London, Jan 9: UK Member of Parliament and Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Priti Patel, on Friday described the situation in Bangladesh as “concerning and worrying,” calling on the UK government to take active steps to protect religious freedom and ensure the safety of minority communities, particularly Hindus.
In a letter addressed to the UK Foreign Secretary, Patel referred to reports indicating that at least six Hindus were killed within an 18-day period, terming the level of persecution and violence “unacceptable.” She urged the UK government to use its diplomatic influence and convening powers to help restore stability in Bangladesh and work towards a future where religious freedom is upheld.
Recalling discussions held in December 2024, Patel noted that the then Minister for the Indo-Pacific had stated she visited Bangladesh and engaged with authorities on the protection of religious minorities. Patel questioned what concrete steps had since been taken by the UK government to monitor the situation and make representations to Bangladeshi authorities amid the recent rise in violence.
In her letter, Patel sought clarity on whether UK ministers had maintained direct contact with Bangladesh’s leadership in recent weeks, what assurances had been received regarding the protection of Hindu communities, and whether the Bangladesh High Commissioner in the UK had been engaged on the matter. She also asked about coordination with regional partners to promote stability and minority rights in Bangladesh.
Concerns over the treatment of minorities have also been raised by international rights groups. The Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) recently highlighted what it described as a growing pattern of violence against minority communities across the country.
According to HRCBM, between June 6, 2025, and January 5, 2026, at least 116 minority deaths were documented across all eight divisions and 45 districts of Bangladesh. The organisation stated that the incidents included lynching, murder and suspicious deaths, and alleged that the violence reflects a nationwide pattern rather than isolated events.
The developments have sparked concern among human rights organisations and members of the international community, prompting calls for stronger safeguards for minorities and greater accountability.
