S M Akash: In response to the letter of six American congressmen on May 25 this year, the representatives of the Hindu minority community in Bangladesh rejected the demands of those six American congressmen. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISCON) has sent a letter to US President Joe Biden in response to the letter signed by Leelaraj Guru Das Brahmachari, president of the Mandir.
When asked about the letter sent to the US President, Leelaraj Guru Das Brahmachari said, “We are writing to US President Joe Biden that the claim made by six biased US Congressmen is completely false. It is for your information that the allegations made in the letter are baseless and fabricated. The claim should be considered as pure fraud and it was made to do something better including creating a threat to the existing communal harmony in Bangladesh. In fact since 2008 the Bangladesh Awami League under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina has been in the minority
The community is living in harmony.
It is not intended to deny that there have been no incidents of communal disharmony, but the fact is that there have been some isolated incidents of communal disharmony where the government has responded promptly and decisively by taking drastic measures to deal with such problems and has tried its best to resolve them by taking appropriate preventive measures. .
We strongly protest the biased assessment of minority community groups by US Congressmen. There is no truth to the claim in the letter that the Hindu population has halved since Sheikh Hasina came to power. This is not only an absurd baseless claim, but also presents a huge misconception. We hereby call upon Mr. President of the United States to directly reject the false and fabricated statements in the letter of those biased Congressmen.
Leelaraj Guru Das Brahmachari also said that during the rule of Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina, the Hindus of Bangladesh
Here we provide you some valid statistics about the remarkable benefits that the community has experienced.
The Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League’s slogan Dharma Jaar Jaar, Utsav Shobar (Religion like itself, but the festival is the same for all) has set a precedent in the international community as a testament to its secular values. As a result, the government has provided adequate security for religious minorities’ festivals, like Durga Puja.
According to reliable sources like Pew Research Center, the policies of the Awami League government have had a positive impact on the Hindu community in Bangladesh. The government provides religious freedom and equality for all citizens regardless of their religious beliefs
Significant progress has been made in ensuring rights. In this case: Religious Freedom: The US State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report acknowledges that Bangladesh has taken steps to protect religious minorities, including Hindus. The government has enacted laws to prevent religious discrimination and violence, and they actively condemn any form of religious persecution.
Development initiatives: The Awami League government has prioritized the development of infrastructure, education and healthcare in areas with significant Hindu population. As a result, significant progress has been made in improving access to education and healthcare services for Hindu individuals and communities. It has contributed to increased socio-economic opportunities and welfare.
Representation and recognition: The government has worked to redress historical grievances and ensure that the voices and concerns of the Hindu community are heard and represented. For example, in the National Parliament, seats are reserved for religious minorities, including Hindus, ensuring their participation in the decision-making process.
Inter-Religious Dialogue and Harmony: The Awami League government has actively encouraged inter-religious dialogue and harmony. They have promoted understanding and cooperation between different religious communities, fostering a sense of unity and shared values. It has contributed to an inclusive society where different religious groups coexist peacefully. While it is important to address any isolated incident of violence or discrimination, it is crucial to view these incidents in a larger context. The Awami League government has consistently condemned such incidents and has taken measures to ensure the safety and security of all religious communities, including Hindus.
Please consider the statistics and facts.
The letter also stated that it is essential to avoid generalizations and acknowledge the progress made by the Awami League government in building an inclusive society. Dialogue with the governments involved will help them gain a comprehensive understanding
Urged to focus on all issues including initiative and achievement, inclusiveness, promotion of religious shared values, freedom, and social harmony.
During the conversation, the ISKCON leader said, “We are hopeful that an objective and evidence-based approach will guide future discussions and strengthen the relationship between the United States and Bangladesh.”We can reaffirm and assure that here in Bangladesh we are living in communal harmony under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina and her government. Our humble request is not to be misled by any misconceptions or false fabrications above.
