Congressman Krishnamoorthi Urges U.S. Intervention to End Anti-Hindu Violence in Bangladesh

In a significant move highlighting the growing concerns about religious violence in South Asia, Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has called upon the U.S. government to play a proactive role in addressing the alarming situation in Bangladesh. On August 8, Krishnamoorthi wrote to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging immediate intervention to help end the rising anti-Hindu violence in Bangladesh, which has escalated following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Krishnamoorthi’s letter comes at a time of political instability in Bangladesh. Sheikh Hasina, a long-serving leader, stepped down amidst widespread protests, leaving the country in a state of flux. The protests, initially sparked by demands to end the quota system for government jobs, have spiraled into broader anti-government demonstrations. Unfortunately, as has happened in the past, this unrest has also led to violence against the Hindu minority in the country.

The new interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, now faces the daunting task of restoring order. However, the situation remains precarious, and there are fears that the violence could worsen. Krishnamoorthi, in his letter to Blinken, emphasized the urgency of U.S. engagement with Yunus to help bring an end to the violence and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

Krishnamoorthi’s concerns are not without precedent. Bangladesh has a troubling history of religious violence, particularly targeting its Hindu minority. The Congressman referenced several past incidents, including the anti-Hindu riots of October 2021, which left nine people dead and led to the destruction of numerous homes, businesses, and temples. He also mentioned the violence of 2017, where over 107 Hindus were killed and dozens more disappeared, according to reports by the Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajote. The riots in 2013, following the conviction of Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delwar Sayeedi for war crimes, were particularly destructive, underscoring the vulnerability of Hindus during periods of political instability.

Krishnamoorthi’s appeal to Blinken is rooted in the belief that religious intolerance and violence in Bangladesh could have broader implications for regional stability. He argued that it is in the interest of the United States and its allies to ensure that Bangladesh does not descend further into chaos. By leveraging its influence, the U.S. can play a critical role in supporting the Bangladeshi government to protect its Hindu minority and bring perpetrators of violence to justice.

The Congressman’s call for U.S. intervention is a reminder of the delicate balance in South Asia, where political upheaval often leads to sectarian violence. As the situation in Bangladesh unfolds, the international community will be watching closely to see how the interim government addresses the challenges ahead. Krishnamoorthi’s letter to Blinken signals a growing awareness in the U.S. of the need to engage more deeply in the region’s affairs, particularly when it comes to safeguarding human rights and religious freedoms.