British lawmaker Bob Blackman has raised concerns in Parliament about what he described as a deteriorating situation in Bangladesh, citing violence against religious minorities and serious questions surrounding the country’s upcoming national elections.
Speaking during a parliamentary debate, Blackman said reports indicate members of minority communities, particularly Hindus, are facing attacks on their lives, homes and places of worship. He also warned that other religious minorities are experiencing similar threats.
Blackman expressed concern that Bangladesh’s Feb. 12 elections are unfolding amid democratic challenges. He pointed to the ban on the Awami League, a major political party led by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, from contesting the vote, as well as calls by Islamist groups for a referendum that could significantly alter the country’s constitution.
He called on the UK government to issue a formal statement outlining what steps it will take to protect minorities in Bangladesh and to support free, fair and inclusive elections.
The comments follow a joint statement last week by four UK parliamentarians, including Blackman, criticizing restrictions imposed by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. The lawmakers said excluding widely supported parties from the electoral process runs counter to guidance from the United Nations and undermines democratic legitimacy.
They warned that any election held without the participation of major political parties would be difficult to regard as genuinely democratic.