10 British Mps move for an end to forced disappearances in Bangladesh
Ten British lawmakers have initiated a move to put pressure on the Bangladesh government for ending disappearances and extrajdicial killings.
The move was made through an Early Day Motion (EDM) tabled in the British parliament on Monday.
According to the parliament website, the motion was signed by Peter Bottomley and Bob Blackman of Conservative Party, Julian Huppert and Bob Russell of Liberal Democrats, John McDonnell and Liz McInnes of Labour Party, Mark Durkan of Social Democratic and Labour Party, George Galloway of Respect Party, Jim Shannon of Democratic Unionist Party and Independent MP Mike Hancock.
The MPs in the EDM pointed out “the lack of a free and open democratic process in Bangladesh,” particularly referring to the recent “disappearance” of BNP Joint-Secretary Salahuddin Ahmed.
“There have been many other disappearances, including that of BNP leader Ilyas Ali in 2012, who has still not been located,” reads the motion.
It also noted the “Human Rights Watch has said that the Bangladesh government has a history of failing to investigate the enforced disappearance of opposition members.
“There are repeated allegations of extrajudicial killings by the Bangladeshi authorities, especially by the Rapid Action Battalion.”
The MPs also urged the UK government to put pressure on the Bangladesh government to ensure that “free and fair elections take place promptly in Bangladesh, disappearances and extrajudicial killings are ended and freedom of expression is protected in Bangladesh.”
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