Press Releases

Rep. Jim Banks Urges Administration to Confront the Rise of Extremism in Bangladesh

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03) released the following statement on his legislation, H. Res. 160, concerning the threats that theocratic groups operating in South Asia pose to democracy and human rights. The resolution also calls for an end to all support for the Islamic extremist group, Jamaat-e-Islami, which has attacked religious minority groups including Christians, Buddhists, and Hindus.  Read the full resolution here.

Said Rep. Banks, “The fight for religious freedom, pluralism, and security in South Asia is not new. However, the growing influence of radical Islamic organizations in Bangladesh, Pakistan and the wider region demonstrates the urgency for continued efforts to stymie the spread of radical extremism in the region. Even worse, these organizations do so with the help of domestic proxy groups that raise money and peddle influence in the United States.

“Any freedom-loving nation should be concerned and appalled by the human rights violations that are revered and encouraged by terrorist groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and its proxies and partners. I encourage our allies in South Asia unite to oppose Jamaat-e-Islami’s radicalism and violence.”

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Congressman Jim Banks represents Indiana’s 3^rd Congressional District and serves on the House Armed Services Committee, Committee on Veterans Affairs, and Committee on Education and the Workforce.  Please direct all press inquiries to tw.arrighi@mail.house.gov.