Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Urges US to Help Stop Violence Against Hindus in Bangladesh
Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has written to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging him to assist the Bangladeshi government in ending violence against Hindus. Krishnamoorthi highlighted the rise in anti-Hindu violence following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and called for engagement with interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus to bring perpetrators to justice.
In his letter, Krishnamoorthi stated, “I am writing to you regarding the fluid situation in Bangladesh and the rise of coordinated anti-Hindu violence in the wake of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. Now that Muhammad Yunus is sworn in as Prime Minister for the interim government, it is of utmost urgency that the United States engage with his government for the purposes of both bringing the violence to an end and the perpetrators to justice.”
Krishnamoorthi referred to media reports of anti-Hindu attacks in Bangladesh, noting that this is not the first instance of such violence. He mentioned the anti-Hindu riots in October 2021, which left 9 people dead and caused significant destruction, as well as the violence in 2017 and 2013.
He emphasized, “Instability in this region, fueled by religious intolerance and violence, is clearly not in the interest of the United States or its allies. I urge you engage directly with Prime Minister Yunus’ government and exert the influence of US to help his government end the violence and bring those responsible to justice.”
Bangladesh is currently facing a fluid political situation with Sheikh Hasina resigning on August 5 amidst mounting protests, which were majorly led by students demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs.
Doubts Revealed
Congressman -: A Congressman is a person who is a member of the legislative branch of the government in the United States. They help make laws and represent the people who elected them.
Raja Krishnamoorthi -: Raja Krishnamoorthi is an Indian-American politician who serves as a member of the United States Congress. He represents the people of his district in the state of Illinois.
US Secretary of State -: The US Secretary of State is a high-ranking official in the United States government who deals with foreign affairs. Antony Blinken is the current Secretary of State.
Antony Blinken -: Antony Blinken is the current US Secretary of State. He helps manage the United States’ relationships with other countries.
Bangladesh -: Bangladesh is a country in South Asia, located to the east of India. It has a large population and its capital city is Dhaka.
Hindus -: Hindus are people who follow Hinduism, which is one of the oldest religions in the world. It is the main religion in India and Nepal.
Sheikh Hasina -: Sheikh Hasina is a politician who has served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She is a member of the Awami League party.
Muhammad Yunus -: Muhammad Yunus is a Bangladeshi social entrepreneur and economist. He is known for founding the Grameen Bank and pioneering the concepts of microcredit and microfinance.
Religious intolerance -: Religious intolerance means not accepting or respecting other people’s religious beliefs. It can lead to conflicts and violence.
US allies -: US allies are countries that have friendly and cooperative relationships with the United States. They often work together on international issues.