Five British MPs Express ‘Deep Concern’ Over Bangladesh’s Human Rights Situation

London:  Five members of the British Parliament have expressed “deep concern” over what they described as a deteriorating human rights situation in Bangladesh. In an open letter published on Saturday in the Letters to the Editor section of the UK-based newspaper The Times, they urged the UK government, the United Nations, and the international community to take firm action on the issue.

The letter was signed by MPs Bob Blackman, Jas Athwal, Neil Coyle, Gurinder Singh, and Luke Akehurst. It was co-signed by Baroness Smith of Llanfaes, a member of the House of Lords, and Steven Powles, a criminal lawyer specializing in international crime, extradition, and human rights.

Under the headline “Rights of Bangladeshis,” the signatories expressed alarm at Bangladesh’s political and human rights environment more than a year after the formation of an interim government.

“We are deeply concerned by the worsening human rights situation in Bangladesh,” the letter stated.

“There are numerous credible reports of judicial failures, denial of bail, politically motivated arrests, the banning of certain parties from participating in upcoming elections, and growing violence against minority communities.”

The lawmakers called on the British government — particularly the Foreign Office — as well as the UN and international partners to pressure Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure justice, uphold civil liberties, and end impunity in accordance with international law.

They further urged the authorities to hold peaceful elections within a set timeframe and establish a stable civilian government, saying it was essential to restore trust and accountability in the country.