New Delhi: A British parliamentarian has raised serious concerns about escalating violence against minorities in Bangladesh, particularly targeting Hindus, ahead of the nation’s scheduled elections on February 12. Lawmaker Bob Blackman described the situation as “disastrous,” citing reports of killings, arson attacks on homes and temples, and widespread persecution of religious minorities.
Speaking in the UK Parliament, Blackman highlighted the threat to democratic processes in Bangladesh, noting that the Awami League, the country’s major opposition party and a long-standing political force, has been barred from participating in the upcoming elections. He warned that Islamic extremist groups are simultaneously pushing for a referendum to amend the country’s constitution, raising further concerns about the fairness and inclusivity of the electoral process.
“At the pre-recess adjournment debate, I raised the situation in Bangladesh. Hindu men are being murdered on the streets, their houses and temples burnt, and other religious minorities are suffering similarly,” Blackman said. He urged the British Foreign Secretary to outline concrete steps the UK government will take to safeguard minorities and support free and fair elections in Bangladesh.
The warning comes after four UK parliamentarians, including Blackman, issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over restrictions imposed on widely supported political parties under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. They noted that barring major parties from the polls undermines democratic norms and disregards guidance from the United Nations and longstanding international allies.
The British lawmakers stressed that elections excluding major political forces cannot be considered genuinely democratic, and called for urgent international attention to protect minority rights and ensure that the electoral process in Bangladesh remains free, fair, and inclusive.
The developments underscore growing international scrutiny of Bangladesh’s political climate, particularly the treatment of minority communities and the integrity of its electoral system ahead of critical national polls.
