A multi-party group of UK parliamentarians has warned about the current situation in Bangladesh, including the 'deterioration of law and order', the 'rise of Islamic extremists', despite a wave of hope after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government. The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Commonwealth of Bangladesh, a multi-party group of the UK Parliament The House of Commons, has produced a report on Bangladesh. The report was sent to British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. In that report, concern has been expressed about the current situation in Bangladesh.
According to the APPG report, more than two thousand incidents of violence have been recorded in Bangladesh since the fall of the Hasina government. It has been said that the current government has 'weaponised' the judiciary to exact revenge.
Despite the violence and unrest, the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government brought joy and hope to many, the report noted.
'But we have found evidence that raises questions about the effectiveness of the current interim government. There is an immediate need to stop the culture of using law as a political weapon. Human rights and the rule of law must be upheld.'
The report also says, 'If it fails to do so, Dr. It will not be good for the image of the interim government of Muhammad Yunus.'
Questioning the credibility of the murder case
The parliamentary group said it had received information that “such a large number” of murder cases were being filed against former ministers, parliamentarians, Awami League leaders, former judges, intellectuals, lawyers and journalists that “their credibility has been questioned”.
Citing the report of the Daily Star, the group also said that criminal cases have been filed against about 194,000 people associated with the Awami League. Among them, 26 thousand 268 names have been mentioned and about one lakh 68 thousand names have been kept unknown. Besides, cases have been filed against many journalists and prominent people. Their arrest is also going on.
security situation
According to the report, three months after the formation of the interim government, the security situation in some parts of Bangladesh is extremely dangerous. There was evidence that rioters attacked private homes, businesses, carried out violent attacks and committed murders. However, the new government is determined to restore law and order. However, the security situation in different regions may differ.
100 expats from different parts of the world including UK, USA, Canada and Australia have sent letters together. In the letter, they expressed concern over attacks on students, doctors and teachers and the rise of religious extremism. However, they did not directly blame the interim government. However, he said, the government is not taking enough steps to prevent human rights violations.
After the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, opposition media freedom increased. This is positive. However, journalists believed to be loyal to the previous government are currently at risk of arrest.
Violence against minorities
There is evidence of persecution of religious and other minorities after the change of government, although this varies by region. In addition, there is a difference between the actual incident and the report in the press. The Bangladesh Hindu Association (UK) said restrictions on their religious freedom have been imposed following recent violence. In addition, evidence of attacks on the tribal population living in the hilly areas of Chittagong has also been found. There, rioters took advantage of the deterioration of law and order to target their properties and communities.
Lack of rule of law
However, these attacks are not targeted. Yet if the interim government does not bring the perpetrators to justice, the matter may indicate tacit support. The declaration of virtual impunity for those involved in the violence and protests announced on October 15 could also further divide the tense situation and diminish hopes for justice among minorities.
Rise of Islamic extremists
Since the fall of the Awami League government, there is evidence that the political influence and visibility of conservative Islamists is increasing.
According to the report, the wave of instability in Bangladesh may come to UK. Because according to the 2021 census in England and Wales, there are 644,881 British citizens of Bangladeshi origin, which is 1.1 percent of the total population.
APPG chairman Tory MP Andrew Rossindale said the report will be sent to Bangladesh and Commonwealth related governments and development agencies.
Note that Tulip Siddique, the Treasury Minister in British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's cabinet, is Sheikh Hasina's sister's daughter.
Source: APPG Report
