Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi Speaks on U.S. House Floor Against Ongoing Violence Against Hindus and Other Religious Minorities in Bangladesh

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) took to the floor of the House of Representatives to speak out against the violence and persecution Hindus and other religious minorities are facing in Bangladesh. During the nation's war for independence in 1971, between 300,000 and three million people, mostly Hindus, were killed in Bangladesh. Since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August 2024, attacks against Hindus and other minorities have increased, with over 2,000 incidents reported during that month alone.

"Hindus in Bangladesh continue to be targeted today-with their homes and businesses being destroyed and their temples vandalized," Congressman Krishnamoorthi said on the House floor. "I have engaged with the State Department and called for action in 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 can be found here.

A transcript of Congressman Krishnamoorthi's remarks as prepared follows below:

Mr. Speaker, I rise to 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 the 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.

Thank you, and I yield back.