Written question asked by Danny Kruger (Reform UK) on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 February 2026. It was answered by Seema Malhotra (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 March 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

India and Bangladesh: Religious Freedom

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of recent reports of attacks on Hindus during Saraswati Puja in India and Bangladesh.

Answer

The UK condemns all acts of violence targeting religious or ethnic minorities and we have made clear the importance of protecting freedom of religious belief to key stakeholders in Bangladesh.

When I met PM Rahman in February, I discussed the importance of inclusion and protecting minorities, including Hindus, in line with the commitments he made in his victory address to safeguard the rights of all Bangladeshis. In February 2025, the UK's Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders, visited Bangladesh and held meetings with the Interim Government to discuss issues of justice, accountability, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.

Our commitment to Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) is reflected in our £27 million Bangladesh Collaborative, Accountable and Peaceful Politics programme (2023-2028), which aims to protect civic space, foster inclusive dialogue, and address tensions that can lead to violence.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 112260
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Bangladesh: Hinduism
Thursday, 21 May 2026
Written questions
House of Commons; Bangladesh: Hinduism
Thursday, 21 May 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: India Bangladesh Religious freedom Violence Hinduism
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

India and Bangladesh: Religious Freedom

Secondary information

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