Congressman Shri Thanedar expressed concern over reports of attacks on the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh, which have been targeted by a section of protesters during the ongoing unrest in the country.
Bangladesh Crisis: Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar Thursday expressed “deep concern” over the attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh. Describing the ongoing turmoil as a threat to Bangladesh’s democracy, Thanedar called for an end to the violence in the South Asian country.
“The ongoing turmoil engulfing Bangladesh is horrific and a threat to its democracy. Last month, students led protests for civil reforms, which was followed by deaths of hundreds and the persecution of minority populations, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians,” the Congressman said in a statement issued on his X handle.
He also expressed concern over reports of attacks on the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh, which have allegedly been targeted by a section of protesters following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“I am especially concerned about reports of attacks targeting the country’s Hindu minority. Accounts of temples destroyed, homes leveled, and individuals targeted are as disturbing as they are reprehensible,” Thanedar said.
US State Dept closely monitoring situation
The US Congressman urged the Bangladeshi people to put an end to the violence and move towards normalcy.
“On August 6th, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned from office and fled to India, leaving Bangladesh in disarray and the military in charge. As Bangladesh transitions to its interim government, I implore every Bangladeshi, from the leadership to the people, to put an end to the violence plaguing their country,” he said.
Further, Thanedar pledged to monitor the Bangladesh situation closely in coordination with the US State Department and expressed hope for a return to peace and stability in the country.
“I pledge to keep a close eye on developments in Bangladesh in coordination with the U.S. State Department and wish for a return to peace and stability for every Bangladeshi, no matter their beliefs,” the statement added.
Professor Muhammad Yunus takes charge as head of interim government
On Thursday, Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus returned to Bangladesh and assumed charge as the head of the country’s interim government.
Yunus, 84, took oath at a ceremony in Dhaka on Thursday night, amid massive unrest in the country after weeks of student-led protests forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee to India.
In his address to the nation, Yunus emphasised bringing about an early return to normalcy and ensuring the protection of the Hindu minority.
(With inputs from agencies)