Trump Calls Out Attacks On Minorities In Bangladesh, Accuses Biden-Harris Of 'Ignoring' Hindus

Former US President Donald Trump on Thursday denounced the "barbaric violence" directed at Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, pledging to strengthen his relationship with India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he referred to as a "good friend," should he be re-elected.

In a Diwali message, Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, extended his greetings and criticised his Democratic opponents, Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden, for neglecting Hindus both in the US and internationally.

Photo Credit: PTI

"I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos," he tweeted.

In July and August, violence erupted in Bangladesh, where several Hindu community members were attacked, and their properties vandalised by mobs. This unrest, initially sparked by student protests over a controversial quota system, escalated into massive anti-government demonstrations, ultimately leading to the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Violence against Hindus persisted even after Hasina fled to India on August 5.

"It would have never happened on my watch. Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus across the world and in America. 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!" Trump said.

"We will also protect Hindu Americans against the anti-religious agenda of the radical left. We will fight for your freedom. Under my administration, we will also strengthen our great partnership with India and my good friend, Prime Minister Modi," he stated.

Trump and Modi enjoyed a warm rapport during Trump's presidency, with both leaders displaying their camaraderie publicly. The Prime Minister attended the 'Howdy Modi' event in Texas in 2019, and Trump joined the 'Namaste Trump' event at the Narendra Modi cricket stadium in Ahmedabad in 2020.

Earlier this month, Trump praised Modi as his "friend" and "the nicest human being."

Trump also criticised Kamala Harris, stating, "Kamala Harris will destroy your small businesses with more regulations and higher taxes. By contrast, I cut taxes, cut regulations, unleashed American energy, and built the greatest economy in history. We will do it again, bigger and better than ever before, and we will Make America Great Again."

Concluding his message with Diwali wishes, Trump tweeted, "Also, happy Diwali to all. I hope the festival of lights leads to the victory of good over evil!"

Trump's message comes just days before the high-stakes US presidential election on November 5, with early voting already underway in some states.