Five members of the British Parliament have expressed deep concern over what they describe as a deteriorating human rights situation in Bangladesh. They, along with a member of the UK’s House of Lords and a human rights lawyer, have urged the United Kingdom government, the United Nations, and the international community to take firm action to address the issue.
Their concerns were outlined in a letter published on Saturday in the letters section of the UK-based newspaper The Times.
The MPs who signed the letter are Bob Blackman, Jas Athwal, Neil Coyle, Gurinder Singh, and Luke Akehurst. They were joined by Baroness Smith of Llanfaes, a member of the House of Lords and a politician from the Welsh nationalist party Plaid Cymru, and Steven Powles, a barrister known for his work in international criminal law, extradition, and human rights.
In their letter titled “Rights of Bangladeshis,” the group stated that more than a year has passed since the formation of an interim government in Bangladesh, during which the human rights situation has continued to deteriorate.
They wrote, “We are deeply concerned about the worsening state of human rights in Bangladesh. Numerous credible reports highlight failures within the judicial system, denial of bail, politically motivated arrests, the banning of certain political parties ahead of the upcoming elections, and increasing violence against minority communities.”
The letter called on the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the United Nations, and other international bodies to pressure Bangladesh’s interim government to comply with international law, ensure justice and civil liberties, and put an end to impunity.
“We also urge the authorities to hold peaceful elections within a specific timeframe and to establish a stable civilian government that can restore trust and accountability in the country,” the MPs added.
Their appeal reflects growing international concern about Bangladesh’s political and human rights environment since the interim administration took power following last year’s political turmoil.
