Bangladesh unrest: British MP says attack on Hindus ‘very concerning’; urges UK to act

Former British home secretary Priti Patel has expressed concern over religious violence and persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, urging the UK government to use its diplomatic influence to help restore stability and protect religious freedoms. In a public post and a letter addressed to the UK foreign secretary, Patel, currently shadow foreign secretary, said the situation in Bangladesh was “very concerning” and stressed that “religious freedoms should be protected and the murders of Hindus and persecution taking place are wrong and must stop.” Citing recent reports, Patel mentioned “at least six Hindus being killed within an 18-day period,” describing the level of violence and persecution as “unacceptable.” She referred to an urgent question raised in the house of commons on December 2, 2024, on attacks against the Hindu community in Bangladesh, during which the then Indo-Pacific minister said she had discussed the protection of religious minorities during a visit to the country and committed to monitoring the situation. In her letter, Patel sought details of the steps taken by the UK government over the past year to monitor developments and make representations to Bangladeshi authorities. She asked what direct contacts the foreign secretary and ministers had with Bangladesh’s authorities in recent weeks, and what assurances had been received on measures to protect Hindu communities from violence and attacks.She also questioned whether the UK government had engaged with the Bangladesh high commissioner in London on the issue and what efforts were underway with regional partners “to use our diplomatic influence and convening powers to bring about stability in Bangladesh and respect and protections for minorities.” Highlighting public interest and concerns within the Bangladeshi diaspora in the UK, Patel asked whether the government would make a statement in the House of Commons outlining its actions and approach.