UK Conservative MP Bob Blackman has flagged alleged violence against Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh during a debate in the British Parliament, urging the Labour government to take a stronger diplomatic stand ahead of the country’s upcoming elections.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Blackman claimed that Hindus were being targeted through killings, arson attacks on homes, and the burning of temples. He said other minority communities were also facing similar threats, describing the situation as deeply concerning.
Blackman highlighted that Bangladesh’s elections, scheduled for February 12, are set to take place amid serious democratic concerns. He pointed out that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League — a major political force that still commands significant public support — has reportedly been banned from contesting the polls. He also warned of what he described as a growing influence of Islamist extremist groups and calls for a constitutional referendum that could fundamentally alter the country’s secular framework.
Calling on the UK government to act, Blackman asked the foreign secretary to clarify what steps Britain would take to push the interim administration led by Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus to guarantee the safety of minorities and ensure free, fair, and inclusive elections.
Bangladesh has been under an army-backed interim setup since Sheikh Hasina was ousted in violent protests last year. Hasina is currently in exile in India, while a court in Bangladesh has sentenced her to death in a case related to alleged crimes against humanity.
Blackman was among four UK MPs who recently issued a joint statement expressing alarm over the ban on the Awami League and other widely supported parties. The statement was also signed by Jim Shannon, Jas Athwal and Chris Law.
India has also raised concerns over repeated attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal recently said New Delhi has observed a “disturbing pattern” of communal violence and stressed that such incidents must be dealt with “swiftly and firmly.”