A coalition of 153 Hindu organisations across the UK has written to UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy urging immediate action to ensure the safety of the Hindu community in Bangladesh, which they say is under ongoing attacks.
The letter outlines a pattern of systematic and brutal attacks on Hindu homes, temples, and businesses in Bangladesh following the political upheaval and ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier this month. They caution that the violence mirrors the atrocities of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War and has disproportionately targeted Hindus and other minority groups.
Key incidents flagged by the diaspora groups include the desecration of the Notun Kali Temple in Moulvibazar, the attack on the Sri Krishna Temple in Chittagong, and the murder of Hindu police constable Suman Kumar.
The coalition claims that the situation meets the criteria for genocide under the United Nations' Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
The organisations have called on the British government to:
- Publicly condemn the attacks on Hindus.
- Apply diplomatic pressure on Bangladeshi authorities to restore peace and security.
- Establish a humanitarian corridor for minorities, ensuring their safety and providing aid.
- Urge the United Nations to intervene and assist affected communities.
- Encourage the Bangladeshi military leadership to take decisive action against the perpetrators of violence.
- Facilitate discussions in Parliament to review trade relations with Bangladesh in light of human rights abuses.
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The letter states: "The safety and human rights of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh are under severe threat.
"The British government, known for its commitment to universal human rights, must take a firm stand against these atrocities.”
The letter is published by INSIGHT UK, a grassroots organisation in the UK representing interests of Hindus and Indians living in the UK.