Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, in a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, raised concerns about the escalating anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh.
The Congressman has called for immediate US intervention in response to the sharp increase in attacks on Bangladeshi Hindu communities that has occurred since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and the swearing-in of Muhammad Yunus as interim PM.
Rep. Krishnamoorthi expressed grave concern about the situation, citing reports from major news outlets and human rights organizations, pointing out that violence has spread across multiple districts.
#Breaking | HAF offices just received this #urgent letter sent by @CongressmanRaja to the @StateDept.
— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) August 9, 2024
Congressman Krishnamoorthi highlights that according to @BhbcopOrg @Reuters, 45 of 60 districts have witnessed attacks on #BangladeshiHindu homes, businesses & temples.… pic.twitter.com/eDN8iccvPq
According to data from Reuters and the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC), 45 out of 64 districts have witnessed attacks on Hindu homes, businesses, and temples in recent days. The New York Times has reported that 60 individuals have been killed in the violence, with hundreds more fleeing to India for safety.
In his letter, Krishnamoorthi urged Secretary Blinken to engage directly with Prime Minister Yunus's government to bring the violence to an end and hold the perpetrators accountable. "Instability in this region, fueled by religious intolerance and violence, is clearly not in the interest of the United States or our allies," the Congressman wrote, emphasizing the need for swift and decisive action.
This is not the first instance of anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh. The letter recalled previous incidents, including the October 2021 riots, which resulted in nine deaths and widespread destruction of property, and the 2017 violence that left 107 Hindus dead and 37 missing. The 2013 riots following the conviction of Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delwar Sayeedi for war crimes were also mentioned as a particularly destructive period of anti-Hindu violence.
The Hindu American Foundation, that shared the Congressman's letter in a post on X, has echoed Krishnamoorthi’s concerns, amplifying the call for U.S. intervention to protect religious minorities in Bangladesh and ensure justice for the victims of these attacks.
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