Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of recent reports of (a) human rights violations against Hindus, (b) the destruction of religious sites and (c) targeted violence in Bangladesh.

The Foreign Secretary and I have raised concerns publicly and privately about the recent unprecedented levels of violence and tragic loss of life in Bangladesh. We were clear that a full and independent UN-led investigation into recent events is important. The UK Government welcomed the appointment of the Interim Government in Bangladesh, and it has the UK's support as it works to restore peace and order as well as ensure accountability and promote national reconciliation. The UK is committed to Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all, as guaranteed under international human rights law.