British Leaders Advocate for Inclusive Elections and Minority Rights in Bangladesh
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Synopsis
In a recent seminar in London, over 100 political activists and senior British leaders addressed the need for inclusive elections in Bangladesh, emphasizing the participation of all political parties, especially the Awami League, to ensure democratic integrity.
Key Takeaways
- Over 100 attendees focused on inclusive elections.
- Lord Alex Carlile chaired the event emphasizing democratic values.
- Bob Blackman called for fair elections.
- John Cammegh proposed a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
- Concerns over human rights violations were raised.
London, April 18 (NationPress) More than 100 political activists, social representatives, human rights advocates, and senior British political figures convened at a recent seminar in London to discuss the current political environment in Bangladesh. The focus was on the necessity for participation by all political parties, particularly the Awami League, in future elections within this crisis-stricken nation.
Chairing the seminar titled 'Democracy, Human Rights, Good Governance, Rule of Law and the Role of Political Parties in Bangladesh's Contemporary Political Landscape' was senior British politician and notable jurist Lord Alex Carlile of Berriew. This event took place at the House of Commons within the British Parliament.
The seminar was organized by the President of the Parliamentary Group 'Conservative Friends of Bangladesh' and Chairman of the Tory 1922 Committee, Conservative MP Bob Blackman.
During his opening address, Carlile underlined the crucial need for inclusive elections in Bangladesh, declaring that the international community would not accept any election that does not include all political parties, notably the Awami League. He pressed stakeholders to guarantee inclusivity in the democratic process.
Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPG) UK and MP Bob Blackman called for genuine efforts to ensure that the upcoming elections in Bangladesh are fair, impartial, and inclusive.
King's Counsel John Cammegh advised the Bangladeshi government to focus on political, social, and economic democratization rather than pursuing an International Criminal Tribunal against the previous administration. He cautioned that such tribunals often become instruments of political revenge, inciting division and unrest. Emphasizing that it would merely benefit legal advisors, he recommended a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to foster unity and healing in Bangladesh.
Zahid Hussain, a member of the Standing Committee and Vice-President of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), along with UK BNP President Abdul Malek and BNP General Secretary Sumon Roy, called for immediate parliamentary elections to stabilize Bangladesh’s democratic framework, committing to establish good governance if successful.
Professor Abbas Faiz from the University of Essex Law School and a former Amnesty International official expressed alarm over human rights abuses in Bangladesh, citing the persecution of opposition parties and minorities under various regimes.
Haradhan Bhowmik, former President of the Sarbojanin Baba Lokenath Association (SBLA) representing the Hindu community, and the United Hindu Alliance appealed for the release of prisoners, including Chimmoy Das Brahmachari, and urged global intervention to end decades of oppression faced by minorities.
Likewise, Prashant Bhushan Barua, former President of the International Buddhist Association and Joint General Secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, voiced similar concerns, urging the BNP to tackle mob violence and chaos.
Pappu Saha, a victim of recent violence, presented evidence of his experiences to UK parliamentarians. He was physically attacked, and his residence was destroyed in the recent unrest.
Contributions were made by former Labour MP and current Reform Party parliamentary candidate Simon Danczuk, alongside leaders from various political parties, community organizations, and human rights groups throughout the UK. Sujit Sen, Deputy Chairman of 'Conservative Friends of Bangladesh', coordinated the initiative.
