San Francisco: Amid growing outrage over the massive attacks on minority Hindus and their places of worship in Bangladesh, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has spoken to Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser to the interim government. During the talks, both expressed commitment to protect human rights in Bangladesh. "The two leaders expressed commitment to respect and protect the human rights of all people, regardless of their religion," the White House said in a statement of the conversation between Sullivan and Yunus.

What did America say?

Sullivan, the US National Security Adviser, reiterated American support for a prosperous, stable and democratic Bangladesh and offered his country's continued support in addressing the challenges facing the South Asian nation. The conversation came less than a month before the Biden administration hands over power to Donald Trump. Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20 next year.

People are appealing for help

Hindu Action said that disturbing reports of brutal attacks against Hindus continue to emerge, particularly in the last two weeks, as appeals for help come in from those affected on the ground. Utsav Chakravarti, executive director of Hindu Action, said that what has happened in Bangladesh over the last five and a half months clearly shows that 'Muhammad Yunus has failed to stop his colleagues in the Jamaat-e-Islami, who are now moving around the country, burning temples, killing people, raping women and imprisoning and torturing priests and leaders of the Hindu community.' 

It is necessary to impose a ban

Chakraborty said, 'As Congressman Thanedar has said, imposing sanctions on Bangladesh is a must for both our current administration and the incoming administration.' He said, 'It is important that we clearly chart a path for safe autonomous regions for Hindus, Buddhists and Christians within the borders of Bangladesh.'

Issue raised in Parliament

It is also worth noting that the conversation between Sullivan and Yunus has taken place at a time when recently, Indian-origin member of the US Congress (Parliament) Mr. Thanedar had raised the issue of attacks on minority Hindus in Bangladesh. Thanedar had said that now the time has come for the Parliament to take action on this matter. Thanedar had said in the lower house of the US Parliament, the House of Representatives, "The majority mob has destroyed Hindu temples, Hindu deities and Hindus who practice their religion peacefully." He had said, "Now the time has come for the US Congress and the US government to take action."