Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of restrictions on religious freedom in Bangladesh, in particular, the detention of religious leaders and prevention of monks from travelling to India to attend a religious ceremony; what assessment they have made of the impact of such restrictions; and what steps they are taking to support the protection of freedom of religion or belief in that region.

The UK has a long-standing commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, including Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB). Following the student-led protests in July and August, we have been closely monitoring the situation for minorities in Bangladesh. In November, Minister West visited Bangladesh and discussed the importance of the protection of religious minorities, including the Hindu community, with Chief Adviser Yunus. 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 violence. We will continue to engage with the Interim Government of Bangladesh on the importance of FoRB.