Religious persecution in Bangladesh

Rt Hon Priti Patel (Member of Parliament for Witham, UK) writes to UK Foreign Secretary

The reports of increasing religious violence and persecution in Bangladesh are deeply concerning and worrying. In recent weeks there have been reports of at least six Hindus being killed within an 18-day period. This level of persecution and violence is unacceptable. During an Urgent Question on attacks on the Hindu Community in Bangladesh in the House of Commons on 2 December 2024, the then Minister for the Indo-Pacific stated that she had visited Bangladesh and was discussing the protection of religious minorities and undertook to continue to monitor the situation and make representations.

Given the increase in violence, can you advise what steps have been taken over the last year to monitor and make representations ? Can you advise on what direct contacts you and your Ministers have had with the authorities in Bangladesh and your counterparts over the last few weeks in relation to the current increase in violence ?

What assurances have you received about the actions being taken to protect Hindu communities from violence and attacks ? Have you engaged with the Bangladesh High Commissioner in the UK on these matters ?

Given the wider political situation in Bangladesh, what work is underway with partners in the region to use our diplomatic influence and convening powers to bring about stability in Bangladesh and respect and protections for minorities?

Moreover, in view of the public interest in this matter and the diaspora community in the UK who are affected and have family in Bangladesh, will you be making a statement to the House of Commons on the Government’s actions and approach ?

(Rt Hon Priti Patel is Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, United Kingdom)