Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Thursday criticised the "barbaric violence" targeting Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. In his Diwali message on X, he also condemned Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden. 

He accused Biden and Harris, his Democratic presidential opponent, of "ignoring Hindus" in the US and around the world in a Diwali greeting. "I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh, which remains in a total state of chaos," he wrote on Twitter.  "It would never have happened on my watch. Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus across 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," the post further said.  

In addition to this, Trump also promised to deepen his relationship with India and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi if elected again. He referred to Modi as his “good friend”. In July and August, violence erupted against members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Their homes and shops were attacked by mobs during a massive protest that initially started as a student agitation over a disputed quota system but quickly grew into a widespread anti-government movement. This ultimately led to the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India on August 5. Attacks on Hindus continued for days even after her departure. 

"It would have never happened on my watch. Kamala and Joe have ignored Hindus across 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!" Trump remarked. "We will also protect Hindu Americans against the anti-religious agenda of the radical left. We will fight for your freedom. Under my administration, we will also strengthen our great partnership with India and my good friend, Prime Minister Modi," he added.

From 2017 to 2021, Trump and PM Modi shared a friendly relationship, often showing their camaraderie publicly. In 2019, PM Modi attended the 'Howdy Modi' event in Texas, while Trump joined the 'Namaste Trump' event at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad in 2020. Trump also called Prime Minister Modi the "nicest human being" and his "friend" earlier this month. 

"Kamala Harris will destroy your small businesses with more regulations and higher taxes. By contrast, I cut taxes, cut regulations, unleashed American energy, and built the greatest economy in history. We will do it again, bigger and better than ever before, and we will Make America Great Again," said Trump while verbally targeting Kamala Harris. "Happy Diwali to everyone," the former president stated as he concluded his message. He remarked, "I hope the festival of lights leads to the victory of of good over evil."

Trump’s tweet came just days ahead of the high-stakes U.S. presidential election on November 5. However, early voting has already started in some states.