The petition of residents of the constituency of Coventry East
Declares that there are mounting reports of extreme violence, persecution, destruction, and repression taking place in Bangladesh; further declares that ordinary people are being terrorised, with rising violent crime, religious extremism, politically motivated attacks, public harassment of women, and persecution of religious and ethnic minorities; and notes that these abuses are occurring under the unelected interim government of Bangladesh, with grave concern that the situation may deteriorate further without international scrutiny.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the UK Government to recognise the human rights abuses taking place under the interim government in Bangladesh; to work with international partners to press the United Nations to carry out an investigation assessing the risks of potential repression, the country falling further into turmoil, and the wider implications for regional security; and to take steps to hold those responsible to account, ensuring protection, accountability, and justice for the people affected.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Official Report, 11 June 2025; Vol. 768, c. 3P.]
[P003082]
Observations from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs (Catherine West):
The UK has a long-standing commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. In February, human rights ambassador Eleanor Sanders visited Bangladesh and discussed justice, accountability and fundamental freedoms with the interim Government, and during my most recent visit in November 2024 I raised human rights with Chief Adviser Yunus. We commend the interim Government for inviting the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to investigate last summer’s events. We encourage continued collaboration with the UN and international partners to build a stable democratic future in Bangladesh.
The UK is supportive of continued consensus building and a reform process to create the conditions for a sustainable democracy, improving governance and ensuring a vibrant civil society. We are investing up to £27 million through the Bangladesh collaborative, accountable and peaceful politics programme to support civic and political space, reduce corruption and prevent violence.