Hindus Being Killed: British MP Bob Blackman Flags Disastrous Situation in Bangladesh, Warns of Rising Islamist Extremism.

Upananda Brahmachari | HENB | New Delhi | Jan 16, 2026::  Serious concerns over the deteriorating situation of religious minorities in Bangladesh were raised in the British Parliament, with United Kingdom lawmaker Bob Blackman describing the prevailing conditions as “disastrous.” Highlighting escalating violence, Blackman warned that Hindus are being murdered on the streets, while their homes and temples are being systematically attacked and set ablaze, alongside similar persecution of other minority communities. Blackman also flagged the alarming rise of Islamist extremism in Bangladesh and its direct impact on religious minorities, particularly Hindus.

Speaking during the pre-recess adjournment debate in the House of Commons, Blackman drew the attention of the UK government to what he termed a grave humanitarian and democratic crisis unfolding in the South Asian nation. He said the seriousness of the issue had prompted the Leader of the House to formally write to the British Foreign Secretary, seeking urgent attention and action.

“Hindu men are being murdered on the streets; their houses are being burnt; the temples are being burnt; and other religious minorities are suffering similar fates,” Blackman stated in Parliament.

Democratic Crisis Ahead of February Elections

Beyond concerns of minority persecution, the British MP also flagged deepening democratic challenges ahead of Bangladesh’s February 12 national elections. He noted that the polls are being conducted in a highly contentious atmosphere, with the Awami League, one of the country’s largest political parties led by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, being barred from participating.

According to Blackman, the Awami League commands support from nearly 30 per cent of voters, as reflected in opinion polls, yet has been excluded from the electoral process. He further warned that Islamic extremist groups are pushing for a referendum that could permanently alter Bangladesh’s constitution, raising alarms about the country’s secular and democratic foundations.

“Next month, there are due to be so-called free and fair elections. The Awami League… is banned from competing, despite commanding about 30 per cent in the opinion polls. Equally, the Islamic extremists have called for a referendum which would change the constitution of Bangladesh forever,” Blackman said.

Call for UK Government Action

The British parliamentarian urged the UK government to take a clear and principled stand. He called for a formal statement from the British Foreign Secretary detailing what concrete steps the United Kingdom would take to:

• Protect religious minorities, particularly Hindus, across Bangladesh
• Ensure free, fair, inclusive, and credible elections
• Uphold democratic norms and constitutional values in the country

Cross-Party Concern in the UK

The concerns raised by Bob Blackman are not isolated. Last week, four British MPs, including Priti Patel, expressed strong reservations about the actions of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh. In a joint statement, lawmakers from across party lines—Bob Blackman, Jim Shannon, Jas Athwal, and Chris Law—criticised the ban on widely supported political parties ahead of the polls.

They warned that the interim government, which they described as “unelected,” had acted against democratic principles and ignored guidance from the United Nations, the United Kingdom, and Bangladesh’s other longstanding international partners.

The MPs stressed that any election excluding major political stakeholders cannot be regarded as democratic, and cautioned that such measures undermine the will of Bangladeshi voters while deepening instability.

Growing International Alarm

The developments in Bangladesh—marked by violence against minorities, political exclusion, and constitutional uncertainty—are increasingly drawing international scrutiny. The strong intervention by British lawmakers signals mounting global concern over both human rights violations and the erosion of democratic processes in the country, with calls intensifying for urgent international engagement before the February elections.
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