Written Question: Freedom of Religion in Bangladesh

Lord Moylan: To ask His Majesty's Government what representations, if any, they intend to make to the government of Bangladesh concerning the increase of freedom of religion violations experienced by minority groups.

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and development Office ( Baroness Chapman of Darlington): The UK has a long-standing commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, including Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). In November 2024, The Minister for the Indo-Pacific visited Bangladesh and discussed the importance of the protection of religious minorities with Chief Adviser Yunus who has been vocal about support for minorities. We are providing up to £27 million under the Bangladesh Collaborative, Accountable and Peaceful Politics programme for protecting civic and political space, fostering collaboration, reducing corruption, and mitigating tensions that lead to any violence. We are supporting the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office, who are working with Bangladesh's Interim Government to produce credible independent data on incidents of religious violence.