Bangladesh urged to hold inclusive election of all political parties including AL

Ansar Ahmed Ullah::A Seminar about democracy, human rights, and good governance in Bangladesh was held in the British Parliament.
 
The event, which was hosted at the House of Commons on 8 April 2025, covered democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and the role of political parties in Bangladesh's current political landscape. It was organised by the Chair of the Parliamentary group "Conservative Friends of Bangladesh," the Honourable Conservative MP Bob Blackman.
 
The seminar was chaired by the Honourable Lord Carlile KC, a senior British politician, prominent jurist and UK government terrorism advisor.
 
The seminar had contributions from former Labour MP and current Reform Party parliamentary candidate Simon Danczuk, as well as leaders from various political parties, community groups and human rights organisations from across the United Kingdom.
 
In his opening remarks, Lord Carlile emphasised the importance of inclusive elections in Bangladesh, asserting that no election would be acceptable to the international community without the participation of all political parties, including the Awami League. He urged stakeholders to ensure inclusivity in the democratic process.
 
APPG Chairman and MP Bob Blackman highlighted his longstanding relationship with the Bangladeshi community in his constituency and his efforts to safeguard their rights. He called for sincere efforts to make the upcoming elections in Bangladesh fair, impartial, and inclusive.
 
King's Counsel John Cammegh, known for his involvement in Sierra Leone's Truth and Reconciliation process, who was unable to attend, sent a written message, which Lord Carlile read aloud. In his message, Mr. Cammegh KC advised the Bangladeshi government to prioritise political, social, and economic democratisation over establishing an International Criminal Tribunal against the previous government. He warned that such tribunals often serve as tools for political retribution, fostering division and anxiety. It will only help the income of legal advisors. Instead, he advocated for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to promote unity and healing.
 
Former Amnesty International official and University of Essex Professor Abbas Faiz expressed concern over human rights violations in Bangladesh, citing persecution of opposition parties and minorities under various governments.
 
Mr Haradhan Bhowmik, representing the Hindu community and the United Hindu Alliance, called for the release of prisoners, including Chinmoy Das Brahmachari, and urged global action to end decades of oppression against minorities.
 
Prashant Bhushan Barua, former president of the International Buddhist Association and joint general secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, echoed these concerns, urging the BNP to address mob violence and anarchy.
 
Dr. Zahid Hussain, standing committee member and vice-president of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), along with UK BNP President Abdul Malek and UK Swindon BNP General Secretary Sumon Roy, spoke on behalf of the BNP. They detailed the imprisonment, oppression and torture faced by party leaders and workers over the past fifteen years and pledged to establish good governance if elected. They called for immediate parliamentary elections to stabilise the democratic system.
 
The seminar also featured emotional moments, such as Pappu Saha, a direct victim of recent atrocities, submitting documentation of his experiences to UK parliamentarians. It may be mentioned here that Pappu was physically assaulted, and the house was destroyed.
 
Over a hundred political activists, social representatives, and human rights advocates attended the programme.