Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi’s Statement: Protest Against Violence and Persecution of Hindus and Other Religious Minorities in Bangladesh

On January 8, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Illinois) delivered a speech in the U.S. House of Representatives, protesting the ongoing violence and persecution faced by Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh.

During Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, in which approximately 300,000 to 3 million people were killed, a significant majority were Hindus. Krishnamoorthi stated, "Hindus in Bangladesh continue to be targeted today—their homes and businesses are destroyed, and temples are vandalized."

He further noted, “Since the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, attacks on Hindus and other religious minorities have increased, with more than 2,000 incidents reported in that month alone.”

Addressing Congress, Krishnamoorthi declared, “I have engaged with the State Department and called for action during Senate hearings on this matter, but more must be done. I urge my colleagues to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh. The world is watching now, and we cannot allow history to repeat itself.”

In his speech, Krishnamoorthi emphasized the need for increased international efforts to safeguard the rights and security of Bangladesh’s religious minorities.

He added, “The world’s eyes are on Bangladesh, and it is time we work together to prevent any recurrence of oppression and violence.”

Krishnamoorthi’s remarks serve as a renewed call for international action against the violence and persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh, highlighting the urgency of global intervention to prevent further atrocities.