Tue Dec 03 22:47:42 UTC 2024: ## UK Parliament Raises Alarm Over Attacks on Hindu Community in Bangladesh

**London, December 4, 2024** – The British government is closely monitoring the escalating violence against the Hindu minority community in Bangladesh, following concerns raised in the House of Commons. Multiple MPs expressed deep alarm over recent attacks, the arrest of religious leaders, and what some described as a potential ethnic cleansing.

Foreign Office Minister Catherine West confirmed the UK’s engagement with Bangladesh’s interim government, stating that assurances were given regarding support for minority communities. However, she acknowledged concerns surrounding the arrest of prominent Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on sedition charges, assuring the House that the situation is under close scrutiny.

The situation has been particularly tense since the departure of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India in August, further exacerbated by Das’s arrest. Reports of attacks on Hindus and their places of worship have persisted despite the establishment of an interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

MPs from various parties highlighted the severity of the violence, with descriptions ranging from houses being burned and businesses ransacked to the arrest of priests and the denial of entry to monks. Conservative MP Priti Patel described the violence as “uncontrolled” and “deeply concerning,” while Labour MP Barry Gardiner characterized the situation as “clearly on a knife edge.”

The concerns were echoed by Bob Blackman, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for British Hindus, who directly accused the Bangladeshi government of attempting ethnic cleansing. Several other MPs voiced concerns on behalf of their constituents with family in Bangladesh.

While Minister West cited visits to Hindu communities in the UK and India as a sign of engagement, calls for stronger condemnation and action from the British government continue to intensify. The situation remains a significant concern for the large Bangladeshi diaspora in the UK, particularly within the Hindu community.

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