US Urges Bangladesh to Ensure Legal Representation for Detainees Amid Rights Concerns

The US State Department has urged the Bangladesh government to ensure legal representation for detainees and adhere to fundamental principles of human rights. The appeal, which highlights the importance of respecting religious freedoms and the dignity of all individuals, comes amid growing international scrutiny over governance and minority rights in the country.

The detention of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari has raised fresh concerns regarding the treatment of Bangladesh’s Hindu minority and the broader issue of sedition charges being used against dissenters. Advocacy groups and human rights organizations have flagged these issues as violations of basic freedoms.

In Dhaka, Muhammad Yunus, the interim government’s chief adviser, invited Indian journalists to independently verify claims of persecution against Hindus and other minorities. Speaking to media representatives, Yunus highlighted the administration’s dedication to addressing misinformation and fostering national unity.

Yunus recently held discussions with political leaders from various parties, excluding the Awami League led by Sheikh Hasina. Following these meetings, he dismissed allegations of attacks on Hindu communities as baseless and politically motivated propaganda. He urged political actors to avoid fueling tensions and reiterated Bangladesh’s resilience against narratives he described as “fabricated.”

The ongoing detention of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari has intensified debates over the state of religious freedom in Bangladesh, with international observers linking it to a broader trend of minority persecution. The US has called for transparent legal processes and protections to ensure that such detentions do not violate the rule of law.

While the government under Yunus has pledged to counter misinformation, domestic critics and international watchdogs have raised concerns over the political environment, governance standards, and safeguarding of fundamental freedoms