An international press conference held in Paris has raised concerns over the credibility and inclusiveness of Bangladesh’s recently concluded national election, with speakers arguing that the exclusion of progressive, secular, and liberal democratic parties from meaningful participation threatens the foundation of sustainable democratic governance.
The event, organized by the South Asian Rights Initiative, took place on March 1 at a four-star hotel in the French capital. It was chaired by the organization’s President, Delwar Hossain Qayes, and moderated by General Secretary Hasan Ahmed and Sushanta Das Gupta.
Addressing journalists, the speakers asserted that a questioned election lacking broad-based participation cannot serve as the basis for a durable democratic system. They emphasized that inclusive and credible electoral processes are essential to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring political stability.
Among those who spoke at the conference were Bangladesh Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, Senior Joint General Secretary Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Jubo League President Fazle Shams Parash, General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, UK Awami League Joint General Secretary Anwaruzzaman Chowdhury, former minister SM Rezaul Karim, former MP Saifuzzaman Shekhar, All-European Awami League General Secretary Md. Mujibur Rahman, France Awami League President MA Kashem, and poet Mary Howlader.
Human rights activists Khalilur Rahman Mamun, Golam Jilani Jewel, Barrister Masud Akhtar, and Zakaria Mahmud also delivered remarks, highlighting concerns over political participation and democratic standards.
Several other leaders and representatives from Awami League’s France chapter and the South Asian Rights Initiative were present at the event.
The speakers called upon the international community to closely monitor the situation and to give serious attention to ensuring that future elections in Bangladesh are participatory, transparent, and widely accepted by all stakeholders.
