WASHINGTON: Recently, a group of 14 US Congress members expressed their grave concern over reports of an alleged violent crackdown by the Bangladesh government on opposition parties and dissidents in the run-up to the general elections, which are expected to take place in January.
The congressmen and women addressed their apprehensions in a letter to US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
The primary focus of the letter was to urge the deployment of United Nations peacekeeping forces during the upcoming general election in Bangladesh. The goal is to ensure that the polls are conducted freely and fairly, without any undue interference or intimidation tactics that could compromise the democratic process, according to VoA.
Additionally, the congress members called for the immediate suspension of Bangladesh’s membership in the UN Human Rights Council. The suspension is intended to remain in effect until a thorough and impartial investigation is conducted into the alleged crimes committed by the government against political opponents, journalists, and other dissenting voices.
The letter emphasized the significant public outcry and demonstrations witnessed over the past 6 to 8 months in Bangladesh. Thousands of peaceful protesters have come forward to support free and fair elections in the country. Regrettably, these demonstrations have often been met with violence, tear gas, and brutal assaults, perpetrated by the police, state actors, and supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The concerns raised by the congress members extend to the forthcoming elections, which the Hasina government has pledged to be free and fair. However, given the government’s history of election fraud, violence, and intimidation, the US Congress members expressed their deep scepticism regarding the government’s ability and willingness to ensure transparent and unbiased elections.
The situation in Bangladesh has prompted the attention and intervention of these US Congress members, who believe that international oversight is necessary to safeguard democratic principles and protect human rights. Their call for the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces and suspension of Bangladesh’s UN Human Rights Council membership serves as a plea for accountability and transparency in the upcoming elections.
As the situation unfolds, the international community will be closely watching to see how the Bangladesh government responds to these concerns and whether measures are taken to uphold democratic values and respect human rights during this crucial period leading up to the general elections.
