Fri Jan 16 11:08:21 UTC 2026: # UK Government Condemns Violence Against Minorities in Bangladesh Amid Election Concerns
The Story:
The UK government has publicly condemned violence against Hindu and other religious minorities in Bangladesh and called for free and fair elections scheduled for February 2026. Opposition Conservative MP Bob Blackman, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Hindus, raised the issue in the House of Commons, highlighting reports of murders, arson attacks on homes and temples, and the banning of the Awami League party from participating in the upcoming elections. British Hindu groups have been staging protests in London against the alleged atrocities.
Key Points:
- Bob Blackman, a Conservative MP, raised concerns in Parliament about the safety of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
- Blackman reported murders and arson attacks targeting Hindu communities and their places of worship.
- The Awami League, a major political party in Bangladesh, is reportedly banned from competing in the upcoming elections.
- Islamic extremists are allegedly seeking a referendum to change the constitution of Bangladesh.
- The UK government has stated it is actively engaged with the humanitarian situation and supports the interim government on peaceful and credible elections.
- British Hindu groups, including the Bengali Hindu Adarsha Sangha (BHAS) UK, are protesting in London.
- Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel had previously written to Yvette Cooper about the concerning situation in Bangladesh.
Key Takeaways:
- The situation in Bangladesh is raising international concern, particularly regarding the treatment of religious minorities.
- The UK government is under pressure to intervene to ensure fair elections and the protection of minority groups in Bangladesh.
- The banning of a major political party raises questions about the legitimacy of the upcoming elections.
- Rising tensions between religious communities in Bangladesh threaten regional stability.
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