Blitz Bureau
Over a 100 political activists, social representatives, human rights advocates and senior British political leaders attended a recent seminar in London on the current political landscape in Bangladesh, highlighting participation of all political parties, including the Awami League, in elections, as and when they are held in the crisis-ridden country, reported IANS.
Senior British politician and prominent jurist Lord Alex Carlile of Berriew chaired the seminar on ‘Democracy, Human Rights, Good Governance, Rule of Law and the role of Political Parties in Bangladesh’s current political landscape’, held at the House of Commons in the British Parliament. The event was organised by the President of the Parliamentary Group ‘Conservative Friends of Bangladesh’ and Chairman of the Tory 1922 Committee, Conservative MP Bob Blackman.
In his opening remarks, Carlile emphasised the importance of holding 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. All-Party Parliamentary Groups-APPG (UK) Chairman and MP Bob Blackman called for “sincere efforts” to make the upcoming elections in Bangladesh fair, impartial and inclusive.
In his message, King’s Counsel John Cammegh 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. Asserting that it will only help the income of legal advisors, he advocated for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to promote unity and healing in Bangladesh.
Standing Committee member and Vice-President of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Zahid Hussain, along with UK BNP President Abdul Malek and BNP General Secretary Sumon Roy, also called for immediate parliamentary elections to stabilise the democratic system in Bangladesh, pledging to establish good governance, if elected.
