The rising violence against Bangladesh’s Hindu minority has alarmed UK MPs, especially in the wake of the political unrest that started in August 2024 when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was overthrown. Conservative MP Bob Blackman described the situation as a “attempt at ethnic cleansing” of Hindus during a recent debate in the House of Commons. Blackman cited instances of violence, including arson, damage of homes and businesses, and the arrest of religious leaders.
Attacks on Hindus have significantly increased since Hasina’s resignation; more than 200 cases have been reported. After ISKCON priest Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on sedition charges, raising concerns about religious freedom in Bangladesh, the uproar grew more intense.
The UK government is keeping a close eye on the situation and has contacted Bangladesh’s interim administration to support the safeguarding of religious minorities, Catherine West, the UK Foreign Office’s Indo-Pacific Minister, told Parliament. Discussions had occurred during her November visit to Bangladesh, she stressed.
Several party MPs expressed their alarm. Priti Patel called the violence “deeply concerning,” while Barry Gardiner, a Labour MP, said that as tensions rise, many communities in the UK are concerned about their relations in Bangladesh.
Due to the increased dangers of ongoing unrest and possible terrorist attacks targeting religious institutions, the UK government has also issued a travel alert cautioning its people against entering Bangladesh. As events unfold, UK politicians continue to
