British Representative Warns Bangladesh: Past Election Mistakes Must Not Be Repeated

Lord Alex Carlisle, a member of the House of Lords in the United Kingdom, has issued a caution regarding Bangladesh’s upcoming national election. He stated that all parties must act responsibly to ensure that a controversial election, like those in the past, does not happen again. He also emphasized the need for urgent reforms to elevate the ongoing trials of Sheikh Hasina at the International Crimes Tribunal to international standards.

In a statement on Thursday (6 November), Lord Carlisle said, “The current situation in Bangladesh is a matter of deep concern for the international community. Since 2024, political instability has created multiple crises that need urgent resolution.”

The statement comes as the banned Awami League has sent a letter urging the United Nations to halt technical assistance for the upcoming thirteenth national election.

After a landslide victory in 2008, the Awami League governed the country continuously for fifteen and a half years. However, on 5 August 2024, the government of Sheikh Hasina fell following a student and public uprising, and she took refuge in India. Two out of the three national elections held under her administration were questioned due to opposition boycotts, which raised concerns in Western countries including the United States and the United Kingdom.

Lord Carlisle said, “Past mistakes must not be repeated in the upcoming national election. Every effort must be made to ensure a participatory, free, and fair election, under the supervision of independent international observers. All sections of Bangladeshi society should be part of this process—for the revival of democratic institutions and restoration of civic awareness.”

A United Nations report noted that prior to Sheikh Hasina’s government falling, about 1,400 people were killed and several thousand injured in violence suppressing the movement, carried out ‘under directives from the highest levels of government.’

Currently, Sheikh Hasina and other top Awami League leaders are facing trial at the International Crimes Tribunal for incidents that occurred during that period. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus amended the law to allow the Awami League to face the tribunal as a political party.

Lord Carlisle stated, “The International Crimes Tribunal is operational, but urgent reforms are required to bring the court up to international standards. Justice must be transparent, fair, and fully compliant with the constitution and law.”

He added, “Minority communities are now under severe pressure. Their security must be ensured by both the state and opposition parties. Disorder has been observed within law enforcement agencies as well, so restoring the rule of law is now extremely urgent.”

Khaborwala/TSN