“From Political Intimidation to Targeted Attacks—Bangladesh’s Minority Communities Remain Under Threat Despite Decades of Struggle,” Zahid F Sarder Saddi Warns, Calling President Trump’s Statement a Global Wake-Up Call
Photo: United States President Donald J. Trump.
Washington, D.C. — As global human rights concerns increasingly dominate international diplomacy, U.S. President J. Donald Trump has drawn praise from activists for his bold condemnation of religious persecution in Bangladesh. Among the most vocal supporters is Zahid F Sarder Saddi, Activist and exiled Bangladeshi politician, humanitarian, and long-time advocate for democracy and religious freedom. “I wholeheartedly support President Trump’s stance,” said Saddi. “His statement is not just timely—it is a wake-up call for the world. The systematic persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh is a crisis the international community can no longer afford to ignore.”
Trump Slams Attacks on Minorities in Bangladesh
President Trump made headlines for strongly denouncing what he described as “barbaric violence against Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, and other minorities” in Bangladesh. He noted that these groups have been targeted and looted by extremist mobs, warning that the South Asian country remains “in a total state of chaos.”
Prominent Bangladeshi activist Zahid F Sarder Saddi echoed those concerns, highlighting that such attacks are not isolated incidents, but part of a sustained campaign of intimidation and displacement that has persisted since Bangladesh’s independence. “Millions have been forced from their homes over the decades,” he said. “And despite claims of democratic progress, minority communities still live-in fear.”
Photo: A recent X post highlights President Donald Trump’s condemnation of violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh.
A Deepening Crisis of Extremism
Zahid F Sarder Saddi underscored that the persecution of Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and other religious minorities is symptomatic of a broader rise in extremism. “Radicalized factions continue to gain influence within the country, suppressing voices of moderation and eroding democratic values,” he said. “This is not just a national issue—it’s a regional crisis with global implications.”
According to Zahid F Sarder Saddi, violent election cycles often escalate the targeting of minority communities. “Political intimidation, mob attacks, and even targeted killings surge during these periods,” he warned. “The upcoming general election may trigger further violence if extremist elements are not kept in check.” According to Saddi, these patterns reveal a disturbing trend of extremist influence over national politics and a weakening of democratic institutions.
Condemning the Fascist Regime
Zahid F Sarder Saddi has long denounced the previous fascist regime of Sheikh Hasina and her ruling party, the Awami League, accusing them of turning a blind eye—or worse—to widespread human rights abuses. “Their inaction, and in some cases direct complicity, suggests a broader blueprint to erase religious diversity from Bangladesh,” Saddi said. “Minorities should be celebrating their religious holidays and festivals—not hiding in fear.”
He emphasized that both fringe extremist groups and well-established Islamist parties are working in tandem to reshape Bangladesh into a more conservative and intolerant society. “What’s happening now is part of a calculated dismantling of the country’s secular foundation,” Saddi warned.
Zahid F Sarder Saddi, who has repeatedly criticized Sheikh Hasina’s ruthless regime for enabling or ignoring attacks on religious minorities in the majority-Muslim nation, raised new concerns amid a rising tide of extremism. With radicalized factions gaining influence, he questioned whether the current interim government is capable of confronting the threat and making meaningful progress toward fostering religious inclusivity.
Photo: Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
Secretary Marco Rubio and U.S. Foreign Policy
Continuing President Trump’s legacy, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reaffirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to defending minority rights in Bangladesh. “Secretary Rubio follows through on President Trump’s vision,” Zahid F Sarder Saddi said, praising the administration’s unwavering stance.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce also confirmed that Rubio remains aligned with Trump’s views. “Secretary Rubio, of course, follows through with his (President Trump’s) vision and the nature of the choices that are made in that regard,” Bruce said in a recent press briefing, signaling continued diplomatic pressure on Dhaka.
United Nations and Tulsi Gabbard Weigh In
At the United Nations, concerns have also been raised. During a recent briefing in New York, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq confirmed that Secretary-General António Guterres had discussed human rights with Bangladeshi officials during high-level talks. Still, activists like Saddi say international institutions have not done enough. “There’s been a troubling silence from many quarters,” he said. “We need diplomatic pressure, real accountability, and a clear signal that the persecution of religious minorities will not be tolerated.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Director of National Intelligence and former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard also issued a powerful statement condemning the ongoing abuse and displacement of religious minorities. Zahid F Sarder Saddi praised Gabbard’s continued advocacy, stating, “She has been a consistent voice of reason, drawing global attention to a crisis that too many choose to ignore.”
Gabbard’s warning about the resurgence of Caliphate ideologies and Islamic radicalization resonated deeply with Saddi. “This is a regional threat that’s fragmenting societies, silencing moderates, and placing entire communities at risk,” he said.
Photo: Bangladeshi activist Zahid F Sarder Saddi meets with Donald Trump Jr. at Mar-a-Lago during a recent visit.
A Personal Visit and Message of Gratitude
During a recent visit to President Donald Trump’s private residence at Mar-a-Lago, Zahid F Sarder Saddi met with Donald Trump Jr. over a luncheon where he expressed his deep appreciation for the Trump family’s continued support. Having known the family for decades, Saddi described the meeting as both meaningful and personal. “I feel truly fortunate to have built a lasting friendship with the Trump family,” Saddi said. He personally thanked Donald Trump Jr. for the President’s bold stand in defense of religious minorities in Bangladesh and asked him to convey his gratitude. “President Trump stood tall when many remained silent. The people of Bangladesh’s minority communities will never forget that leadership. We are grateful to have had him as President of the United States.”
A Call for International Action
Zahid F Sarder Saddi called on world leaders, human rights organizations, and democratic nations to take concrete steps. “Diplomatic pressure, aid conditionality, and strategic engagement are essential. Bangladesh must return to its founding principles of secularism and tolerance.” Saddi praised President Trump’s blunt assessment of the crisis and welcomed the continued advocacy of Marco Rubio and Tulsi Gabbard.
He concluded with a stern warning:
“As we witness an era of rising religious persecution worldwide, voices like President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.N. officials, and U.S. intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard must not be dismissed. Their message is clear—silence is not an option. Only through collective global action can we restore democracy, protect religious freedom, and stop this humanitarian disaster before it spirals further out of control.”
As the country heads toward another election, observers are watching closely to see whether the current interim government will take steps to rein in extremist factions and protect vulnerable communities—or whether violence will escalate once again.
“The time for statements is over—now is the time for action,” Zahid F Sarder Saddi added. “The world must wake up to this crisis before it is too late.”
Photo: Bangladeshi activist Zahid F Sarder Saddi at Mar-a-Lago during a recent visit.
About —Zahid F Sarder Saddi
Zahid F Sarder Saddi is a prominent Bangladeshi politician, humanitarian, and advocate for Bangladesh and its people. He served as a Foreign Advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the Hon’ Begum Khaleda Zia. He was also appointed as a Special Envoy to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-BNP. Zahid F Sarder Saddi works with several organizations and holds a special passion for helping the Bangladeshi community in the United States and around the world. He has been involved in the Bangladeshi American Society for over 25 years and works to carry the voice of Bangladeshi Americans to lawmakers. Zahid F Sarder Saddi has received numerous accolades, including a humanitarian award for his impactful work.
