Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

BANGLADESH (RELIGIOUS MINORITIES)

08 September 2016 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

Community SecurityForeign AffairsReligion & Faith

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Bob Blackman raised concerns about bangladesh (religious minorities) in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Mr Speaker granted the opportunity to discuss the plight of religious minorities in Bangladesh, especially Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and tribal communities.
  • Mr Blackman highlighted the history of human rights violations, terrorism, and extremist ideologies in Bangladesh, and provided statistics on the decline in minority populations since independence.
  • Mr Sharma, the Minister, condemned recent extremist attacks in Bangladesh and urged the Bangladesh Government to protect the fundamental rights of citizens and bring perpetrators to justice.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

Mr Speaker granted the opportunity to discuss the plight of religious minorities in Bangladesh, especially Hindus, Christians, Buddhists and tribal communities. Mr Blackman highlighted the history of human rights violations, terrorism, and extremist ideologies in Bangladesh. He mentioned his efforts as chairman of the all-party group on British Hindus and recent EDM 351 on religious minorities. He provided statistics showing a significant decline in minority populations since independence and emphasised ongoing issues with property seizures, religious site desecration, and violent attacks against religious figures. Mr Blackman urged the Minister to address key recommendations from the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist & Christian Unity Council including implementing protective laws, investigating disappearances, condemning attacks, and providing compensation.

Other contributors (1)
  • Fiona Bruce Con Congleton

    Ms Bruce commended Mr Blackman's efforts and discussed the shrinking space for civil society in Bangladesh. She highlighted security concerns for journalists, political context regarding elections and human rights violations, and persecution of atheists and Christians. Ms Bruce raised questions on DFID’s work to address religious persecution, government representations about abuse of human rights, entry bans for law enforcement involved in attacks, and review of UK business involvement.

Government Response

Alok Sharma

Mr Sharma congratulated Mr Blackman on securing the debate and thanked him for his commitment. He highlighted the long-standing relationship between Bangladesh and the UK, expressing concern over religious intolerance in Bangladesh. The Minister condemned recent extremist attacks including those at Holey Bakery café and Sholakia Eid congregation. He urged the Bangladesh Government to protect fundamental rights of citizens and bring perpetrators to justice transparently. Mr Sharma mentioned DFID's support for NGOs defending minority rights since 2010, supporting civil society promoting human rights, and new programmes under the Magna Carta fund. The Minister disagreed with imposing sanctions but prioritised counter-extremism support in Bangladesh. He addressed specific points raised including new laws, compensation, refugee status, press freedom, bloggers' safety, and DFID’s work focusing on basic services, private sector development, and risk reduction.

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