Several US lawmakers have voiced strong condemnation over the killing of a Hindu shopkeeper in northern Bangladesh, urging authorities to take swift action to safeguard religious minorities and uphold law and order.
In a bipartisan statement issued on December 23, members of Congress described the death of Uttam Kumar Barman, a grocery store owner from Rangpur, as a disturbing example of growing communal violence. The lawmakers said Barman was attacked by a mob on December 13 following allegations linked to an unverified social media post.
Congressman Ritchie Torres of New York, who co-chairs the Congressional Caucus on Bangladesh, joined Indiana Republicans Jim Banks and Victoria Spartz in calling the incident a serious failure of public security. They warned that minority communities, particularly Hindus, have faced increasing threats amid political instability that began earlier this year.
According to the statement, Barman, 45, was beaten to death after rumors circulated accusing him of blasphemy. While Bangladeshi authorities have detained at least 12 suspects in connection with the killing, the lawmakers said arrests alone are not enough without broader measures to prevent further attacks.
The group emphasized that freedom of religion is a fundamental right and urged the interim government in Dhaka to ensure accountability, strengthen protections for vulnerable communities, and prevent future acts of violence against Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and other minorities.
Separately, Congressman Ro Khanna of California also condemned the killing in a social media post, calling it unacceptable and urging the United States to press for justice and meaningful protections for Bangladesh’s minority populations.
