Former chief economic adviser Kaushik Basu is facing criticism from social media users for criticizing Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s comments on attacks against Hindus in Bangladesh.

In his Diwali greetings, Trump strongly condemned the barbaric violence against Hindus and other minorities who are being attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh. He said it would never have happened on his watch. “Kamala and Joe ignored Hindus around the world and in America.”

Basu, who was the CEA from 2009 to 2012, called the claim “absurd”. “Trump’s absurd statement about ‘barbaric violence against Hindus… being attacked and robbed by mobs in Bangladesh… It would never have happened on my watch. Kamala and Joe ignored Hindus around the world and in America”. This sounds detached from reality,” said the economist.

Basu’s remarks did not go down well with a section of Hindus here in India who said he was “literally whitewashing” the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh.

“You literally whitewash the persecution against BD Hindus. At least stop quoting Swami Vivekananda in future, someone who worked tirelessly for the upliftment of Hindu society,” said Sai, a social media user.

Another user asked Basu which part he found absurd. “Those Hindus were attacked in Bangladesh because of their religion? You think that’s normal, right? Considering what happened in 1947 and 1971? Or is it absurd that it was reported? Or that Trump wouldn’t allow it?” asked the user.

Author and meditator Sankrant Sanu also slammed the economist, saying he has spent his entire life burying the truth. “So your denial is understandable. If Harris supporters like you are any indication, you would welcome a Hindu genocide. That’s pretty much the leftist line.”

Hindus have faced violent attacks in Bangladesh since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, 2024. Minority rights groups, including the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, have reported more than 200 incidents in 52 districts in a few days after the collapse of the Awami League government. The attacks included vandalism, the burning of Hindu homes and businesses, and the desecration of temples.

On Thursday, Trump said he would protect Hindu-Americans against the radical left’s anti-religious agenda. “We will fight for your freedom. Under my administration, we will also strengthen our great partnership with India and with my good friend Prime Minister Modi,” he said.