Indian American physician and community advocate Bharat Barai has strongly urged the international community to hold the Bangladeshi government accountable for the reported persecution of Hindus. Speaking at the Diwali celebrations in the US Capitol, Barai referenced a statement by President-elect Donald Trump from before the November elections, in which Trump condemned the violent attacks on Hindus, Christians, and other minorities in Bangladesh.
Trump’s statement described the violence as “barbaric” and expressed concern about the ongoing chaos in the country. Barai expressed confidence in Trump’s position on the matter and shared that Indian Americans are working with the incoming administration and members of Congress to demand action. He suggested that potential economic sanctions, particularly targeting Bangladesh’s garment industry, should be considered as a means of pressuring the government to take steps to protect its minority populations.
In addition, Barai called on the Indian government to engage with Bangladesh on the issue and to explore the possibility of implementing similar sanctions. He expressed hope that these actions would lead to a change in how the Bangladeshi government addresses the treatment of Hindus and other minority communities within its borders.
