Bangladesh's 'Devil Hunt' Continues Against Minorities Despite US, UN's Condemnation

Dhaka: The United States (US) has condemned violence and intolerance towards minorities, a month after the United Nations (UN) opposed the atrocities being faced by Bangladeshi Hindus and other minorities in the country, under the Operation ‘Devil Hunt’ under Muhammad Yunus' regime.

US Condemns Violence, Intolerance Against Minorities

Condemning violence and intolerance towards minorities a month after Bangladesh launched the Operation Devil Hunt under Muhammad Yunus, Tulsi Gabbard, US Spy Chief, has issued a statement, and has welcomed measures taken by Bangladesh's interim government, to ‘ensure safety and security for all’. 

Also Read: What's The Controversy Over Tulsi Gabbard's 'Islamic Caliphate' Remark Amid Violence Against Bangladesh Hindus

At a media briefing, US Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said, “We condemn any instances of violence or intolerance directed towards members of minority communities in any country and have welcomed measures taken by Bangladesh's interim government to ensure safety and security for all in Bangladesh. That's what we're watching. That's what we expect. And that will be what continues.”

During her India visit, Tulsi Gabbard, while speaking with a news channel, had said, “The long-time unfortunate persecution and killing and abuse of religious minorities – Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Catholics and others – has been a major area of concern for the US government and President Trump and his administration. This continues to remain a central focus area of concern...with the threat of Islamist terrorists and...the global effort of these different groups that are rooted in their same ideology, their same objective, which is to rule and govern with an Islamist caliphate.”

‘Crimes Against Humanity’: UN on Crackdown on Bangladesh Protestors, Minorities

Last month, when Muhammad Yunus had launched Operation Devil Hunt against the minorities, the United Nations had spoken against it and had condemned the violence against the protestors; the UN had said that this would be included in ‘crimes against humanity'. The team at United Nations had also said that political leaders had issued directions to attack and ‘violently repress’ protestors who are against the government, like an official policy. 

Bangladesh's Operation ‘Devil Hunt’ Against Minorities

Operation Devil Hunt had been launched by the Bangladesh's Interim government in February this year, after clashes between anti- Sheikh Hasina supporters and local people. 

The statement issued by the Bangladesh Home Ministry said, “A meeting was held today (Saturday) with the coordination of law and order forces at the Ministry of Home Affairs in connection with the terrorist attacks on students in Gazipur last night. In the meeting, the decision was taken to conduct 'Operation Devil Hunt' with the coordination of joint forces to maintain the law and order situation in the respective areas and to bring the terrorists under the law.”

As part of the operation, over 1300 people were arrested and gangs connected to Sheikh Hasina regime, have been targeted. Despite opposition, Bangladesh had said that it would continue its crackdown on minorities and Hasina supporters.

(Inputs from AP, ANI)