Johnnie Moore Criticizes Bangladesh's Interim Government Over Minority Threats

Johnnie Moore, a former Commissioner of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), has voiced strong criticism against the interim government of Bangladesh. He highlighted the growing threats faced by Hindus and other minorities in the country, stating that no minority feels safe at the moment. Moore emphasized that it is the government's primary duty to protect those under threat.

Concerns Over Arrests and Violence

Moore condemned the arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das by Bangladesh Police, noting that the perception among minorities is that if authorities target him, they could target anyone. He expressed solidarity from the global Christian community with the Hindu community in Bangladesh.

Criticism of Leadership

Moore criticized Muhammad Yunus, the interim leader of Bangladesh, for failing to protect minorities and manage civil society effectively. He was particularly concerned about the inefficiency of the rule of law, citing the killing of a lawyer defending the arrested priest as a major issue.

Call for International Support

Moore urged Bangladesh to seek advice from pluralistic countries like India and the United States to manage religious diversity better. He also expressed concern over the Attorney General's push to remove 'Secular' from the constitution amid rising attacks on minorities.

Potential Consequences

Moore warned that the current handling of the minority crisis could harm Bangladesh's relationship with India, a key economic and political ally. He stressed the importance of addressing these issues seriously to avoid further negative impacts.