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A stark warning in the British Parliament has put Bangladesh under the global spotlight, with a UK MP alleging attacks on Hindus and questioning whether upcoming elections can truly be free, fair, or inclusive.
Bob Blackman is a member of the UK House of Commons for nearly two decades now
London: A senior UK opposition lawmaker has flagged alleged violence against Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh during a debate in the British Parliament, urging the Labour government to take a stronger diplomatic stand. Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman called on the UK to press the interim government in Dhaka to safeguard minorities and ensure free and inclusive elections.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Blackman painted a grim picture of the situation on the ground in Bangladesh. “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 said, alleging a sharp rise in communal violence.
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Blackman, who has represented his constituency in Parliament for nearly two decades, also warned about what he described as the growing influence of Islamist forces in the country.
The Conservative MP raised serious concerns about the parliamentary elections scheduled for February 12, questioning their credibility. He pointed out that the Awami League, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has been barred from contesting the polls despite enjoying significant public support.
“Next month, there are due to be so-called free and fair elections,” Blackman said, noting that the Awami League commands nearly 30 per cent support in opinion polls but has been banned from participation. He also warned that extremist groups were pushing for a constitutional referendum that could permanently alter Bangladesh’s democratic framework.
Blackman demanded that the UK foreign secretary clarify what steps the Labour government intends to take to protect religious minorities and ensure fair, free and inclusive elections in Bangladesh. The country has been under an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus, backed by the military, since Sheikh Hasina was ousted in violent protests last year.
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Hasina is currently living in exile in India, while a Bangladeshi court has sentenced her to death over charges of “crimes against humanity,” a development that has further polarised political opinion.
Blackman was among four UK MPs who recently issued a joint statement expressing concern over the ban on the Awami League and other major political parties. The statement was also signed by Jim Shannon, Jas Athwal and Chris Law.
India has also voiced concern over recurring attacks on minorities in Bangladesh. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi continues to witness a “disturbing pattern” of violence against minorities and called for such incidents to be addressed “swiftly and firmly.”
