UK Prime Minister urged to refrain from meeting Dr Muhammad Yunus amid concerns over Bangladesh’s democratic decline

News desk
shottobani

Londonঃ A memorandum addressed to the UK Prime Minister has raised serious concerns about engaging with Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor of the current interim government of Bangladesh. The signatories of the petition warn that such a meeting could inadvertently legitimise the current autocratic regime, which is accused of worsening democratic conditions in Bangladesh.

The memorandum highlights alarming issues, including widespread human rights abuses, repression of opposition parties, violence targeting minorities and women, destruction of cultural heritage, and the dismantling of the legacy of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. These developments signal a troubling decline in democratic norms and civil liberties under the present government.

The memorandum was handed in to 10 Downing Street on 9 June by the UK Human Rights International delegation that comprised its Chair Abdul Ahad Chowdhury, Secretary Jamal Khan, Mifatul Noor, Samirun Chowdhury, Rasel Ahmed, Kabir Miah and Abdullah Al Amin Shuvo.

In the memorandum, they urge the UK government to avoid legitimising the regime through high-profile engagements and instead focus on supporting Bangladesh’s democratic transition. They emphasise the importance of international pressure and diplomatic efforts in promoting human rights and restoring democratic governance in Bangladesh.