Mike Levine demands that Jamaat be declared a terrorist organization in Congressional hearings

Hakikul Islam Khokan

Demands have been raised for identifying Jamaat-e-Islami as a terrorist organization, imposing sanctions against Bangladesh for gross failure to protect democracy and human rights, showing extreme reluctance in minority security and impunity for those involved in open beatings, burning houses and extortion and rape. On February 9, 2026, two congressmen spoke at a congressional hearing on ‘Violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh’ on Capitol Hill. Apart from this, representatives of four other congressmen were present. The Congressmen commented that the peace and stability of South Asia is under threat in view of the rise of religious militants and international terrorists in Bangladesh. Attending the hearing, Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a Washington DC-based think tank, advocated banning Jamaat-e-Islami as a terrorist organization and called Muhammad Yunus an enemy of democracy and humanity. He expects the Trump administration to look into this matter. The participants in the discussion declared Jamaat-e-Islami as an “international terrorist organization” on the basis of Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and called for a full investigation against the activists of this organization and Jamaat-affiliated organizations in the United States. Khabar Ibn News.

At the same time, he also commented that there will be no acceptance of February 12 elections. In the hearing, Michael Rubin mentioned that the religious organization, Jamaat-e-Islami, wants to be freed from the responsibility of wrongdoing and corruption for the sake of religion. They are also using Islam as a shield to cover their misdeeds which will not bring good results for Bangladesh. Citing an article published in the Washington Post, Michael Rubin said with astonishment that the Trump administration’s relationship with Jamaat-e-Islami can never be acceptable. Those who engage in terrorism under the guise of religion, who do not respect democracy, who are constantly taking away the freedom of women,How is the US relationship with them? Democrats should work with Republicans on this. Michael Rubin specifically points out that Muhammad Yunus has been an ally of Jamaat-e-Islami to avenge the defeat of 1971.

Taking part in the discussion, Congressman (Michigan-Republican) Tom Barrett said, Islamic extremists are creating instability in the country. The United States is ready to protect humanity from their grip. Congressmen known as friends of Bangladeshi-Americans are concerned about the situation in Bangladesh. We are always determined to maintain the peace and stability of Bangladesh and South Asia. No one supports anyone being attacked or killed because of religious beliefs. Virginia Congressman (Democrat) Suhas Subramaniam said, the increase in violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh cannot be accepted. In the same way, the election that is going on by leaving out Awami League, the country’s oldest and leader in the liberation war, is not going well, this election will remain questionable. He said, now is not the time for statements, action should be shown. Relations with the United States should be strengthened and everyone should be informed that the elections in Bangladesh are not truly free and fair. Samuel Brownback, the former US ambassador at-large and co-chair of the International Religious Summit on international religious freedom, said in a video speech that when communal harmony is disrupted, its impact not only changes the country’s map, but also affects economic activities. Democracy is not reliable.

At this time, Farida Yasmin, President of National Press Club of Dhaka and Member of Parliament, highlighted the media situation in Bangladesh. He demanded the unconditional release of all arrested journalist leaders including Shyamal Dutta, Mozammel Babu. Murder case filed against about three hundred journalists, dismissal of journalists,He brought up the incidents of confiscation of bank accounts and psychological distress. Faced with such a situation, Farida Yasmin requested the humanitarian cooperation of the international community to protect the journalists of Bangladesh. Referring to the issue of violence against women in Bangladesh, he quoted the National Women’s Council and said that 31 women were raped last January. 11 of them are victims of gang rape. He gave the information to arrest or hand over to the trial those involved in such misdeeds.

Priya Saha, president of South Asian Minorities Collective, said that there is no security for minorities in Bangladesh. Brutality is going on in front of law and order forces. Business establishments are being attacked and looted after non-payment of subscription, houses and businesses are being set on fire.

President of the New American Voters Association. Dilip Nath has already addressed several Congressmen on the floor of Congress expressing deep concern over the ongoing situation in Bangladesh and has written to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Muhammad Yunus. They called for immediate action on the rule of law. Dr. Dilip Nath’s optimism, a hearing will be held immediately in the Foreign Affairs Committee in the light of the situation in Bangladesh.

Journalist and organizer Shubo Roy said, surprisingly, the current delicate situation of Bangladesh is not being published in the international media like the media of Bangladesh. And this is happening because good governance and democratic institutions have become non-existent. It is a very dangerous thing in the question of humanity. Shubo Roy pointed out that the main political party of the country is Awami League, the elections held by banning it can never be free and transparent. Such elections will not be acceptable in the democratic world. Shubo Roy said that because journalists are not capable of reporting objective news, evil people are getting help. Humanity is endangered.
Special thanks to Kahona and Hindu Action along with Utsav Chakraborty for organizing the hearing. Dilip Nath. At that time, Arifa Rahman Ruma, associate professor of Bangladesh Open University, spoke about the overall situation in Bangladesh.Political Analyst and Columnist Rana Hasan Mahmood, Policy Analyst Ritvik Hari, Geopolitical Analyst Adel Nazriana and New Generation Representatives Shashika Biswas, Pooja Devi, Shayan Shil and Premjit Achari.

Representatives of New Jersey Senator (Democrat) Cory Booker, California Congressman (Democrat) Mike Levin, Congressman (Republican) Yong Kim, Congressman (Democrat) David Mean were present on the floor during the congressional hearing. Besides, the officials of some think tanks were also on the floor. Columbia University professor Dr. participated in the question and answer session from the New York delegates. Dweezen Bhattacharya said that in August 2024, Volkar Turk, the head of the United Nations Human Rights Commission, called Bangladesh Army to refrain from suppressing the alleged movement of religious militants called Chhatra. On August 4, Volker Turk told Army Chief Waqar-uz-Zaman that Bangladesh would not be allowed to participate in UN peacekeeping missions in the future if attempts were made to suppress the movement. Volkar helped the Jamaat conspiracy to overthrow Sheikh Hasina and her government through such threats. In response, Michael Rubin said, the issue should come not only in this hearing, but in the New York Post or the Daily News or the sub-editorial of the Daily Sun or any mainstream media. So that common-sense Americans learn about the UN’s self-contradictory behavior. Dr. Dwijen also mentioned that behind the banning of several parties, including Awami League, which represents 65 percent of the voters of Bangladesh, there is the support of Jamaat-lovers including Volkar Turk. Journalist Dastgir Jahangir’s question was, there is a demand to ban Jamaat-e-Islami as a terrorist organization, what is the opinion of Michael Rubin in this regard? Michael Rubin, a scholar of international politics and terrorism, agreed in response.

When asked about the feelings of the expatriate generation who participated in the hearing, Shayan Shil said, Ma-We are forced to live in horror due to the ongoing brutality of our father’s motherland. I am honored to be in a congressional hearing on such a terrible situation because we, living in America, feel the pain inside. Shayan also mentioned that a massive campaign will be conducted on social media to create international public opinion on this matter. Private Investigator Associates Shakti Gupta coordinated the hearings from New York.