Hindus attacked: UK MP sounds alarm over ‘disastrous’ Bangladesh crisis

Speaking in the UK Parliament, Blackman highlighted what he described as a “disastrous situation” in the country.

“At the pre-recess adjournment debate, I raised the situation in Bangladesh, and the Leader of the House quite rightly wrote to the Foreign Secretary about the disastrous situation there,” he said.

Describing the violence, Blackman added: “Hindu men are being murdered on the streets; their houses are being burnt; temples are being destroyed; and other religious minorities are suffering similar fates.”

Blackman also raised concerns over the political environment ahead of Bangladesh’s general elections scheduled for next month, questioning their credibility.

“Next month, there are due to be so-called free and fair elections. The Awami League, a major political party commanding around 30 per cent support in opinion polls, has been banned from contesting. At the same time, Islamic extremists have called for a referendum that would permanently alter Bangladesh’s constitution,” he said.

Calling for immediate action, the British parliamentarian urged the Bangladeshi authorities to protect minority communities and ensure genuinely free and fair elections.

In a post on X, Blackman shared a video of his parliamentary speech, stating: “I am also horrified to see that Hindus are being murdered and their temples burned.”

Reports indicate that several Hindu leaders have been attacked and killed in Bangladesh in recent weeks.

MEA flags ‘disturbing pattern’

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said last week that it is closely monitoring developments in Bangladesh, describing the violence as part of a disturbing and recurring pattern.

“We continue to witness repeated attacks on minorities, including their homes and business establishments. Such communal incidents must be dealt with swiftly and firmly,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said while addressing the media.

Jaiswal also criticised attempts to downplay the violence by attributing it to personal disputes or political rivalries.

“There is a worrying tendency to explain these incidents as personal vendettas or unrelated disputes. This only emboldens extremist elements and deepens fear among minority communities,” he added.