NEW DELHI: The plight of Hindus facing violence in Bangladesh was a key issue in the UK Parliament on Monday. British MPs Barry Gardiner and Priti Patel expressed grave concerns about escalating attacks on the minority Hindu community, urging the UK government to take action.
Labour MP Barry Gardiner from Brent West questioned the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs on the worsening situation in Bangladesh, citing over 2,000 violent incidents since August. These attacks, allegedly perpetrated by extremist groups like the banned Jamaat-e-Islami, have targeted Hindu temples and worshippers. Gardiner emphasized the authorities’ failure to act decisively, further aggravating the crisis.
Today I asked an Urgent Question to the Foreign Minister about violence targeted against the Hindu Community in Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/DfTMmWY1I5
— Barry Gardiner MP (@BarryGardiner) December 2, 2024
UK Calls for Action to Protect Bangladesh’s Hindus
Catherine West, Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, assured Gardiner that the UK government is actively engaging with Bangladesh on the issue. She highlighted discussions with Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser Yunus, emphasizing the protection of religious minorities, particularly during festivals like Durga Puja.
“The UK government supports freedom of religion and belief in Bangladesh through political advocacy and development funding. A special policing unit was established to protect Hindu worship sites during Durga Puja,” West said. She pledged continued monitoring and advocacy for the Hindu community’s safety and rights.
A Crisis “On a Knife Edge”
Gardiner warned Parliament of the precarious situation in Bangladesh, describing it as “on a knife edge.” He called for urgent measures to restore law and order, including addressing the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a prominent figure in the Hindu community.
“With significant diaspora populations in the UK, this crisis deeply concerns us. I urge the government to intensify talks with Bangladesh to ensure calm and uphold the rule of law,” Gardiner said.
Priti Patel: “Horror and Shock”
Conservative MP Priti Patel joined the debate, describing the violence as “uncontrolled” and deeply alarming. She demanded details of the UK’s engagement with Bangladesh, stressing the need to protect religious freedom and prevent further persecution.
“What efforts has the UK made to promote tolerance and ensure the safety of minorities in Bangladesh?” Patel asked, urging robust international cooperation to restore stability.
A Commitment to Human Rights
In response, West highlighted the active role of the British High Commission in Bangladesh, working to support a peaceful political transition and safeguard minority rights.
“Anywhere freedom of religion or belief is at risk, we will stand up for the rights of minority groups,” West assured Parliament, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to human rights and religious tolerance worldwide..
