- विज्ञापन -
London: On December 4, Indian-origin UK MP Priti Patel condemned the ongoing violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh, describing it as “senseless” and “horrendous.” Patel, who serves as a Conservative MP and Shadow Foreign Secretary, called on the Bangladeshi government to prioritize the safety and religious freedom of Hindus.
In a statement to IANS, Patel expressed her alarm over the instability in Bangladesh and the attacks on religious minorities. “These senseless acts of violence and the instability in Bangladesh are deeply concerning. My thoughts are with all those affected,” she stated. She highlighted the targeting of places of worship as particularly alarming, noting that many Hindus are likely feeling frightened due to the history of violence against their community.
Patel urged the Bangladeshi government to take decisive action to protect lives, prevent violence, and uphold religious freedoms, and she called on the UK government to support these efforts. During a parliamentary session, Patel and other British MPs raised concerns about the violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, demanding a statement from Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Patel emphasized the seriousness of the escalating violence, linking it to the instability in Bangladesh following the departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August. She remarked, “What we are witnessing now is uncontrolled violence in many quarters, and we are watching with horror and shock as further violence spreads in Bangladesh.”
In her remarks to the House of Commons, Patel mentioned the arrest of an ISKCON leader at a place of worship, which she described as a critical issue. She reiterated the longstanding ties between the UK and Bangladesh and expressed deep concern over the recent violence.
The urgent discussion in Parliament was initiated by Labour MP Barry Gardiner’s question. In response, Catherine West, the Foreign Office Minister for the Indo-Pacific, indicated that the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus had promised support for minority communities.
The violence against minorities in Bangladesh has drawn widespread international condemnation, including from US Congressman Brad Sherman, who stated that the Yunus government has a “clear obligation” to protect the Hindu community following the ousting of the democratically elected Sheikh Hasina.
Tensions between India and Bangladesh have escalated since Hasina’s departure on August 5, which was followed by a series of attacks on minorities by radical groups. India has voiced its concerns over the extremist rhetoric against Hindus in Bangladesh, urging the Yunus government to ensure their safety and security, along with that of other minorities.
