Press release –
Bangladesh at Crossroads: Role of International Community and Diaspora*, organised today, 9th July at the House of Commons by the *Conservative Friends of Bangladesh (CFoB)*.
The seminar was opened by the Chair of CFoB Ms. Anjenarra Rahman-Haque and presided over by Rt. Hon. Mr. Bon Blackman, CBE, MP for Harrow East and the Parliamentary President of CFoB.
The seminar was also attended by Mr. Abbas Faiz, Lecturer & Module Director at Essex Law College and former South Asia Researcher of Amnesty International,
Lord Carlisle, KC, Senior King Counsel and former MP,
Mr. Simon Danczuk, former MP and current Reform UK politician,
Mr. Chietigi Bajpayee, South Asia Specialist in Chatham House,
Mr. Nahas Pasha , Editor of Janamot and Senior Journalist of GBNews24,
Mr. Haradhan Bhowmik, United Hindu Alliance, UK, and
Barrister Prashanta Barua, Representing UK Buddhist community.
In his opening speech Rt. Hon. Bob Blackman recalled the historical relationship between United Kingdom and Bangladesh which started with the first visit of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib. He also described how he had been standing beside the
religious minorities of Bangladesh for a long period of time to support them for their rights and freedoms.
He also stressed that present situations in Bangladesh should be addressed by the interim government seriously to ensure that the democratic stability and security of citizens of the country are established. He mentioned that there will be a delegation visiting
Bangladesh in autumn.
Lord Carlile, KC recalled his visit to Bangladesh when he observed its potential financial growth in South Asia region. He suggested that the political crisis in Bangladesh, which began with the politics of revenge and violence on opponents, should be resolved
through the “Truth and Reconciliation” process and allow an inclusive election to be held with the participation of all political parties. However, the criminals who were responsible for longstanding corruption and political violence should be prosecuted and
all convicted peoples should be excluded from taking part in the elections.
Mr. Abbas Faiz, in his speech , recalled his recent visit to Bangladesh in June, expressed that interim government, despite some concerns about the situation, has been trying to resolve the issues through dialogue with various political parties. The government
formed some reform commissions for reformation of country’s parliamentary election system and other institutional reforms. However, the government needs to do more to ensure that free and fair elections can be held in transition to the democratic process.
He also reiterated that the minorities are being targeted and victims of atrocities during the regime of all governments in the past.
Mr. Simon Danczuk has stressed that the corruption of the previous government of money laundering to the United Kingdom should be investigated and UK authorities should cooperate with this matter so that smuggled money can be returned back to Bangladesh. Also,
he agreed to the proposal of “Truth and Reconciliation “Process for a suitable solution for the problem of political rivalry and annoyance among the parties.
A written statement from John Cammegh, KC was read out in the seminar. John Cammegh said in his statement that in 2024 people of Bangladesh achieved what they wanted to see for a long period of time. Inevitably, the aftermath situation after a dramatic change
brings uncertainty. Investment is down. Unemployment and inflation is up. However, by introducing reconciliation and rule of justice can lead Bangladesh into a powerhouse in the South Asian region.
Mr. Chietigi Bajpayee said that the revolutionary change in Bangladesh was a result of authoritarian government policies of Sheikh Hasina which led her to leave the country after student led protests in last year. But the new inter
