The UK has become the latest source of disinformation regarding the minority situation in Bangladesh. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain summoned Sarah Cook, the British High Commissioner in Dhaka, to present the real picture and convey the government’s dissatisfaction.
After the discussion on Wednesday afternoon, Touhid Hossain briefed journalists about the matter.
The Foreign Affairs Adviser stated, “We summoned the British High Commissioner. Two minor incidents occurred—on November 2, two members of the British Parliament made remarks about the minority situation in Bangladesh. Their statements included some inaccuracies, which I conveyed to the High Commissioner. Additionally, some UK-based organizations have presented information that does not reflect the reality.”
Touhid Hossain added, “While members of Parliament are free to express their views, we have requested that the British government be informed of Bangladesh’s position on this matter. Sarah Cook has also requested that this be communicated through Bangladesh’s High Commission.”
He further mentioned a recent report by the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), which deeply disappointed Bangladesh. “The report attempted to portray that the number of deaths increased after August 5, which is completely false. Before August 5, 280 deaths were reported, and the total figure was over 1,000. In reality, at least 1,500 young men and women were killed before and on August 5. This was communicated to the High Commissioner, along with a detailed list of 780 individuals. The identities of many others are still being verified, but their bodies have been found.”
The Adviser also emphasized, “While certain incidents may have occurred after August 5, the portrayal in the report is entirely incorrect. It is regrettable that the APPG report fails to mention the significant incident prior to August 5, where a large number of young people were shot and killed in the streets of Bangladesh.”
