London, Jan 9 (NationPress) UK MP and Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Priti Patel, expressed serious concern over the situation in Bangladesh on Friday, labeling it "concerning and worrying" as she advocated for the protection of religious freedom in the South Asian nation. She urged the UK government to leverage its influence and diplomatic channels to foster stability in Bangladesh, aiming for a future where religious freedom is upheld and Hindus are safeguarded.

In correspondence addressed to the UK Foreign Secretary, Patel pointed out reports indicating that at least six Hindus have been killed within an 18-day span, denouncing such levels of persecution and violence as "unacceptable." She recalled a statement made by the then Minister of Indo-Pacific in December 2024, noting that the minister had visited Bangladesh and discussed the safeguarding of religious minorities. Patel inquired about the UK government's direct communications with Bangladeshi authorities in light of the recent surge in violence.

"The accounts of rising religious violence and persecution in Bangladesh are profoundly troubling. Recent reports indicate that at least six Hindus have lost their lives in an 18-day timeframe. This level of persecution and violence is simply unacceptable. During an urgent discussion on attacks against the Hindu community in Bangladesh in the House of Commons on December 2, 2024, the then Minister for the Indo-Pacific confirmed her visit to Bangladesh and her commitment to continuing to observe and represent on this issue," Patel elaborated.

"In light of the escalating violence, could you inform me about the measures taken over the past year to monitor and advocate for action? What direct engagements have you and your ministers had with Bangladeshi authorities regarding the recent rise in violence? What assurances have you received about the measures being implemented to protect Hindu communities from violence? Have you had discussions with the Bangladeshi High Commissioner in the UK on these critical matters?" she further questioned.

Patel also sought details from the UK government on its collaborative efforts with regional partners to establish stability in Bangladesh and ensure respect and protection for minority groups.

Bangladesh has seen a troubling escalation in violence against minorities, particularly Hindus, under the leadership of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, provoking outrage among citizens and numerous human rights organizations globally.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) has underscored a rise in attacks on minorities throughout the country, recording over a hundred fatalities in just seven months. The organization contends that the violence indicates a nationwide trend targeting minorities rather than isolated occurrences.

“Between June 6, 2025, and January 5, 2026, we documented 116 minority deaths across eight divisions and 45 districts in Bangladesh, comprising lynchings, murders, and suspicious fatalities. This is not isolated violence; it is a widespread pattern of targeted atrocities,” the HRCBM stated on X.