A peaceful mass demonstration took place last week in Parliament Square, as members of the British Hindu community and their allies gathered to highlight the escalating humanitarian, cultural, and religious crisis facing our Hindu community in Bangladesh. Senior politicians such as Lord Dolar Popat and The Rt Hon Sir Andrew Mitchell MP joined to stand against the ongoing atrocities.
The demonstration, calm in conduct and dignified in tone, reflects increasing concern over continued reports of violence, targeted attacks, and killings across Bangladesh. We must seek justice. The incidents involving loss of life, destruction of property, and the intimidation of Hindu families raise serious ethical concerns towards a religious group that has historically formed an integral part of the country's social and cultural composition. This protest was not directed towards any faith or nation. Rather it was to stand against the ongoing and systematic persecution of Hindus, ethnic and religious minorities, and the targeting of innocent people through false allegations in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is currently experiencing a serious and escalating wave of violence against minority communities. This includes lynching’s, targeting killings, violence against women, arson attacks and the destruction of homes and places of worship. A horrific concern includes the circulation of a heinous video depicting the burning attack on Dipu Chandra Das. The footage, widely shared on social media, has intensified the perception that acts of violence against Hindus are not being met with sufficient or timely action to enact meaningful change. Justice for victims and protection for vulnerable families are not optional ideals but fundamental obligations to ensure a fair society.
The issue extends beyond individual incidents. The pattern of intimidation, destruction of property, and loss of life that has contributed to the steady erosion of confidence among Hindu families in Bangladesh. For many, this fear is not only physical harm but the gradual marginalisation of a community whose presence in the region predates modern borders.
The Hindu community has made immense contributions to the region since before the Partition. Hindus in what is now present-day Bangladesh comprised approximately 28% of the population before Partition; today, that figure stands at around 8%. This represents a considerable proportion of the Hindu population leaving the country.
There have also been significant economic and cultural contributions made, grounded in the values of discipline, faith, and hard work. Hindus have historically played a vital role in commerce, education, and civic life. However, no community can continue to contribute meaningfully while living through violence and hatred.
The Hindu community in Britain has contributed extensively to society, integrating fully into mainstream life, and stands as one of the most successful diasporas in the country. In fact, the employment rate for Hindus is amongst the highest of ethnic minorities. The message is simple, when given the right environment, Hindus flourish, and we must stand together to put an end to the horrors in Bangladesh.
This demonstration stands as a reminder that peaceful protest remains a powerful tool in exercising our civic engagement within a democratic society. The protection of Hindus, wherever they live, is inseparable from the well-being of society as a whole.
Safeguarding religious minorities is not only a matter of domestic governance but one of international moral responsibility. Those present at the demonstration called for constructive engagement, accountability, and preventative action to ensure that foreseeable harm is averted, and greater action is taken. Our community looks up to politicians such as Lord Dolar Popat at the protest, and we thank them for principled leadership in defence of human rights and in opposition to religious persecution.
Faith should determine our moral compass and how we demonstrate purpose through our everyday lives, not dictate how our society treats us. Most importantly, we must stand against members of our community being attacked, displaced, or killed for their faith; protecting their lives is a responsibility we cannot ignore.
