To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has made representations to the Bangladeshi government on bringing the perpetrators of violence against Bangladeshi Hindus to justice.
Answered on
7 December 2021
The UK Government is concerned about the recent violence at Hindu Durga Puja celebrations across various districts in Bangladesh. Lord Ahmad, the Minister for South Asia, tweeted his concern on 21 October.
During his visit to Bangladesh in November 2021, Lord Ahmad stressed the importance of freedom of religion or belief in his meeting with Foreign Minister Momen. He also met with faith leaders to discuss the current situation for religious minorities in the country, and to encourage further focus on inter-faith dialogue.
Bangladesh remains a human rights priority country for the FCDO. We will continue to regularly engage with the Government of Bangladesh on our human rights concerns, including the right to freedom of religion or belief for all.