Indian-American Lawmakers Demand Immediate Halt to Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh

Two Indian-American lawmakers have called for an end to attacks on the Hindu minority in Bangladesh after the resignation of Sheikh Hasina. They urge interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus to enforce the law to protect all citizens amidst ongoing unrest. The US State Department is monitoring the situation closely.

Two prominent Indian-American lawmakers have called for an immediate end to ongoing brutal violence against the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh, which has escalated following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led government.

The Congressmen have also urged the prime minister-designate of the interim government, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, to uphold the rule of law as he assumes office.

The remarks by the influential Congressmen come a day after scores of Hindu American groups met with State Department officials amidst a spike in crimes against the minority Hindu community and the destruction of Hindu temples in Bangladesh.

They also criticized Congress and the administration for failing to acknowledge and condemn the violence against Hindus and other religious minorities.

Several Hindu temples, households, and businesses have been vandalized, and at least two Hindu leaders from Hasina's Awami League party were killed since Monday when Hasina fled to India.

"Bangladeshi students had just human rights concerns against PM Hasina. It's good she is gone. But the violence now targeting Hindus is wrong. PM Yunus must uphold the rule of law & prevent the targeting of temples or people from any political party or faith," Ro Khanna, a Congressman, said in a post on X on Thursday.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi urged all officials and citizens to work toward ending the violence, particularly against the Hindu minority. "The violence must stop, and those responsible must be brought to justice to help Bangladesh move forward as a nation," Krishnamoorthi stated on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Hindu American Foundation representatives, including Anita Joshi, met with the US Ambassador for International Religious Freedom, Rashad Hussein, to discuss the violence targeting Hindus in Bangladesh.

Urging US government action, the group shared documented incidents of violence against Hindus and Hindu temples that occurred within 48 hours of Hasina's departure amidst civil unrest.

"The situation on the ground in Bangladesh is urgent and dire. We implore the State Department to put an end to this rampant violence against religious minorities," Joshi said.

The Foundation for India and Indian Diaspora Studies (FIIDS) also called for immediate action from the US government and United Nations to ensure peace and protect minorities, preventing another potential Hindu Genocide.

Similar appeals were made to India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top officials.

Following Hasina's departure, media reports have flagged increasing cases of violence against minorities, including the vandalism at popular musician Rahul Ananda's residence, forcing him and his family into hiding.

It is important to note that the violence has not only targeted Hindus. At least 232 people have been killed since the unrest began on Monday, with the death toll reaching 560 since anti-quota protests started in mid-July.

Arriving in Dhaka from Paris, Yunus promised a government that assures safety for all citizens.

The US has expressed deep concern about the continued violence and emphasized the need for credible investigations and justice for victims.

(With inputs from agencies.)