Indian Americans are mobilising efforts to engage the incoming Trump administration and Congress in a bid to secure action against the Bangladeshi regime over alleged persecution of Hindu minorities. Influential community leader Dr Bharat Barai has suggested that these efforts could include imposing economic sanctions on the South Asian nation.
Calls for Action Against Persecution
Dr Barai, a prominent Indian American physician, expressed optimism that President-elect Donald Trump, set to assume office as the 47th President of the United States, would take decisive measures to address the situation in Bangladesh. “He has made a bold statement about the persecution of Bangladeshi Hindus and the desecration of Hindu temples,” Barai stated in an interview with PTI. “He’s a bold person who might consider economic sanctions if the situation doesn’t improve.”
Barai’s remarks come in the wake of Trump’s condemnation of violence targeting Hindus, Christians, and other minorities in Bangladesh. Trump criticised what he described as the “barbaric violence” and pledged to bring “peace through strength” under his administration.
Economic Leverage as a Tool
Speaking during the annual Diwali celebrations at the US Capitol, attended by over two dozen lawmakers and Indian American leaders, Barai emphasised the potential impact of targeting Bangladesh’s garment exports, which account for 80% of the country’s economy.
“If their garment exports are cut off, what will the people of Bangladesh eat?” Barai asked, alleging that the current caretaker government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is merely a puppet controlled by the military. He asserted that the military wields significant influence over the country’s affairs, despite a façade of civilian governance.
Barai expressed hope that economic pressure could compel the Bangladeshi regime to halt the persecution of Hindus and other minorities. “We, as Hindu Americans, will also plead with Congress to act if Bangladesh does not straighten out,” he said.
Indian Government’s Role
Dr Barai also urged the Indian government to take a firmer stance on the issue, suggesting that India consider imposing its own sanctions if the harassment of Hindus and other minorities persists. “If they keep harassing Hindus and minorities, India should also impose sanctions on them,” he asserted.
Trump’s Commitment to Hindu Americans
Trump, in a statement issued shortly before the November general elections, reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Hindu Americans and their religious freedoms. He also criticised the current US administration, led by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, accusing them of neglecting Hindus globally and domestically.
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“It would have never happened on my watch,” Trump declared, referencing the violence in Bangladesh. “Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus across the world and in America. They have been a disaster from Israel to Ukraine to our own Southern Border, but we will Make America Strong Again and bring back Peace through Strength.”
Concerns Over External Influence
Barai highlighted growing concerns within the Indian American community about alleged external interference in South Asian politics, including the overthrow of democratically elected governments in countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan.
“Even among the Muslims now, there is a split. Some think that the Democrats engineered this coup in their countries, both Pakistan as well as Bangladesh,” he said. He also pointed to figures such as George Soros and Pierre Omidyar, suggesting their involvement in broader efforts to undermine Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership while bolstering opposition figures like Rahul Gandhi.
Frustration with Leftist Ideologies
Barai expressed frustration with what he described as the “ultra-leftist woke lobby,” accusing them of fostering division and undermining religious freedoms. He voiced hope that their influence would either diminish or be contained, adding, “I hope they will come to their senses or be put in their proper place.”
Broader Implications
The calls for US sanctions and Indian action underscore the rising concern among Indian Americans regarding the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh. As the Trump administration takes shape, its approach to South Asia will likely come under scrutiny, particularly in light of these appeals.
Whether through economic measures or diplomatic pressure, the coming months may prove critical in shaping the trajectory of US-Bangladesh relations, with implications for regional stability and minority rights in South Asia.
