On January 8, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) delivered a fervent address in the U.S. House of Representatives, denouncing the persistent violence and discrimination faced by Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh. His speech emphasized the alarming escalation of attacks against these communities, particularly following the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Krishnamoorthi provided a historical perspective on the violence directed at Hindus in Bangladesh, recalling the tragic events of the 1971 war of independence, during which it is estimated that between 300,000 and three million individuals, predominantly Hindus, lost their lives. He lamented that, despite the passage of decades, the plight of Hindus remains dire, stating, “Hindus in Bangladesh continue to be targeted today—with their homes and businesses being destroyed and their temples vandalized.”
The Congressman also noted a significant increase in violence, with over 2,000 reported incidents occurring in August 2024 alone, a situation exacerbated by the political instability following Hasina’s ousting. He expressed his commitment to advocating for action, stating, “I have engaged with the State Department and called for action in Senate confirmation hearings, but we must do more.” Krishnamoorthi implored his fellow lawmakers to take immediate steps to safeguard the rights of religious minorities in Bangladesh, emphasizing the global scrutiny of the situation and the imperative to prevent a recurrence of historical atrocities. He called for heightened awareness and support for those who continue to endure suffering in Bangladesh.
