Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 4 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 November 2004. It was answered by Douglas Alexander (Labour) on Thursday, 11 November 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Government of Bangladesh on (a) the burning of the Ahmadiyya Mosque in Brahmanbaria and (b) harassment of the Ahmadiyya community in that country; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Bangladesh on (a) the burning of the Ahmadiyya Mosque in Brahmanbaria and (b) harassment of the Ahmadiyya community in that country; and if he will make a statement. [197180] Mr. Alexander: On 5 November, EU Heads of Mission in Dhaka visited the main Ahmadiyya mosque in Dhaka to demonstrate EU concern over the attack at Brahmanbaria. Officials in London and at our High Commission in Dhaka regularly raise the treatment of religious minorities, including the Ahmadiyyas, with the Bangladeshi authorities. We remain concerned about the Ahmadiyyas and continue to encourage the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure that they are suitably protected. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and make representations whenever appropriate.

Secondary information