The UK Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel Urges UK Action Over Rising Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh

Melbourne, January 10: The United Kingdom’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, Priti Patel, has written to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressing grave concern over the recent surge in violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and urging stronger British intervention.

In her letter, Patel highlighted reports that a significant number of Hindus have been killed within just 18 days, describing the situation as “extremely concerning and totally intolerable.” She referred to earlier parliamentary discussions on the issue, including an urgent question raised in the House of Commons on December 2, 2024, when the Indo-Pacific Minister confirmed that the safety of religious minorities had been raised during a visit to Bangladesh and that the UK government was closely monitoring developments.

Patel has now asked for an update on what actions the UK government has taken over the past year in response to the growing violence. She requested details of how the situation has been monitored, what diplomatic representations have been made, and when those engagements took place, particularly as attacks on Hindu communities continue to rise.

Priti Patel wrote to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper seeking urgent diplomatic engagement to address violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh. https://x.com/pritipatel/status/2009547704972521857?s=20

She also sought clarification on any recent diplomatic exchanges between UK ministers and Bangladeshi officials, asking what specific discussions have been held in recent weeks regarding the violence. Patel further questioned what guarantees, if any, the Bangladeshi government has given to ensure the safety and protection of Hindu communities, and whether these concerns have been formally communicated to Bangladesh’s diplomatic mission in the United Kingdom.

Raising the issue of regional stability, Patel asked what diplomatic leverage the UK and its international partners are using to support political stability in Bangladesh and to strengthen protections for minority groups.

Referring to the close ties between the UK and Bangladesh, she noted the deep concern felt by British diaspora communities who have family and friends in the country. She concluded by asking whether the government would update Parliament on the matter, calling for a statement in the House of Commons that would clearly set out the government’s response and overall approach to the worsening situation.