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British MP condemns attack on Hindus in Bangladesh

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British MP condemns attack on Hindus in Bangladesh

Bob Blackman concerned about a Bangladesh High Court’s attempt to ban ISKCON.

London:

Bob Blackman, Conservative MP for Harrow East in the United Kingdom, has condemned attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.

Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, Mr Blackman expressed concern over a Bangladesh High Court’s attempt to ban ISKCON from the country.

In a post on I am also concerned about their High Court’s attempt to rule that ISKCON should be banned from the country. Freedom of religion must be preserved globally.

He said Hindus in Bangladesh are now under threat of death, with their spiritual leader arrested and their homes burned. He added that the UK has a responsibility to look into the issue as it enabled the independence of Bangladesh.

“Now, right now, Mr. President, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, which runs Bhaktaventa Manor in Elstree, the largest Hindu temple in this country, in Bangladesh, their spiritual leader is under arrest .Hindus all over Bangladesh are literally being subjected to death. Their homes are being burned, their temples are also being burned down. And there was an attempt today in the Bangladesh High Court to rule that ISKCON should be. banned from the country. This is a direct attack on Hindus now to act. We have a responsibility because we have allowed Bangladesh to be free and independent,” he said.

Mr Blackman urged the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to make an oral statement to the House to enable them focus the world’s attention on Bangladesh.

“Regardless of the change of government in Bangladesh, it cannot be acceptable that religious minorities are persecuted in this way. So far we have only had a written statement from the FCDO, could the leader therefore allow an oral statement in this house so that we can draw the world’s attention to what is happening in Bangladesh,” he said.

Lucy Powell, Labor and Co-op MP for Manchester Central, echoed Mr Blackman’s views and said she would ask the Foreign Office to look into the situation in Bangladesh.

“He is absolutely right to highlight these issues. We support freedom of religion and belief everywhere, including in Bangladesh. And I will certainly ask the Foreign Office to see if he can come up with a statement on what is happening to Hindus in Bangladesh,” she said.

ISKCON on Thursday expressed solidarity with priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested on charges of sedition for allegedly hoisting a flag at a stand displaying the national flag of Bangladesh.

In an article on X, ISKCON, Inc. said, “ISKCON, Inc. stands with Chinmoy Krishna Das. Our prayers to Lord Krishna for the protection of all these devotees.”

Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari was arrested for sedition for allegedly hoisting a flag at a stand displaying the national flag of Bangladesh. He was produced before a Chittagong court on Tuesday, which rejected his bail application and remanded him in custody.

The arrest sparked widespread outrage, with many demanding his immediate release.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)