Protest in Brussels Calls for Inclusive Elections in Bangladesh

Expatriate Bangladeshis staged a human chain in front of the European Parliament in Brussels, demanding the immediate holding of free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh with the participation of all political parties.
The demonstration was jointly organised by Hand in Hand Foundation and Bangladesh Community Belgium. Speakers at the programme called for strengthening Bangladesh’s democratic process, safeguarding citizens’ voting rights, and announcing a clear and credible roadmap for the upcoming national election.
Following the human chain, a petition on behalf of the people of Bangladesh was handed over to Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Vice Chair of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights. The petition urged the European Union to take an effective and proactive role in ensuring the participation of all stakeholders in Bangladesh’s next general election.
During the programme, speakers also raised allegations of human rights violations during the tenure of the current interim government. They expressed particular concern over reported persecution of minority communities, restrictions on freedom of expression, and the overall deterioration of the human rights situation in the country.
Bangladeshis from different walks of life living across Europe participated in the demonstration, holding placards and banners highlighting their demands for democracy and human rights.
As part of the initiative, a bilateral discussion meeting was also held. The meeting was attended by Alexander Gruk, Head of the Human Rights Desk of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group, along with Pissensa Yakub and Yakub Jintala. Participants discussed Bangladesh’s current political landscape and ongoing human rights concerns in detail.
Organisers expressed hope that the international community would continue to exert pressure to help restore democracy and protect human rights in Bangladesh.
Among those present at the human chain were Latif Shahidul Haque, Jahangir Chowdhury Ratan, M Nazrul Islam, Khokon Sharif, Rana Mortuza, Asaf Udulla Suman, Nishan Majumder, Daud Khan, Sohel, Raisul Islam Russell, Morshed Mahmud, Jisan Akbar, Dil Ruba Mili, and other community leaders.