U.S. National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby stated that the United States is closely monitoring the ongoing situation in Bangladesh. He made this remark during a briefing held at the White House on Thursday.

In the briefing, an Indian journalist raised a question regarding protests by several Hindu American groups over the past few weeks, including a demonstration outside the White House. The protests were against attacks on Hindus and temples in Bangladesh following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. The journalist inquired whether President Joe Biden was aware of the issue and if it was discussed during his recent meeting with Muhammad Yunus, interim leader and friend of the United Nations.

In response, Kirby emphasized that the U.S. is observing developments in Bangladesh “very, very closely,” adding that President Biden is also following the events. He noted that Bangladesh’s security situation has become challenging since the ousting of the former prime minister, and the U.S. is working closely with the interim government to strengthen their law enforcement and security capabilities to address these challenges.

Kirby further stated that the U.S. has consistently underscored the importance of protecting religious and ethnic minorities during its interactions with Bangladeshi leaders. He mentioned that the interim government has repeatedly pledged to ensure the safety of all Bangladeshis, regardless of religion or ethnicity, and affirmed that the U.S. intends to assist them in achieving this goal.