In his Diwali message, Donald Trump condemns the unrest in Bangladesh

Former US President Donald Trump in a Diwali message on Thursday condemned the atrocities faced by Hindus in Bangladesh, especially after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government. He also promised to protect Hindu Americans from “anti-religious agendas” and fight for their freedom.

“I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians and other minorities who are being attacked and pillaged by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in complete chaos. This would never have happened under my watch,” Trump wrote in a letter posted on X.

This is the first time that Mr. Trump has spoken on the issue of Bangladesh.

The US presidential candidate criticized her Democratic rival Kamala Harris, saying that she and US President Joe Biden had “ignored” Hindus around the world and in America.

“Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus around 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!” he said.

Mr Trump, who extended his Diwali wishes to Indians, also vowed to strengthen his country's partnership with India and his “good friend”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Under my government, we will also strengthen our great partnership with India and my good friend Prime Minister Modi. I also wish everyone a happy Diwali. I hope that the Festival of Lights leads to the victory of good over evil,” he wrote.

I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians and other minorities who are being attacked and plundered by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in complete chaos.

This would never have happened under my watch. Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus around the world…

– Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 31, 2024

On August 5, former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country, ending her 15-year rule as student protests against her government escalated. As a result, the country's Hindu minority was faced with violence and vandalism at temples and their businesses. According to the Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance, attacks and threats against the minority community occurred at over 200 locations in 48 districts. Hundreds of Hindus were also killed between July and August this year.

The Hindu minority makes up about eight percent of the population in Bangladesh.