London
A UK Parliament event has spotlighted growing political and religious violence in Bangladesh, along with rising threats to democracy. Conservative Party MP Bob Blackman hosted the gathering, attended by members of the Bangladesh Unity Forum and legal experts from Doughty Street Chambers.
The meeting focused on concerns over the country’s upcoming February 2026 elections. Speakers described recent actions against the Awami League, including what they called an “unlawful ban,” as an attack on participatory democracy. They warned that if the party is barred, millions of Bangladeshis could be disenfranchised, and the elections would lack constitutional legitimacy.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s trial at the International Crimes Tribunal was also criticized. Lawyers and activists argued that the judicial process has been misused as a tool of political oppression. UK barristers have raised these issues with the International Criminal Court and UN Special Rapporteurs, citing retaliatory violence, arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial actions, and violations of fair trial rights.
In a public statement, MP Blackman urged Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, to ensure “free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections.” He stressed that minorities, who faced hardships after last year’s July demonstrations, must be included as equal stakeholders in the country’s social and political system.
“The Yunus government promised to restore the rule of law and ensure justice, yet progress on democratic reforms has fallen short,” Blackman said, emphasizing that elections are the foundation of democracy and the true reflection of the people’s will.
The event highlighted the international concern over Bangladesh’s political climate and underscored the need for vigilance to protect democratic values in the country.
