The White House has firmly denied any involvement in the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh, including the recent protests that have resulted in significant loss of life. During a media briefing on Monday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the growing speculation, stating unequivocally, “We have had no involvement at all. Any reports or rumors suggesting that the United States government was involved in these events are simply false.”
Jean-Pierre emphasized that the future of the Bangladeshi government should be determined solely by the Bangladeshi people. “This is a choice for and by the Bangladeshi people. We believe that they should determine the future of their government, and any allegations to the contrary are untrue,” she asserted.
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Regarding the recent protests outside the White House in response to alleged attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, Jean-Pierre noted that the US government will continue to monitor the situation closely. “We are certainly going to continue monitoring the situation. I don’t have anything additional to add at this time,” she said.
Jean-Pierre also highlighted that President Biden has been consistent in addressing human rights issues, both publicly and privately, though she provided no specifics on potential engagements or actions related to the situation in Bangladesh.
The political landscape in Bangladesh has been tumultuous following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, amid widespread protests. The demonstrations, initially focused on ending a quota system for government jobs, have expanded into broader anti-government protests.
Targeting Minority Hindus in Bangladesh
On Friday, a large demonstration took place outside the White House, where protesters from various backgrounds, including activists, members of the Bangladeshi diaspora, and Indian-American Hindus, rallied against the alleged violence targeting minority Hindus in Bangladesh since Hasina’s departure. The demonstrators, bearing American and Bangladeshi flags and holding signs calling for the protection of minorities, chanted for justice and peace.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also weighed in on the crisis, expressing concern for the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. In a message on X (formerly Twitter), Modi extended his best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus and called for an end to the violence. “India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to fulfill our shared aspirations for peace, security, and development,” Modi wrote.
As tensions persist, thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus have reportedly fled to neighboring India to escape the violence. Hindus, who constitute about eight percent of Bangladesh’s 170 million population, have traditionally supported Hasina’s Awami League party, which has been under scrutiny following recent violent clashes between protesters and security forces.
In the US, several lawmakers, including Republican Congressman Pat Fallon and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, have voiced their concerns over the alleged violence in Bangladesh, calling for international attention and action.
The situation remains fluid as both domestic and international actors continue to navigate the complex dynamics of the crisis.
