Former British Home Secretary Priti Patel has raised a strong voice against the rising religious violence targeting Hindus in Bangladesh. She has called upon the United Kingdom government to leverage its diplomatic power to help restore stability and ensure the protection of religious freedoms in the South Asian nation.
An Urgent Call for Diplomatic Intervention
In her capacity as the Shadow Foreign Secretary, Patel publicly expressed deep alarm over the situation. She highlighted that the ongoing persecution and killings are fundamentally wrong and must cease immediately. Patel described the level of violence as "unacceptable," pointing to recent reports that indicated at least six Hindus were killed within a span of just 18 days.
Her concerns were formalized in a detailed letter addressed to the UK's Foreign Secretary. Patel referenced an urgent question that was raised in the House of Commons on December 2, 2024, focusing specifically on attacks against the Hindu community in Bangladesh. During that session, the then Indo-Pacific minister confirmed having discussed the protection of religious minorities with Bangladeshi authorities during a visit.
Demanding Accountability and Action
In her letter, Patel posed a series of pointed questions to the UK government, seeking clarity on the steps taken over the past year. She asked for details on how the government has monitored developments and what representations have been made to authorities in Dhaka.
Patel's inquiries included:
- What direct contacts have UK ministers had with Bangladeshi authorities in recent weeks?
- What assurances, if any, have been received regarding measures to protect Hindu communities from violence?
- Has the UK government engaged with the Bangladesh High Commissioner in London on this critical issue?
Furthermore, she questioned the government's collaborative efforts with regional partners. Patel emphasized the need to "use our diplomatic influence and convening powers" to bring about stability and ensure respect and protections for minorities in Bangladesh.
Addressing Diaspora Concerns and Next Steps
Recognizing the significant worry within the Bangladeshi diaspora living in the UK, Patel also pushed for governmental transparency. She asked whether the UK government would make an official statement in the House of Commons to outline its actions and future approach regarding the situation.
This move underscores the international concern regarding religious freedoms in Bangladesh. Patel's intervention signals pressure on the UK to translate its diplomatic relationships into concrete actions aimed at halting violence and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
