US and UN Condemn Violence Against Minorities in Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s crackdown on religious minorities under the regime of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has attracted international condemnation from the United States (US) and the United Nations (UN). The violence, which escalated following the launch of Operation ‘Devil Hunt’, has raised concerns about the safety and security of minority communities, particularly Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and others, within the country.

What is Operation ‘Devil Hunt’?

Launched in February 2025, Operation ‘Devil Hunt’ was a large-scale operation orchestrated by Bangladesh's interim government in response to violent clashes between anti-Sheikh Hasina supporters and local populations. The official statement from the Bangladesh Home Ministry outlined that the operation aimed to address terrorism in the region, especially after attacks on students in Gazipur.

Key Details of the Operation:

Purpose: To control law and order and suppress opposition against the regime.
Impact: Over 1,300 people were arrested, many of whom were opposition members and those linked to Sheikh Hasina’s political adversaries.
Controversy: Despite global condemnation, Bangladesh's government pledged to continue its crackdown on opposition groups and minority communities.

The operation has particularly affected religious minorities, leading to accusations of systemic persecution and violence, which the international community has not overlooked.

US Condemnation: Concerns Over Minority Rights and Extremism

The United States has been vocal in condemning the violence against minorities in Bangladesh, with US spy chief Tulsi Gabbard and the US State Department issuing statements that highlighted the ongoing persecution of religious communities.

US Reactions to Minority Persecution:

Tulsi Gabbard’s Statement: In an interview, Tulsi Gabbard emphasized that the violence faced by minorities in Bangladesh was linked to extremist ideologies, which aim to establish an Islamist caliphate. She stated that the US government, under President Donald Trump, continues to view the persecution of religious minorities as a central concern.
State Department’s Support for Bangladesh's Security Efforts: During a media briefing, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce affirmed that the US condemns violence and intolerance towards minorities in any country. However, she also acknowledged the steps taken by the Bangladesh interim government to ensure safety and security for all, noting that this is something the US would continue to monitor.

Key Points from the US Response:

The US condemned any form of violence or intolerance directed towards minority communities.
US officials welcomed the Bangladesh government’s efforts to ensure security, but they stressed that violence against religious minorities should be addressed.
Gabbard's remarks highlighted concerns over the broader issue of Islamic terrorism, which she linked to the violence faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh.
#WATCH | "We condemn any instances of violence or intolerance directed toward 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… pic.twitter.com/oxXgIL6BBW— ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2025

Bangladesh’s Response: Rejection of US Criticism

In stark contrast to the US condemnation, Bangladesh’s interim government has strongly rejected the allegations of minority persecution and violence. The government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, criticized Tulsi Gabbard’s remarks as misleading and damaging to the country’s reputation.

Bangladesh’s Official Rejection:

The Bangladesh government described the US statements as unfair and stated that they paint the entire nation in an unjustified manner.
The statement released by the government emphasized Bangladesh’s long-standing tradition of peaceful Islam and its efforts to combat extremism and terrorism.
Bangladesh further emphasized its cooperation with the international community, including the US, in tackling issues of extremism through law enforcement, social reforms, and counterterrorism measures.

The Bangladesh government continued to argue that the country’s handling of religious extremism and terrorism had been successful and that it had made significant progress in these areas.

UN’s Criticism: Human Rights Violations in Bangladesh

Alongside the US, the United Nations has expressed deep concern over the human rights violations occurring in Bangladesh, particularly the violent crackdown on protesters and minority groups.

UN Condemnation of Operation ‘Devil Hunt’:

The UN has labeled the violent repression of protesters and minorities as "crimes against humanity" and strongly condemned the actions of political leaders who allegedly issued orders to violently suppress dissent.
The UN’s condemnation came shortly after the Bangladesh government launched Operation ‘Devil Hunt’, which targeted opposition members and activists. According to the UN, the operation, which involved coordinated raids and arrests, violated international human rights standards and disproportionately impacted religious minorities, particularly Hindus and Buddhists.

The international body has reiterated that such practices not only harm minority communities but also tarnish Bangladesh’s reputation on the global stage.

The Growing Tension: US and Bangladesh Diplomatic Disputes

The diplomatic tension between Bangladesh and the US has intensified, particularly after Gabbard’s comments on religious extremism and minority persecution. While the US has voiced its concern, Bangladesh has rejected these remarks, further complicating bilateral relations.

Key Points from the Diplomatic Tensions:

After Gabbard’s comments, the White House sought to tone down its criticism and reaffirmed that it welcomed Bangladesh’s security efforts but would continue to monitor the situation.
The Bangladesh government’s office labeled the remarks as misleading, arguing that the nation’s fight against extremism and its promotion of inclusive Islam should not be overlooked.
Bangladesh also stressed that despite challenges posed by extremism, it had made significant strides in working with international partners to address these issues.

The International Focus: The Role of Global Powers

As the international community watches Bangladesh’s handling of religious minorities, it is evident that this issue has far-reaching geopolitical implications. The concerns over Islamic terrorism and religious intolerance are not isolated to Bangladesh but are part of a broader regional issue that involves several nations in South Asia.

Global Responses to Bangladesh’s Religious Issues:

The US continues to express concerns over the rise of extremism and the treatment of religious minorities in Bangladesh, with a clear focus on Islamic terrorism as a central issue of concern.
The UN’s condemnation highlights the global concern regarding human rights abuses and the importance of religious freedom.
The international community remains divided on how to address Bangladesh’s internal security concerns while ensuring the protection of minority rights.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Bangladesh’s Minority Communities

As tensions rise between the US, UN, and Bangladesh, the treatment of religious minorities in the country will likely remain a key area of international scrutiny. The ongoing Operation ‘Devil Hunt’ and its aftermath will continue to shape global perceptions of Bangladesh, with significant implications for the country’s diplomatic relations and internal stability.

Key Considerations for the Future:

International Diplomacy: Bangladesh’s relationship with global powers like the US and the UN will be tested as the country seeks to balance its security concerns with its international reputation.
Religious Freedom: The continued persecution of religious minorities remains a major human rights issue that the international community will likely continue to address.
Counterterrorism Efforts: Bangladesh’s success in combating extremism while ensuring the protection of minority communities will be a key factor in determining its future stability.

A Global Call for Religious Tolerance

Bangladesh’s ongoing political and religious turmoil, compounded by the violent crackdown under Operation ‘Devil Hunt’, has put the country in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. As the US and UN continue to voice their concerns about religious intolerance and human rights violations, Bangladesh’s government faces increasing pressure to find a balance between maintaining national security and protecting the rights of its diverse population. The outcome of this situation will have long-lasting implications for Bangladesh’s future and its relationships with the international community.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies