British MP Bob Blackman, Condemns Attack on Hindus in Bangladesh
Britain - British MP Bob Blackman, a Conservative representing Harrow East, has strongly condemned recent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, highlighting escalating violence against the minority community. Speaking in the UK Parliament, Blackman referred to the imprisonment of ISKCON spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das and attempts to ban the organization in Bangladesh as serious infringements on religious freedom. He expressed concern over reports of Hindu homes and temples being destroyed and called for international attention to address the situation.
Blackman emphasized the UK's historical responsibility toward Bangladesh, given its role in the country's independence. He urged the UK Foreign Office to take stronger action, including issuing a public statement on the issue, to advocate for religious tolerance and minority rights. The remarks come amidst rising tensions in Bangladesh, where Hindu communities have faced violence, arson attacks, and legal challenges to their religious institutions.
The situation has drawn global criticism, with protests outside the UK Parliament and calls from various human rights organizations for greater protection of religious minorities in Bangladesh. Demonstrators have demanded that the Bangladeshi government ensure the safety of all its citizens, regardless of faith, and called for amendments to the constitution to uphold the principles of equality and religious freedom.
Blackman mentioned the ISKCON temple in Britain and said, "ISKCON runs the largest Hindu temple in our country. Their religious leader has been arrested in Bangladesh.'' A case was filed in the High Court of Bangladesh seeking to ban ISKCON. In that case, the Bangladesh government referred to ISKCON as a 'religious fundamentalist organisation'. The opposition has raised that issue in the Parliament of Britain and expressed concern.