During a press briefing on Wednesday, US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel emphasized the importance of continued diplomatic efforts in response to the escalating situation in Bangladesh. “While I won’t delve into private diplomatic discussions, we are persistently advocating for an end to violence, accountability, and respect for the rule of law in Bangladesh,” Patel stated.
The communication between the US and India comes in the wake of the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government. The US has engaged in discussions with its Indian counterparts and other nations in the region, reflecting a concerted international effort to stabilize the situation.
Patel also welcomed a recent statement by Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who called for peace and a cessation of the recent violence. “We commend the new government’s focus on restoring security and protecting minority communities,” Patel added.
Meanwhile, the Hindu American Foundation has urged the White House to take decisive action to safeguard the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. The foundation criticized the lack of response from top US officials, citing ongoing reports of violence against Bangladeshi Hindus. Washington-based NGO HinduACTion echoed these concerns, highlighting the particular vulnerability of Hindus in rural areas and calling for reforms to combat anti-Hindu sentiment in the country’s Madrassa curriculum.
The situation in Bangladesh remains a significant concern for both regional and global stakeholders, with continued efforts needed to ensure peace and security in the region.