UK condemns violence against Hindus in Bangladesh

Recent reports of violence and persecution against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh have drawn international attention, highlighting a broader, troubling trend of minority oppression worldwide. The UK government condemned these acts, pledging continued engagement with Dhaka’s interim government to ensure the protection of human rights and religious freedom. The statement followed a discussion at the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Hindus, where Insight UK presented a detailed report on persecution, oppression, and killings of Hindus in Bangladesh. The report described temples being destroyed, homes burned, sometimes with families trapped inside, and widespread fear among the Hindu population. Military forces have reportedly conducted crackdowns on various Hindu colonies, with many individuals being arrested unlawfully. As a result, Hindus in Bangladesh will not be celebrating Diwali or the Hindu New Year, a stark contrast to the celebrations happening worldwide.

Raising the issue in Parliament, British MP Bob Blackman called for urgent government action, stating, “Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains will be celebrating Diwali and the Hindu New Year next week. Unfortunately, that is not the case in Bangladesh. On Tuesday, at the APPG for British Hindus, we received a report from Insight UK detailing the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. They are being oppressed, killed, their temples and properties destroyed, and military crackdowns are ongoing with many arrested unlawfully. Could we have a statement from a Government minister on what action is being taken to safeguard these minorities?” In response, a UK government minister said, “We strongly condemn all instances of hate and violence directed towards minority religious communities. We are actively engaged in addressing the humanitarian situation in Bangladesh and supporting the interim government in ensuring a peaceful democratic transition.” The minister reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to human rights globally, stating that the government would make statements and facilitate debates when appropriate.

The persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh is part of a larger global pattern of minority oppression. Uyghur Muslims in China, Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar, and many other minority groups around the world face systemic discrimination, violence, and denial of basic human rights. Human rights should be condemned universally, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or nationality. Remaining silent about atrocities in one region while condemning another creates a dangerous double standard and undermines moral authority.

India has strongly condemned the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed grave concern over the situation, particularly following the murder of Hindu leader Bhabesh Chandra Roy in April 2025. The MEA described this as part of a pattern of systematic persecution under Bangladesh’s interim government, urging Dhaka to take immediate action to protect minorities.

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, has largely denied the allegations. Yunus described reports of anti-Hindu violence as “baseless” and “fake news,” a stance criticized by human rights organizations such as the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and Amnesty International. While the government has initiated political reforms, such as the “July National Charter” with participation from 25 political parties, critics argue that it has failed to take concrete steps to protect minority rights, leaving many communities vulnerable.

Standing together not only amplifies the message but also ensures that atrocities against Hindus are not ignored in global discourse. Human rights advocacy must be consistent and impartial. Condemning persecution in one country while ignoring similar atrocities elsewhere undermines the principles of justice and morality. Hindus, alongside other human rights defenders, must call for universal protection for all minority communities, promoting solidarity across religions, ethnicities, and nations.

The persecution of minorities anywhere is a threat to human dignity everywhere. The international community, governments, and civil society must unite in condemning oppression, ensuring justice, and defending the rights of all vulnerable populations, regardless of religion or nationality. As Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains around the world prepare to celebrate Diwali and the Hindu New Year, it is a time not only for light and celebration but also for reflection and advocacy. The atrocities faced by Hindus in Bangladesh, and minorities worldwide, demand that humanity stand together. Condemnation must be universal, solidarity unwavering, and action decisive. Injustice anywhere diminishes justice everywhere, and the time to act is now.