Washington, March 21 (NationPress) A resolution proposed in the US aims to formally acknowledge the genocide that occurred in Bangladesh in 1971, emphasizing the systematic targeting of Hindus and advocating for accountability for the Pakistan Army and its affiliates. Congressman Greg Landsman presented this measure in the House of Representatives, calling for the US to officially recognize the atrocities and hold the Pakistan Army and Jamaat-e-Islami accountable for their alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The resolution denounces the brutal acts committed during Operation Searchlight, which commenced on the night of March 25, 1971. It highlights that while ethnic Bengalis of various faiths were victimized, Hindus were particularly targeted for extermination through mass killings, gang rapes, forced conversions, and expulsions.

“The truth of history is imperative. The organized campaign of terror initiated by the Pakistani military on March 25, 1971 — as recorded by US diplomats, journalists, and international monitors — fulfills the United Nations' definition of genocide,” stated Landsman.

The resolution also dismisses the notion of collective guilt among any ethnic or religious community and urges the President of the United States to officially classify these actions as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

“We owe it to the victims, survivors, and future generations to confront this horror, particularly the intentional targeting of Bengali Hindus. Official recognition from the US is long overdue and sends a strong message that we will not ignore atrocities faced by religious minorities,” he asserted.

The resolution further advocates for the safeguarding of religious minorities in Bangladesh, where ongoing concerns about the safety of Hindus and other minority groups persist.

Utsav Chakrabarti, Executive Director of HinduACTion, mentioned that advocacy organizations have collaborated with diaspora communities to raise awareness of this critical issue.

“Our team at HinduACTion has diligently worked alongside the Bangladeshi diaspora and the American Hindu community to address the challenges faced by Hindus and other minority faiths in Bangladesh. Justice served is justice realized, and we are hopeful for the President’s acknowledgment of this historical atrocity for the sake of the millions who endured suffering and to guarantee the safety of the 15 million Hindus, Christians, and other religious minorities still facing persecution in Bangladesh,” he stated.

The resolution delineates documented evidence from 1971, including the deaths of tens to hundreds of thousands of civilians, the rape of over 200,000 women, widespread destruction of homes and places of worship, and the displacement of millions.

It asserts that nearly 80 percent of the victims were Hindus, despite them constituting only about 20 percent of the population. Historical records referenced include US diplomatic cables, journalists’ accounts, congressional findings, and international legal evaluations.

One report concluded: “Nothing is more evident… The Hindu community bore the brunt of the violence.” Another analysis found “irrefutable evidence that Hindus were massacred solely because of their identity as Hindus.”