FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

October 1, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) wrote to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging the State Department to act to protect Bangladesh’s religious communities and support a peaceful political transition within Bangladesh.

“Last month, we witnessed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and exodus from the country. In this pivotal movement, it is critical the United States takes the necessary steps to support our longtime ally and secure its national stability through this crisis. As a global leader, we have a moral obligation to underscore the importance of preventing violence and protecting vulnerable minorities at this critical time.”

“I commend the Biden-Harris Administration’s past action to impose sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion, which has become directly responsible for numerous abuses over several months. It is imperative we continue to hold government officials accountable for the inhumane treatment of its citizens and condemn any further acts of violence that have, for too long, threatened democracy in Bangladesh and the individual freedoms of its people. The United States has a responsibility to support the transition from the incoming interim government to a new governmental body, centered in democratic ideals and the rights and liberties of every Bangladeshi.”

“I urge the State Department to work with Bangladesh to protect religious communities and support a peaceful political transition.”

Read the full letter here.

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