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 Rahma-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. Manas 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.
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, that 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 lrevolutionary 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 interim government has been weakened by the various factors of corruption and political violence , infighting which led the situation of the country remains same as before. The relationship between India and Bangladesh has been tense and strained due to sheltering Sheikh Hasina in India and lack of diplomatic support from both the sides!
Mr. Nahas Pasha categorically stated about the government interference in the freedom of press and journalism. He told that Registration of 168 journalists in Press Club has been cancelled. Forty three journalists were arrested during the last ten months. There are false and fabricated cases against the Editors and journalists. They have been arrested and imprisoned without any valid reason. He cited the arrest of Editor of Bhorer Kagoj Mr. Shyamal Dutta who was arrested and imprisoned without trial .
Mr. Haradhan Bhowmik expressed his concerns about the safety and security of Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh. Hindus have been victims of atrocities during all regimes of the past governments Last few days back one Hindu woman was rapped breaking through doors at night in Muradnagar, Cumilla. Videos of her naked body was circulated in the social media around the world.
There is no protection due to the deterioration of law and order in Bangladesh after 5 August 2024. Everywhere , there is mob violence.
There have been 2010 incidents of violence against Hindus during 5th August to 20th September 2024. 174 incidents during 21 September to 31 December 2024. Since 1st January to 30 June 2025 there have been 258 incidents of violence perpetrated against
We need help from world. We urge UK government to take strong steps to press the interim government to ensure our safety and security.
Barrister Prasanta Barua cautiously expressed his concerns about the radicalisation in the country referring the arrest of 36 Bangladeshi extremists in Malaysia who have direct contact with ISIS, according to the investigation of Malaysian intelligence . This will obviously be a huge problem for Bangladesh if the government does nothing to control it. He also mentioned about the procession of Harkatul Jihad on the open street in Dhaka. This indicates that the presence of radical forces in the city and government has not taken any serious action against them. He also pointed out his apprehension about the continued attacks on indigenous people in Chittagong Hill Tracks.
The seminar was concluded by the President of CFoB Mr. Muquim Ahmed with great appreciation for all attendees who attended the seminar and also expressed his hope for arranging more seminars in future!!
