Bricklane News:
On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the House of Commons hosted a significant seminar on democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and the role of political parties in Bangladesh’s current political landscape. The event was organized by the President of the Parliamentary
group “Conservative Friends of Bangladesh” and Chairman of the Tory 1922 Committee, the Honourable Conservative MP Bob Blackman.
It was chaired by senior British politician and prominent jurist, UK government terrorism advisor, the Honourable Lord Carlile KC.
The seminar featured 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 organizations across the United Kingdom.
In his opening remarks, Lord Carlile emphasized 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, was unable to attend due to an urgent hospital appointment but sent a written message, which Lord Carlile read aloud. In his message, Mr. Cammegh KC advised
the Bangladeshi government to prioritize political, social, and economic democratization 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 Chimmoy Das Brahmachari, and urged global action to end decades of oppression against minorities. He is also ex-President of
SBLA.
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.
The seminar is supposed to be addressed by Sir Ian Duncan Smith MP, Former Tory leader, Due to the lack time, he was not able to speak.
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 stabilize 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 house was destroyed.
The program was attended by over a hundred political activists, social representatives, and human rights advocates, who enlivened the event with applause.
The Deputy Chairman of “Conservative Friends of Bangladesh,” Mr. Sujit Sen, fully coordinated and supported the initiative.
