US lawmakers condemn escalating violence in Bangladesh, citing minority attacks, mob killings, and media assaults. Indian American Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi and Suhas Subramanyam urge urgent action, transparent investigations, and protection of Hindus and other vulnerable communities.
Two prominent United States lawmakers have expressed grave concern over a surge in violence and political unrest in Bangladesh, strongly condemning recent killings, attacks on media institutions, and an apparent rise in assaults targeting Hindu and other minority communities. The statements, issued on Monday, underscore growing international alarm over Bangladesh’s deteriorating security situation following recent political developments.
Indian American Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois and Suhas Subramanyam of Virginia released separate but closely aligned statements warning that the current wave of violence signals dangerous instability. Both lawmakers called on the Government of Bangladesh to take immediate and decisive action to protect minorities, ensure transparent investigations into killings, and uphold the rule of law to prevent further loss of life.
Congressman Krishnamoorthi strongly condemned what he described as the targeted mob killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man in Bangladesh, characterizing the incident as emblematic of a broader climate of unrest.
“I am appalled by the targeted mob killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man in Bangladesh—an act of violence amid a period of dangerous instability and unrest,” Krishnamoorthi said in his statement.
While acknowledging that Bangladeshi authorities had reported arrests in connection with the killing, Krishnamoorthi emphasized that preliminary action was insufficient. He urged the government to ensure full accountability through a comprehensive and transparent legal process.
“While authorities have reported arrests, the Government of Bangladesh must aggressively pursue a full and transparent investigation and prosecute all those responsible to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.
The Illinois Democrat also stressed the urgent need to protect vulnerable communities, particularly religious minorities, amid growing fears of targeted violence.
“It must also take urgent action to protect Hindu communities and other religious minorities from further violence,” Krishnamoorthi added. “For the sake of all Bangladeshis, this unrest must end, and the rule of law must be upheld.”
Congressman Suhas Subramanyam echoed similar concerns but broadened his warning to include the overall deterioration of security and democratic norms in the country. He highlighted the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a youth leader who had planned to run for parliament, as a turning point that intensified unrest.
“I am concerned by the escalating violence in Bangladesh following the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a youth leader who planned to run for parliament,” Subramanyam said.
According to Subramanyam, the situation worsened significantly after Hadi’s death, with reports of attacks on press institutions and additional fatalities. He noted that newspaper offices were burned, raising serious questions about press freedom and political expression in the country.
“In the aftermath of his death, newspaper offices have been burned, and further loss of life has been reported,” he said.
Subramanyam also addressed the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, describing it as a shocking act of mob violence that highlighted the vulnerability of religious minorities.
“I am deeply troubled by the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu factory worker in Bangladesh, who was lynched after being accused of blasphemy,” Subramanyam stated.
Calling the incident unacceptable, he emphasized the need for a credible investigation. “This act of violence is appalling, and must be investigated,” he said.
The Virginia Democrat warned that these incidents appear to reflect a broader and deeply troubling pattern. According to Subramanyam, reports of attacks against Hindu and other minority communities have increased since a recent change in government, with homes and temples reportedly coming under attack.
“Since the recent change in government, accounts of attacks against Hindu and other minority communities have increased, including on homes and temples,” he said.
Both lawmakers framed the violence as not only a domestic issue for Bangladesh but also a matter of international concern, particularly in relation to human rights, religious freedom, and democratic stability. Their statements suggest growing scrutiny from US policymakers as Bangladesh navigates a period of political transition and heightened tensions.
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Subramanyam concluded by reaffirming his commitment to advocating for vulnerable communities and regional stability.
“In light of this violence, I remain committed to promoting stability and to protecting Hindus and minority communities in Bangladesh and around the world,” he said.
The statements from the two US lawmakers add to mounting global concern over Bangladesh’s security environment and the protection of minority rights. As calls grow louder for accountability and reform, international observers are likely to closely monitor how Bangladeshi authorities respond to the unfolding crisis.
