LAGATAR24 DESK
Washington D.C.: Former US President Donald Trump, in a Diwali message on Thursday, condemned the recent violence faced by Hindus in Bangladesh, particularly in the aftermath of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure from office. Trump expressed solidarity with Hindu Americans, promising to safeguard them against “anti-religion agendas” and uphold their religious freedom.
In a post on X, Trump stated, “I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are being attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in chaos. It would have never happened on my watch.” This marks Trump’s first public statement on the Bangladesh situation.
Trump also criticized Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden for “ignoring Hindus globally and within the United States.” He added, “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!”
The former president extended Diwali wishes to Indians and pledged to reinforce US-India relations and support his “good friend, Prime Minister Modi.” Trump concluded, “Happy Diwali to All. I hope the Festival of Lights leads to the Victory of Good over Evil.”
Following Sheikh Hasina’s departure from Bangladesh in August amid escalating student protests, the country’s minority Hindu community has reported increased violence. The Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance reported attacks on Hindu temples and businesses across 200 locations in 48 districts, with hundreds reportedly killed in violence between July and August this year.