Rt Hon Priti Patel MP, the UK’s Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, has written a strongly worded letter to the Foreign Secretary highlighting the “deeply concerning” rise in religious violence and persecution against Hindus in Bangladesh.
In the letter, dated January 9, 2026, Patel describes reports of at least six Hindus being killed within an 18-day period as “unacceptable,” amid a broader pattern of increasing attacks on religious minorities. She references earlier UK government assurances from December 2024, when a minister visited Bangladesh and pledged to monitor the situation and protect minorities, questioning what concrete steps have been taken since then.
Patel poses several pointed questions to the Foreign Secretary, including
– What direct contacts have UK ministers had with Bangladeshi authorities in recent weeks regarding the surge in violence?
– What assurances have been received about protecting Hindu communities?
– Has the government engaged with the Bangladesh High Commissioner in the UK?
She further calls on the UK to leverage its diplomatic influence and convening powers to promote stability in Bangladesh, ensure respect for religious freedoms, and safeguard minorities within the wider political context.
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Patel shared the letter publicly on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “The situation in Bangladesh is very concerning. Religious freedoms should be protected and the murders of Hindus and persecution taking place are wrong and must stop. The UK Government must use its influence and convening powers to work to bring about stability in Bangladesh and a future where religious freedoms are protected and Hindus are safe.”
This intervention comes against a backdrop of documented violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh since mid-2025. Reports from organisations like the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) indicate 116 minority deaths (including lynching, murder, and suspicious cases) across all eight divisions and 45 districts between June 6, 2025, and January 5, 2026. Human rights groups have highlighted a pattern of attacks often linked to blasphemy allegations, mob violence, and arson, particularly targeting Hindus.
The letter also urges the UK government to consider a statement to the House of Commons on its approach, given public interest and the impact on the Bangladeshi diaspora in the UK with family ties in the region.
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Patel’s call echoes concerns raised by other international voices, including India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which has condemned a “disturbing pattern” of recurring attacks on minorities by extremists.
Activists say that Patel’s letter underscores growing international pressure for stronger protections for religious minorities and accountability from authorities.
The Foreign Office has yet to respond publicly to the letter. Priti Patel, a prominent Conservative MP of Indian origin, continues to advocate for a robust UK foreign policy on human rights issues in the region.
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