UK MP Flags Threats To Hindus, Other Minorities In Bangladesh, Urges PM Starmer To Act
UK MP also criticised Bangladesh's interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, for failing to announce the dates of its general election
British Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman on Friday raised concern in the UK Parliament over rising threats to religious minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and members of the Ahmadiyya community.
In his speech, he urged the Keir Starmer-led government to act and press Bangladesh to uphold democratic values and protect minority communities.
Sharing a video of his remarks on social media platform X, Blackman said he had again brought the issue of minority rights in Bangladesh to Parliament's attention.
I raised my concerns in about the rising threats on Hindu, Christian, Buddhist & Ahmadiyya minorities in Bangladesh.Peaceful Rath Yatra celebrations were recently attacked.
The Govt must press Bangladesh to protect minorities and uphold democracy. pic.twitter.com/G2O3eFyJr6
— Bob Blackman (@BobBlackman) July 11, 2025
He recalled hosting a recent seminar where representatives from the Hindu, Christian, Buddhist and Ahmadi communities spoke about the growing attacks and hostility they face in Bangladesh. Blackman said these groups are 'under direct attack" and called for stronger international pressure to ensure their safety.
Referring to recent incidents, Blackman highlighted how the peaceful celebration of rath yatra in Bangladesh was targeted by Islamist groups. 'The were attacked by Islamist thugs, and I absolutely disgracefully destroyed that wonderful, peaceful procession."
Raising a formal request, the MP urged the Leader of the House to arrange for a statement from UK Foreign Office Ministers next week.
'Could the Leader arrange for a statement from Foreign Office Ministers next week on what action the UK will take to press Bangladesh to safeguard its minority communities?," he asked.
Blackman's comments came just a day after a prominent Bangladeshi rights group accused Dhaka's government of ignoring more than 2,000 crimes against religious minorities and excluding them from its planned reforms.
The Hindu–Buddhist–Christian Unity Council reported it had recorded 2,442 incidents between 4 August last year and 30 June this year. These included murders, rapes, gang rapes, and vandalism of temples, homes, and businesses.
Speaking to the media, Monindra Kumar Nath, the council's general secretary, said the government had dismissed their concerns as 'false, fabricated, and exaggerated," while alleging that those responsible for the attacks were 'enjoying impunity."
The council also criticised the government for excluding religious minorities from its reform commissions, which are tasked with ending discrimination in society.
(With inputs from agencies)
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July 11, 2025, 22:18 IST
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