UK warns of ‘indiscriminate’ terror attacks in Bangladesh amid concerns about safety of minorities

The UK government has updated its travel advisory for citizens travelling to Bangladesh amid violence against religious minorities in the country. The Foreign Office warned of potential “terrorist activities” that might unfold in Bangladesh.

“Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Bangladesh. Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals, such as crowded areas, religious buildings and political rallies,” the UK Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said in the updated advisory.

It added that there are reports that people having contrary beliefs and lifestyles to those of Islam are being targeted in Bangladesh.

India’s neighbour has been on a boil since Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das’ arrest in November which prompted widespread protests leading to the deaths and injuries of several people. The developments have left the world concerned with many registering strong objections to the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh.

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The FCDO further said, “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.”

It advised citizens to exercise caution “particularly in and around police buildings” and asked travellers to avoid large gatherings.

‘UK monitoring situation’

Meanwhile, earlier this week, Britain’s foreign office minister Catherine West addressed concerns over the recent attacks in Bangladesh saying, “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.”

“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 added.