Washington, March 21: A proposal has been introduced in the United States calling for the recognition of the 1971 Bangladesh genocide. The bill demands action against the Pakistani army and its affiliates for the targeted killings of Hindus during this tragic period.
Congressman Greg Landsman presented the bill in the House of Representatives, seeking formal acknowledgment from the U.S. regarding the atrocities committed by the Pakistan Army and Jamaat-e-Islami. It also calls for accountability for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The proposal condemns the atrocities that began on the evening of March 25, 1971, during Operation Searchlight. It highlights that while all Bengali-origin individuals were targeted, Hindus faced particularly severe violence, including mass killings, gang rapes, forced conversions, and expulsion.
Landsman stated, “History demands the truth. The systematic campaign of terror initiated by the Pakistani army on March 25, 1971, meets the United Nations’ definition of genocide. This proposal has been documented by U.S. diplomats, journalists, and international observers.”
This initiative also rejects any collective blame on ethnic or religious groups and calls on the U.S. President to formally recognize these actions as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
He emphasized, “It is our responsibility to acknowledge this horrific event, especially the deliberate targeting of Bengali Hindus. The formal recognition from the U.S. should have come long ago, sending a clear message that we will not overlook atrocities against religious minorities.”
The proposal also demands the protection of religious minorities in Bangladesh, where concerns about the safety of Hindus and other minority communities persist.
Utsav Chakraborty, Executive Director of Hindu Action, mentioned that the legal group has collaborated with expatriate communities to raise awareness on this issue. He stated, “Our team at Hindu Action has worked diligently with Bangladeshi citizens and the American Hindu community to address the dire situation of Hindus and other minority religions in Bangladesh. We hope the President will acknowledge this historical injustice to ensure the safety of the 15 million Hindus, Christians, and other religious minorities still suffering in Bangladesh.”
The proposal includes documented facts from 1971, detailing the murder of millions, the rape of over 200,000 women, widespread destruction of homes and places of worship, and the displacement of millions.
Evidence presented indicates that nearly 80% of the victims were Hindus, despite them constituting only about 20% of the population. The historical records referenced include U.S. diplomatic cables, journalists’ accounts, congressional findings, and international legal assessments.
One report stated, “Nothing is clearer. The Hindu community was most affected.” Another assessment found substantial evidence that Hindus were targeted solely for being Hindu.
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