India, Jan. 16 -- In a recent statement, United Kingdom lawmaker Bob Blackman expressed alarm over what he described as a "disastrous situation" in Bangladesh. He cited escalating violence against minorities, especially Hindus, alleging that they are being murdered on the streets and that their houses and temples are being set on fire.

UK lawmaker Bob Blackman warned that the February 12 national elections in Bangladesh are taking place amid democratic concerns, with the ousted premier Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, one of the country's major political parties, being barred from participating.

The Awami League was banned as Islamic extremists pushed for a referendum to amend the country's constitution.

"At the pre-recess adjournment deb...