US Congresswoman Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D, HI-02), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, has introduced a bipartisan resolution calling on Bangladesh government to increase human rights protections, strengthen democratic institutions, and prevent the growth of extremist groups in the country.
The resolution comes as ISIS and other trans-national radical Islamic groups continue to grow their influence in areas like South Asia, according to global media reports.
Co-sponsors include Asia and the Pacific Subcommittee Chairman Matt Salmon (R, AZ-05) and Rep. Bob Dold (R, IL-10).In a speech on the House floor introducing the resolution, Tulsi Gabbard stated, “Bangladesh is a country in turmoil. There’re many concerns about the stability of the country, particularly since flawed elections were held last year, and the political violence that has ensued.”
Gabbard also said, “I’m particularly concerned over issues of religious freedom, and specifically, attacks against minority Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and others, in Bangladesh.”
All too often perpetrators of crimes against minorities go unpunished. It’s up to the government of Bangladesh to take action to stop those who incite and commit violence and protect the rights of these minorities.
The resolution called on the government of Bangladesh to protect the human rights of all its citizens, particularly its vulnerable minorities, strengthen democratic institutions and rule of law, and prevent the growth of extremist groups.
“It was an honor to work on this resolution with Rep. Gabbard,” said Congressman Matt Salmon.
“In Bangladesh, there is great potential. Through this resolution, we have encouraged Bangladesh to embrace non-violent democratic competition and rule of law, and to shirk political violence and religious extremism. We expect Bangladesh to respect human dignity, honor commitments to freedom of expression and religion, and protect the human rights of all citizens, no matter one’s political disposition, creed, or religion. This resolution reaffirms our dedication to these principles.”
“Religious persecution is on the rise around the world, with 77% of the world’s population now living in countries with high restrictions on religious freedom,” said Congressman Bob Dold.- UNB
