin clarifies stance
The United States has clarified to Bangladesh that it does not support government involvement in violent crackdowns on peaceful protests.
This statement follows a recent clash between members of the Hindu community and law enforcement forces in Bangladesh’s port city of Chittagong, triggered by a Facebook post criticising ISKCON.
When questioned about the reported crackdowns on protests and the situation of minorities in Bangladesh, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated that the US supports the right to peaceful protest and opposes any government engagement in violent responses to such demonstrations.
“I’m not going to speak to private diplomatic engagements from here, but we have made it clear to the government of Bangladesh, as we do to countries around the world, that we support the right to peaceful protest and that no government should engage in violent crackdowns on peaceful demonstrations,” Matthew Miller stated during a press briefing.
Earlier, India condemned the November 6 attacks on the Hindu community in Chittagong, Bangladesh, asserting that such actions would only heighten tensions within the community.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, addressing the weekly media briefing in New Delhi, said, “We have observed that there have been attacks on the Hindu community in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Their properties and business establishments have been looted following incendiary posts on social media targeting Hindu religious organisations.”
Jaiswal urged the Bangladesh government to take firm action against “extremist elements” and to ensure the safety of the Hindu community.
He added, “It is understood that extremist elements are behind these posts and the subsequent illegal, criminal activities. Such incidents are bound to create further tensions in the community. We once again urge the Government of Bangladesh to take strong measures to ensure the safety of Hindus and act decisively against extremist elements.”
Notably, in Chittagong, the clash between the Hindu community and law enforcement forces escalated, leading to an operation by joint police and army forces. According to the Bangla daily Prothom Alo, blank shots were also fired during the operation.
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