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Rep. Shri Thanedar calls for sanctions on Bangladesh
The lawmaker called for specific US measures, including granting persecuted minorities Temporary Protected Status, convening congressional hearings, and enforcing economic sanctions on those responsible for the violence.
Several speakers joined the press conference to support Thanedar’s call to action, offering varied perspectives on the crisis in Bangladesh. / Shri Thanedar
Congressman Shri Thanedar held a press conference at the US Capitol on Dec.18 to address the alleged human rights violations in Bangladesh, urging the Departments of State and Treasury to impose sanctions on those responsible for targeting religious minorities. Citing the violent attacks on Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities, Thanedar emphasized the need for swift US action.
“We cannot remain silent while innocent people are subjected to unspeakable acts of violence due to their religious beliefs,” said Thanedar.
“Hindu temples have been vandalized, burned down, and desecrated, and religious leaders have been arrested on dubious charges. History will judge us not by our words but by our actions. Let us act now, quickly and decisively, to defend the defenseless,” he added.
Thanedar called for congressional hearings, targeted sanctions, and Temporary Protected Status for persecuted Bangladeshi minorities. He also highlighted the alleged history of violence in Bangladesh and expressed cautious optimism about the new government under Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus, urging him to fulfill his promise of restoring peace and equality.
Voices of solidarity
Several speakers joined the press conference to support Thanedar’s call to action, offering varied perspectives on the crisis in Bangladesh.
Dr. Sumita Sengupta, founder of Arts4All Foundation, praised Thanedar’s leadership, stressing, “We must root out the violence and bring peace. If we look away, history shows that violence only grows. It is essential to stop the hate and build a community where all people can live safely.”
Holocaust survivor Sami Steigmann underscored the importance of education in combating hate. “All tragedies, genocides, and the Holocaust happened because the world stood by and did nothing. The United States must take the lead in addressing what is happening in Bangladesh,” he said, urging immediate global awareness.
Dr. Sachi Dastidar, a Bengali-American and historian, recounted decades of persecution, stating, “Since 1947, over 50 million Hindus have been displaced, and millions have been killed. The international community must act not only to stop the violence but to ensure refugees can return to their homeland and reclaim their rights.”
Utsav Chakrabarti, executive director of Hindu Action, called for establishing safe zones for minorities in Bangladesh. “It is crucial that the U.S. imposes sanctions and creates a pathway for safety and autonomy for Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians in Bangladesh,” he said.
The press conference concluded with an appeal from community leader Dr. Susmita Jasty, who emphasized the need for dialogue and peace education. “Violence cannot be stopped with violence. Peace can only come through mutual understanding and compassion,” she said.
Parul Kumar, representing the Hindu diaspora, called the event “a cry for help,” urging Americans to use social media to spread awareness. “The minorities in Bangladesh need your help. This is happening right now in 2024,” she said.
Thanedar closed the event by reiterating the urgency of the issue and the responsibility of the U.S. government to act. “It is time for Congress to take severe and strong actions. We cannot just be bystanders,” he said.
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