“Hindus Being Killed”: British MP Flags “Disastrous” Situation in Bangladesh

Melbourne, January 16: A senior British lawmaker has issued a stark warning over what he described as a “disastrous situation” in Bangladesh, citing escalating violence against religious minorities, particularly Hindus. Speaking in the House of Commons, Conservative MP Bob Blackman said Hindu men were being murdered on the streets, homes and temples were being set on fire, and other minority communities were facing similar persecution.

Blackman also expressed deep concern about the credibility of Bangladesh’s upcoming national elections scheduled for February 12, saying they were unfolding in an atmosphere that undermines democratic principles. He pointed out that the Awami League, the country’s largest political party led by ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, had been barred from contesting the polls despite enjoying around 30 per cent public support in opinion surveys. At the same time, Islamic extremist groups were pushing for a referendum aimed at fundamentally altering the nation’s constitution.

What Bob Blackman said

Addressing Parliament, Blackman stated:

“At the pre-recess adjournment debate, I raised the situation in Bangladesh, and the Leader of the House rightly wrote to the Foreign Secretary about the disastrous situation there. Hindu men are being murdered on the streets; their houses are being burnt; the temples are being burnt; and other religious minorities are suffering similar fates.”

He added:

“Next month, there are due to be so-called free and fair elections. The Awami League, which is a major political party in Bangladesh, is banned from competing in those elections, despite commanding about 30 per cent in the opinion polls. Equally, Islamic extremists have called for a referendum which would change the constitution of Bangladesh forever.”

The MP called on the British Foreign Secretary to issue a formal statement outlining what action the UK Government would take to safeguard minorities across Bangladesh and to ensure that any election held is genuinely free, fair, and inclusive.

“Hindus are being murdered on the streets” — British MP Bob Blackman warns of a “disastrous situation” in Bangladesh. Photo: x.com/BobBlackman

https://x.com/BobBlackman/status/2011836858586534159?s=20

Growing concern among UK lawmakers

Blackman’s remarks come just days after four British parliamentarians—Bob Blackman, Jim Shannon, Jas Athwal, and Chris Law—released a joint statement expressing grave concern over the political restrictions imposed by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. The MPs warned that banning widely supported political parties disregards guidance from the United Nations and from Bangladesh’s long-standing allies, including the United Kingdom.

Their statement stressed that an election excluding major political forces “cannot be considered democratic” and that the current measures imposed by the “unelected” interim administration were denying Bangladeshi voters a genuine choice.

International pressure mounts

Human rights observers say violence against Hindus and other minorities has intensified in recent months, with reports of killings, arson attacks on homes, and desecration of temples. The British MPs urged the UK Government to take a stronger diplomatic stance and work with international partners to prevent further persecution.

As the election date approaches, concerns are growing that Bangladesh could be heading toward deeper instability unless immediate steps are taken to protect minority communities and restore political inclusiveness.