Former UK Home Secretary and Conservative MP Priti Patel has called on the Labour government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to take a firm stand against the escalating violence and targeted attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh. Patel’s appeal comes amid growing international concerns over the safety and rights of Hindus in the South Asian nation.
Patel, a prominent voice in the British Parliament on human rights issues, urged the Starmer administration to engage directly with the Bangladeshi government to ensure the protection of minority communities. She also emphasized the need for the UK to leverage its diplomatic ties to promote peace and justice.
UK MP Priti Patel calls on Starmer govt for “robust action” against Bangladesh violence
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“The ongoing violence against Hindus in Bangladesh is deeply troubling and cannot be ignored,” Patel said in a statement. “The UK must stand firm against such atrocities and take robust action, including raising the issue in international forums.”
The remarks follow reports of religiously motivated attacks and incidents of vandalism in Bangladesh, with activists and community leaders urging global intervention. Patel highlighted that ensuring the safety of all citizens, irrespective of their faith, is a fundamental duty of any government.
Her statement comes amid heightened tensions, with protests in India and calls from human rights organizations for greater international scrutiny on Bangladesh’s handling of the violence.
The Labour government has yet to respond formally to Patel’s demands. However, political analysts suggest the issue could gain traction in the UK Parliament, given the country’s large South Asian diaspora and its vested interest in regional stability.