On the recordJanuary 7, 2025
Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak 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 3 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 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. ____________________
