Washington, Dec 24 (NationPress) An influential American Congressman has voiced significant alarm regarding what he terms a rapidly declining security situation in Bangladesh, cautioning that ongoing violence and assaults on minorities may further destabilize the nation unless immediate corrective actions are implemented.

“I’m genuinely concerned about the security environment in Bangladesh. I believe it has worsened,” stated Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi during an interview with IANS.

“Regrettably, conditions were already poor even after the change in administration, and now it’s become more dire,” he remarked amidst reports highlighting deteriorating human rights conditions and escalating violence in the South Asian nation.

He indicated that a growing law-and-order vacuum has permitted violent factions to operate freely. “Into that vacuum have unfortunately emerged various violent groups that have exercised their own forms of violence,” he explained.

Krishnamoorthi expressed particular concern regarding the assaults on religious minorities, specifically Hindus. “One demographic that I’m particularly worried about are Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh,” he stated, linking the precarious security landscape to “horrible, appalling killings” reported recently.

In response to inquiries about the ongoing deterioration more than a year after a governmental shift, he attributed it to widespread instability. “I think there’s generalized violence against numerous individuals, regrettably,” he commented.

He cited a recent murder that he claimed highlighted the gravity of the crisis. “When you have such a dreadful security situation, then you have incidents like we witnessed recently, where an individual was essentially killed due to his religion, namely a Hindu,” he remarked.

While Krishnamoorthi welcomed the recent arrests, he emphasized that they were insufficient. “I’m pleased that around a dozen individuals were apprehended following this brutal murder,” he noted, adding that authorities “must act more decisively and promptly.”

“If they fail to do so, then individuals will not be held accountable, and the killings will persist,” he cautioned.

When asked if the United States could play a role, Krishnamoorthi mentioned that Washington and other nations should continue to urge Dhaka on security and minority protection. “The US should consistently remind Bangladesh, as well as other nations, that we desire your success and are willing to assist you,” he stated.

“However, you must ensure that minorities are safeguarded, that the security situation improves, and that everyone can function with a certain degree of safety,” he added.

He warned that failing to restore public safety could create opportunities for extremist elements. “Anything is possible,” he asserted, urging authorities to clamp down on “any violent extremists of any kind.”

“You cannot have an economy that benefits everyone if individuals do not feel secure in the public realm,” Krishnamoorthi remarked, describing the protection of minorities as “a fundamental principle of effective governance.”

Bangladesh has encountered periodic international scrutiny concerning political violence and minority rights, particularly during transitional political phases.

The United States and other partners have consistently urged Bangladeshi authorities to uphold the rule of law and safeguard vulnerable communities as essential to long-term stability.