August 10th 2024.
Two Indian-American lawmakers have requested direct intervention from the US to put a stop to the ongoing attacks against minority Hindus in Bangladesh. They emphasized that the instability caused by religious intolerance and violence in the region is not beneficial for America or its allies.
According to two Hindu organizations in Bangladesh, there have been at least 205 incidents of attacks against minority communities in 52 districts since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on August 5. As a result, thousands of Bangladeshi Hindus have been trying to flee to neighboring India in order to escape the violence.
In a letter addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken on August 9, Congressman Shri Thanedar expressed his condemnation of the atrocities inflicted upon Hindus in Bangladesh. He also highlighted that many in the international community, including some from his own district, have spoken out against the violent actions towards minority groups in the country.
Given that Muhammad Yunus has taken on the role of interim Prime Minister in Bangladesh, Congressman Thanedar urged the Biden administration to provide assistance to the new government in order to put an end to the violence and civil unrest. He also requested temporary protected status for persecuted Bangladesh Hindus and other religious minorities as refugees.
Yunus, an 84-year-old Nobel laureate, was sworn in as the head of the interim government on Thursday. In the midst of the violence, numerous Hindu temples, households, and businesses were vandalized, and women were assaulted. Additionally, two Hindu leaders affiliated with the Awami League party, headed by Hasina, were killed, according to community leaders in Dhaka.
Congressman Thanedar urged Secretary Blinken to work closely with Yunus and his government to bring an end to the coordinated attacks against Bangladesh Hindus. He also expressed his appreciation for Yunus' call for an end to the violence and his willingness to rebuild the country.
Congressman Thanedar stated, "This is a crucial moment for Bangladesh, and we must do everything in our power to support them in their efforts to put an end to the violent actions and rhetoric directed towards Hindus in the country."
In a letter dated August 8, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi also wrote to Secretary Blinken, expressing concern about the escalating anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He stressed the urgency of engaging with Muhammad Yunus, who has been sworn in as Chief Advisor for the interim government, in order to bring an end to the violence and hold the perpetrators accountable.
Krishnamoorthi noted, "Unfortunately, this is not the first time that anti-government protests in Bangladesh have led to anti-Hindu violence." He referenced previous instances where anti-Hindu riots resulted in deaths and destruction of homes, businesses, and temples. He also pointed out the vulnerability of the Hindu population in Bangladesh, who make up only 8% of the total population and are at risk of discrimination and violence.
The Congressman emphasized that the instability in the region, fueled by religious intolerance and violence, is not in the best interest of the United States or its allies. He requested that Secretary Blinken engage directly with the interim government and use US influence to help put an end to the violence and bring those responsible to justice.
In conclusion, both lawmakers highlighted the ongoing political violence in Bangladesh and the historical targeting of its Hindu population. They urged the US to take action and assist in bringing peace and justice to the troubled nation.
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