Indian American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has raised alarms about the increasing violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh, criticizing the government’s inadequate response to these incidents.
WASHINGTON, DC – Indian American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has expressed grave concerns regarding the escalating violence faced by religious minorities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus. He emphasized that the government in Dhaka has not taken sufficient measures to protect these communities.
“From an American perspective, we want to ensure that individuals visiting Bangladesh do not encounter violence or backlash due to their ethnicity, background, or religion,” Subramanyam stated. He highlighted a troubling trend of targeted attacks against Hindus, noting that these incidents are not isolated but part of a broader pattern since the current government assumed power.
The Virginia Democrat pointed out that the violence extends beyond individual acts, encompassing attacks on religious sites, businesses, and personal safety. “We’ve seen Hindu and other religious monuments and sites attacked and defaced. We’ve seen businesses belonging to Hindus and other religious minorities targeted,” he remarked. “Tragically, we are also witnessing instances of individuals being attacked and killed.”
Subramanyam acknowledged the volatility that often accompanies political transitions but expressed concern over the scale and persistence of the violence. “We understand that changes in governments can lead to unrest, particularly when the transition is not democratic. However, this violence has been ongoing since the current government took control,” he said.
Members of the Bangladeshi American community are increasingly alarmed by the situation. “I have many constituents who are Bangladeshi Americans, both Hindu and Muslim, and they are deeply concerned about the developments in Bangladesh,” Subramanyam noted. “They have family there and are eager for us to explore ways to protect minorities moving forward.”
The congressman urged the United States to continue condemning violence and hate crimes while considering potential diplomatic actions. “We will keep evaluating our options in the U.S. to ensure the protection of individuals there, regardless of their background, religion, or race,” he said. “In the meantime, it is crucial that we call out acts of hate and violence.”
When asked about the possibility of Washington exerting pressure on Dhaka regarding these issues, Subramanyam indicated that bipartisan cooperation would be essential. “It could happen, but we will need to see how things unfold,” he stated. “We must work together in a bipartisan manner on this matter.”
He also noted that the current administration holds significant diplomatic leverage. “The Trump administration possesses considerable diplomatic power to influence Bangladesh,” he remarked. “We will see how they choose to act.”
As Bangladesh approaches its upcoming elections, Subramanyam expressed concern over the ability of minorities to participate freely in the electoral process. “We want to ensure a free and fair election where every citizen’s voice is heard,” he said, highlighting worries about the election process in light of recent events.
Ultimately, he emphasized that Washington aims to collaborate with any legitimately elected government. “From an American perspective, we want to work with any government that emerges successfully from the election,” he stated. “However, it is crucial that this government reflects the will of the people.”
Subramanyam also cautioned that rising anti-American sentiment and violence in Bangladesh could jeopardize bilateral relations. “This is concerning, especially the anti-American sentiment and the violence,” he noted, adding that such actions could significantly harm the relationship between the two nations.
Historically, Bangladesh has positioned itself as a secular democracy with constitutional protections for minorities, although human rights organizations have frequently raised concerns about political violence and religious intolerance. The country remains a key partner for the United States in South Asia, particularly regarding regional stability and counterterrorism efforts.
Washington has previously employed diplomatic engagement, public statements, and congressional oversight to address human rights issues in Bangladesh, especially during election cycles when the safety of minorities and political freedoms come under heightened scrutiny, according to IANS.