The UK government has updated its travel advisory for Bangladesh, warning about potential terrorist activities amidst concerns over attacks on religious minorities in the country.
“Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Bangladesh,” read the newly updated travel advisory.
“Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as: crowded areas, religious buildings and political rallies,” says the UK foreign, commonwealth and development office (FCDO) in its Tuesday update.
“Some groups have targeted people who they consider to have views and lifestyles contrary to Islam,” it added.
“There have been occasional attacks against minority religious communities and targeting police and security forces. These have included improvised explosive device (IED) attacks in major cities,” the alert said.
“You should remain aware of your surroundings, particularly in and around police buildings. Avoid large gatherings and other locations with a police or security presence. Follow the advice of local authorities,” read the alert.
The FCDO has recommended against non-essential travel to specific regions, including the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Earlier, at a House of Commons session on Monday, foreign office minister Catherine West addressed concerns regarding recent attacks on Bangladesh’s Hindu minority and the arrests of religious leaders.
“We are aware of the statement of concern from the Indian government following the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a well-known Hindu leader, on sedition charges. The UK foreign, commonwealth and development office (FCDO) desk is closely monitoring those developments,” said West.
“The UK government will continue to monitor the situation, including making representations from this House, and will engage with the interim government in Bangladesh on the importance of freedom of religion or belief specifically as it affects the Hindu community,” she said.
Relations between India and Bangladesh have deteriorated since August 5, when former prime minister Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in India. The recent arrest of a priest, who was formerly associated with Iskcon Bangladesh, has further complicated matters. Bangladesh’s Hindu community has witnessed repeated attacks during protests against Hasina’s Awami League administration regarding job quota policies.
The violence has persisted despite Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assuming the role of chief adviser to the interim government on August 8.
London MP Barry Gardiner, representing a constituency with significant British Hindu residents, expressed serious concerns about the situation, speaking on behalf of UK diaspora communities with connections to Bangladesh.
Conservative MP Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, expressed grave concerns about the increasing violence levels. “What we are witnessing now is uncontrolled violence in many quarters. We are watching with horror and shock as further violence spreads in Bangladesh. The thoughts of all of us in the House are with the diaspora community here and those affected in Bangladesh. These are deeply disturbing reports,” she said.