British lawmakers and peers gathered at the House of Commons on Monday to scrutinise the human rights and democratic situation in Bangladesh under the 18-month-old interim government, warning that key democratic norms are being eroded ahead of planned elections.
The event, titled “Bangladesh at a Crossroads: 18 Months of Interim Government and Elections,” was chaired by Conservative MP Bob Blackman and attended by members of Parliament, members of the House of Lords, policy experts, and representatives of the international community.
A documentary video highlighting allegations of human rights violations and serious concerns over electoral integrity was screened during the session.
In his opening remarks, Chair Bob Blackman MP strongly criticised the interim authorities for banning the political activities of the Bangladesh Awami League through an ordinance and suspending its registration, describing the move as incompatible with democratic principles.
He expressed deep concern over what he called a “significant deterioration” of human rights during the interim period, citing reported abuses affecting minority communities, women, and children. Blackman also raised allegations that minority voters were either pressured into voting or physically prevented from reaching polling stations.
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Lord Rami Ranger reinforced the message, stating that preventing citizens from voting for candidates of their choice “undermines democratic principles and weakens public confidence in electoral systems.”
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Md. Habibe Millat, President of the Global Centre for Democratic Governance (GCDG) and former parliamentarian.
He told the gathering that 124 Members of Parliament, along with thousands of political activists, remain in detention for extended periods without trial and have been repeatedly denied bail. He alleged that law enforcement institutions are operating under political influence and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals held in politically motivated cases.
Additional perspectives were shared under the moderation of Cris Blackburn by a panel of invited speakers that included Barrister S. M. Rezaul Karim, Cllr. Puspita Dasgupta, Syed Badrul Ahsan, Barrister Tania Ameer, Prosanta Purakayasta, Abdul Wadud Dara, Dewan Gous Sultan, Razeeb Parvez, and Barrister Md. Moonirul Islam. The speakers addressed the urgent need for democratic restoration, inclusive political dialogue, upholding the rule of law, and constructive international engagement on Bangladesh.
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