Indian-American lawmakers condemn Bangladesh killing, 'call for protection of Hindus'

Indian-American lawmakers condemn Bangladesh killing, call for protection of Hindus

Two US lawmakers have voiced alarm over escalating violence in Bangladesh, condemning recent killings, attacks on media outlets, and targeted assaults on Hindu and other minority communities.

Indian American Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi and Suhas Subramanyam, speaking separately, warned that the developments indicate a serious decline in security and the rule of law, according to IANS.

Krishnamoorthi denounced the mob lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu factory worker who was killed in Mymensingh on December 19 after being accused of blasphemy. His body was later set on fire, and authorities have arrested at least 12 people in connection with the crime.

“I am appalled by the targeted mob killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man in Bangladesh—an act of violence amid a period of dangerous instability and unrest,” Krishnamoorthi said in a statement on Sunday.

While noting the arrests, he pressed for stronger action by Dhaka. “While authorities have reported arrests, the Government of Bangladesh must aggressively pursue a full and transparent investigation and prosecute all those responsible to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.

Krishnamoorthi also urged immediate measures to protect vulnerable communities. “It must also take urgent action to protect Hindu communities and other religious minorities from further violence. For the sake of all Bangladeshis, this unrest must end and the rule of law must be upheld,” he added.

Subramanyam linked the violence to a broader deterioration in law and order following the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, who had planned to contest parliamentary elections.

“I am concerned by the escalating violence in Bangladesh following the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a youth leader who planned to run for parliament,” Subramanyam said. “In the aftermath of his death, newspaper offices have been burned, and further loss of life has been reported.”

He also described Das’s killing as a disturbing case of mob violence. “I am deeply troubled by the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu factory worker in Bangladesh, who was lynched after being accused of blasphemy. This act of violence is appalling and must be investigated,” he said.

Separately, New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar said she was “deeply disturbed” by ongoing attacks on Bangladesh’s Hindu minority, pointing to Das’s killing as the latest example.

“A mob beat him, set him ablaze, and left his body on a highway. Authorities have reportedly arrested twelve individuals in connection with the horrific crime,” Rajkumar said.

She cited data from the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, which recorded 2,442 incidents of violence against minorities and more than 150 temples vandalised between August 2024 and July 2025, calling the trend deeply troubling.

“From Queens to countries across the globe, we all share in the fear, pain, and uncertainty faced by Hindus in Bangladesh. We stand in solidarity with Bangladesh's Hindu community and for human rights and religious freedom globally,” Rajkumar said.

The statements come amid sustained political unrest in Bangladesh, as international concern grows over minority protection, press freedom, and the country’s internal security situation.