UK Parliament voices alarm over rising attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh

The UK Parliament recently addressed growing concerns over attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh amid widespread protests following the arrest of ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das. Labour MP Barry Gardiner raised an urgent question in the House of Commons, sparking discussions on the safety of minorities in the Muslim-majority nation.

Foreign Office Minister Catherine West assured that the UK government is closely monitoring the situation and has received assurances from Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, that support is available for minority communities. She highlighted that the UK remains committed to engaging with Bangladesh to ensure religious freedom and security for the Hindu population.

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Rising tensions and international reactions

The tensions between India and Bangladesh escalated after the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August, followed by widespread unrest. The Hindu community in Bangladesh has faced increased attacks, including the destruction of homes and businesses. The situation worsened with the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges, leading to protests by Hindu groups in India and the breaching of the Bangladeshi consulate in Tripura.

British MPs, including Bob Blackman and Priti Patel, expressed deep concerns over the violence and persecution of religious minorities. Gurinder Singh Josan, a British Sikh MP, emphasized the need for engagement with affected communities in the UK to address their concerns. The discussions underscored the urgency of safeguarding the rights and security of Hindus in Bangladesh while maintaining international dialogue.