Priti Patel Denounces Atrocities Against Hindus in Bangladesh as Unjustifiable

London, Dec 4 (NationPress) Priti Patel, a UK MP of Indian descent, has fervently denounced the persistent violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, describing it as unjustifiable and appalling.

Patel, who is a Conservative MP and serves as Shadow Foreign Secretary, called upon the Bangladeshi government to prioritize the safety and religious liberties of Hindus.

In a statement provided to IANS, Patel voiced her worries regarding the unrest in Bangladesh and the assaults on religious minorities.

"These unjustifiable acts of violence and the turmoil in Bangladesh are profoundly alarming, and my thoughts are with everyone affected," she stated.

"The assault on places of worship is appalling, and I recognize that many Hindus must be feeling anxious and threatened, particularly in light of the repercussions from previous episodes of violence," she continued.

"The Bangladeshi administration must take decisive action to protect lives, avert violence, and uphold religious freedoms. I have urged the UK government to do everything within its power to support this effort," Patel emphasized.

During a parliamentary session on Monday, British MPs, including Patel, expressed their apprehensions about the violence against Hindus and other minorities in the predominantly Muslim nation, seeking a statement from Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

Patel reiterated that the rising violence in Bangladesh is profoundly alarming.

She also pointed out the arrest of an ISKCON leader at a place of worship, labeling it as a critical issue.

In her address to the House of Commons, she remarked, "There are deep and enduring connections between our nations, and the degree of escalation in violence is deeply concerning. What we are witnessing now is rampant violence in numerous areas, and we are observing with horror and shock as further violence unfolds in Bangladesh. Our thoughts in this House are certainly with the diaspora community here and those affected in Bangladesh."

She further mentioned that the current unrest in Bangladesh, which began after the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August, has intensified global worries.

"Numerous governments are condemning the violence and calling for peace and order to be restored," she stated.

Sharing the Parliament briefing in a post on X, she stated, "I am deeply concerned by the terrible violence we have witnessed in Bangladesh, and my thoughts are with those affected."

"I urged the government to clarify how they are engaging with the Bangladeshi government on this urgent and significant issue. Firm action needs to be taken to protect lives and prevent violence and persecution, particularly against those based on religious beliefs," she added.

The discussion in the UK Parliament was sparked by an urgent question raised by Labour MP Barry Gardiner.

In response, Catherine West, Foreign Office Minister for the Indo-Pacific, indicated that the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government had committed to supporting minority communities.

The barbarities against minorities in Bangladesh have elicited widespread condemnation globally.

US Congressman Brad Sherman also denounced the violence, asserting that the Yunus government has an absolute duty to safeguard the minority Hindu community following the fall of the democratically elected Sheikh Hasina-led government.

Simultaneously, tensions between New Delhi and Dhaka have escalated since August 5, when Sheikh Hasina fled to India following her ousting. Her departure was succeeded by a series of assaults by radical Islamists on minorities in the violence-affected nation.

India has consistently voiced its concerns regarding the extremist rhetoric targeting Hindus in Bangladesh, urging the Yunus government to ensure the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minorities.