Bob Blackman, a Conservative Member of Parliament for Harrow East in the United Kingdom, condemned the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and expressed concern over the Bangladesh High Court’s attempt to ban ISKCON from the country.
On Thursday, in a post on X, he shared a video of his speech in Parliament and said, “Today, I condemned the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh and the imprisonment of Chinmoy Krishna Das. I am also concerned by the attempt in their High Court to rule that ISKCON should be banned from the country. Freedom of religion must be preserved globally.”
Blackman described this as a direct attack on Hindus and urged the UK government to take action, reminding them of Britain’s role in helping Bangladesh gain independence. He also called on the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) to provide an oral statement in the House to draw global attention to the situation.
Lucy Powell, Labour and Co-op MP for Manchester Central, echoed Blackman’s views, saying she would ask the Foreign Office to investigate the situation in Bangladesh.
“He is absolutely right to highlight these issues. We support freedom of religion and belief everywhere, and that includes in Bangladesh. I will certainly ask the Foreign Office to look into whether they can provide a statement about what’s happening to Hindus in Bangladesh,” she said.
ISKCON expressed solidarity with priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested on charges of sedition for allegedly raising a flag on a stand displaying Bangladesh’s national flag. In a post 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 on charges of sedition for allegedly raising a flag on a stand displaying Bangladesh’s national flag. He was presented before a Chittagong court on Tuesday, which denied his bail plea and remanded him in custody.
The arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with many demanding his immediate release.
(ani)
