US Urges Bangladesh to End Violent Crackdowns on Peaceful Protests

Washington: United States has clarified to Banglesh that it does not support government involvement in violent crackdowns on peaceful protests. This statement follows a recent clash between members of Hindu community and law enforcement forces in Banglesh's port city of Chittagong, triggered by a Facebook post criticising ISKCON. 

When questioned about reported crackdowns on protests and situation of minorities in Banglesh, US State Department spokesperson Matw Miller reiterated that US supports 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 me it clear to government of Banglesh, as we do to countries around world, that we support right to peaceful protest and that no government should engage in violent crackdowns on peaceful demonstrations," Matw Miller stated during a press briefing. 

Earlier, India condemned November 6 attacks on Hindu community in Chittagong, Banglesh, asserting that such actions would only heighten tensions within community. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, dressing weekly media briefing in New Delhi, said, “We have observed that re have been attacks on Hindu community in Chittagong, Banglesh. ir properties and business establishments have been looted following incendiary posts on social media targeting Hindu religious organisations.” 

Jaiswal urged Banglesh government to take firm action against "extremist elements" and to ensure safety of Hindu community. He ded, “It is understood that extremist elements are behind se posts and subsequent illegal, criminal activities. Such incidents are bound to create furr tensions in community. We once again urge Government of Banglesh to take strong measures to ensure safety of Hindus and act decisively against extremist elements.” 

Notably, in Chittagong, clash between Hindu community and law enforcement forces escalated, leing to an operation by joint police and army forces. According to Bangla daily Prothom Alo, blank shots were also fired during operation.