Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, once again raised his voice against the violence and persecution faced by Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh. He urged his colleagues to take immediate action to protect these communities, emphasizing that “the world is watching.”
U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) addressed the House of Representatives to highlight the ongoing violence and persecution in Bangladesh, particularly targeting Hindus and other minority groups.
During Bangladesh’s war for independence in 1971, between 300,000 and three million people, mostly Hindus, were killed. Since the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, attacks against Hindus and other minorities have surged, with over 2,000 incidents reported in that month alone.
Congressman Krishnamoorthi drew attention to the alarming rise in such incidents since Sheikh Hasina left office. “I rise to speak out against the violence and persecution of Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh. During Bangladesh’s war of independence in 1971, an estimated 300,000 to three million people were killed, mostly Hindus,” he said.
“Hindus in Bangladesh continue to be targeted today—with their homes and businesses being destroyed and their temples vandalized,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi added on the House floor. “I have engaged with the State Department and called for action during Senate confirmation hearings, but we must do more. I urge my colleagues to act now to protect Bangladesh’s religious minorities. The world is watching, and we cannot let history repeat itself.”
Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s full speech on the House floor is available online.
Transcript of Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s Prepared Remarks:
Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak out against the violence and persecution of Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh.
During Bangladesh’s war of independence in 1971, an estimated 300,000 to three million people were killed, mostly Hindus. Hindus in Bangladesh continue to be targeted today—with their homes and businesses being destroyed, and their temples vandalized.
Since the ousting of former Prime Minister Hasina last August, these attacks have increased again, with over 2,000 incidents reported in August alone.
I have engaged with the State Department and called for action in upcoming Senate confirmation hearings, but we must do more.
I urge my colleagues to act now to protect Bangladesh’s religious minorities. The world is watching, and we cannot let history repeat itself.