Former U S Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Commissioner Johnnie Moore has expressed his shock over the Biden administration’s lack of attention to the plight of minorities in Bangladesh, describing it as an “existential threat” not only for the country’s minorities but also for the nation itself.
In an interview with ANI, Moore emphasised the alarming situation for religious minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh, calling for greater global advocacy for their rights.
Moore, who previously served as a Commissioner for the USCIRF, was highly critical of the U S administration under President Joe Biden, stating, “I am astonished that the current administration hasn’t been paying more attention to Bangladesh. But the fact of the matter is, that one of the reasons why there’s going to be a change of administration in the United States in just a few weeks is because the foreign policy of this administration has not paid attention to a lot of issues. That’s why there are more than 50 conflicts all around the world, more since World War II,” he said.
He noted that the incoming U S administration, led by President-elect Donald Trump, would approach global issues differently, including its stance on Bangladesh and religious freedom. “Donald Trump is coming to town in Washington DC and he’s coming to town with an incredible team of advocates for American values, that view countries like India as indispensable allies in shaping the future of the world,” he added.
Moore also outlined the role that the Indian-American community would play in shaping U S policy, asserting that the combination of Indian and American cultures could solve global challenges. He assured that religious freedom would remain a key priority for the Trump administration, noting, “I can assure you that religious freedom was the top human rights priority in the first Trump administration in the United States.”
“It was the driving force in many ways of our foreign policy. You’re going to see that again. You’re also going to see an alliance between the United States and India like the world has not yet comprehended. This will be the fact. Our second lady comes from an Indian American background,” he added.
Moore’s remarks come as Bangladesh faces increasing violence against its Hindu minority. The arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent Hindu leader, has further escalated tensions. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has expressed deep concern over these attacks, condemning the violence against Hindus and other minorities in the country. The Ministry also condemned the arrest of Das, a spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, and criticised the failure to act against the perpetrators of violence, while they continue to target Hindu homes, businesses, and places of worship.
Moore also called for stronger action from global human rights organisations, emphasising that the persecution of Hindus is often underreported. He pointed out that when the Hindu community faces persecution around the world, fewer people speak out about it, committing himself to doing the opposite. Moore urged the global community to raise its voice in solidarity with the oppressed.
His criticism comes amidst growing international pressure on Bangladesh to ensure the safety of its minority communities and protect their right to peaceful assembly and expression. The Indian government has also called on Bangladesh authorities to safeguard the rights and freedoms of religious minorities, stressing the importance of accountability in light of the escalating violence.