Two US lawmakers have raised serious concerns over growing violence in Bangladesh. The Congressmen strongly condemned recent killings, attacks on media institutions, and assaults targeting Hindu and other minority communities, IANS reported. The lawmakers warned that the situation shows a dangerous level of instability in the country.
US lawmakers raise concerns over attacks on minorities in Bangladesh
Indian American Congressmen Raja Krishnamoorthi and Suhas Subramanyam, in separate statements, called for urgent action to protect minorities, investigate killings transparently, and prevent further loss of life.
Krishnamoorthi spoke about the mob lynching and killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man, calling it a “targeted mob killing” and linking it to the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh. “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,” he said, according to IANS. Although authorities have made some arrests, Krishnamoorthi urged the government to conduct a full and transparent investigation and hold all those responsible accountable. “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 added.
He also called for immediate steps to protect Hindu communities and other vulnerable groups from further violence. “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,” Krishnamoorthi added.
Violence after the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi
Subramanyam, on the other hand, mentioned the vast decline in security after the killing of Sharif Osman Hadi, a youth leader who planned to run for parliament. “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,” he said in a statement. “In the aftermath of his death, newspaper offices have been burned, and further loss of life has been reported,” Subramanyam added.
Subramanyam also spoke about Dipu Chandra Das, describing the attack as a shocking act 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.
The Virginia Democrat said these incidents seem part of a bigger pattern of attacks that have increased since the recent change in government, particularly affecting religious minorities. “Since the recent change in government, accounts of attacks against Hindu and other minority communities have increased, including on homes and temples,” he said.
Subramanyam said he is committed to promoting stability and protecting vulnerable communities in Bangladesh and around the world. “In light of this violence, I remain committed to promoting stability and to protecting Hindus and minority communities in Bangladesh and around the world,” Subramanyam added.
Garment worker lynched in Bangladesh, tensions continue to rise
A 27-year-old garment worker, Dipu Chandra Das, was brutally beaten and burned to death in Bhaluka, in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district, after allegations that he had hurt religious sentiments. CCTV footage from the area shows a large mob breaking into the factory where Dipu worked. The group dragged him out before attacking him. He was beaten badly and later set on fire.
Police said they were informed about the situation too late, which made it impossible for them to rescue him in time. So far, 12 people have been arrested in connection with the lynching, and the investigation is still ongoing.
Amid the growing unrest, India has indefinitely suspended all visa operations from Bangladesh. This update came just days after India had paused visa services at its Khulna and Rajshahi centres and rescheduled all existing appointments. Bangladesh has seen a wave of violent incidents in recent days.
Tensions remain high in Dhaka following the final funeral prayers of Sharif Osman Hadi on Saturday. Hadi was the convenor of Inqilab Mancha and a well-known student leader. He was shot at close range on December 12 while travelling through the capital.
