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At a diplomatic seminar titled “Bangladesh at the Crossroads” hosted in the House of Lords, Bob Blackman CBE MP, Chair of the 1922 Committee, delivered a stark assessment of the political crisis unfolding in Dhaka. Addressing a gathering of international policy experts, diplomats, and human rights advocates, Mr. Blackman asserted that the credibility of the upcoming February 12 polls is fundamentally compromised by the systematic exclusion of significant political entities and the persecution of religious minorities.It remains unclear if any representatives of supporters from the current government, the BNP, or Jamaat-e-Islami attended the seminar.
The seminar, hosted by Lord Rami Ranger and organized by the Centre for Global Policy and Governance (CGPG) alongside Politika News and the Northampton British Bangladeshi Business Chamber, served as a platform for critical cross-party dialogue. Mr. Blackman, a veteran legislator for Harrow East, highlighted a disturbing shift from the student-led protests of 2024 to a current climate of political suppression. He specifically noted that while the previous administration faced intense scrutiny, the interim government’s current path—marked by legal proceedings in absentia and the banning of parties that command significant public support—risks dismantling the very foundations of representative governance.
Beyond electoral mechanics, the MP voiced grave alarm regarding the safety of Bangladesh’s religious communities. Citing documented evidence of arson, killings, and the destruction of temples and homes belonging to Hindus, Christians, and minority Muslim sects, he debunked claims that such reports are mere social media fabrications. He warned that a proposed constitutional referendum, coupled with the intimidation of voters, could lead to long-term regional instability and a departure from the democratic norms established during the nation's founding.
The event featured insights from a diverse panel, including former British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury and various academic leaders, all of whom echoed the need for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to take a more proactive role. Mr. Blackman concluded by urging the Bangladeshi diaspora to engage their local representatives to ensure that the UK government remains a steadfast advocate for the rule of law and human rights in South Asia.
