UK MPs Alerted to Rising Islamist Extremism
More than 2,000 incidents of atrocities have been documented in Bangladesh since the removal of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024, according to a report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Commonwealth.
The report accuses the interim regime of exploiting the legal system to target political opponents, journalists, and former officials, while also warning of the increasing influence of Islamist extremists, TBS News reported.
This alleged misuse of the judiciary has sparked serious concerns about human rights violations and the erosion of the rule of law.
Politicization of Bangladesh’s Legal System
The report emphasizes that the politicization of Bangladesh’s legal framework is not a recent phenomenon. It highlights the case of Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, who was sentenced to six months in jail in January 2024 under the previous administration for alleged labor law violations.
The instability in Bangladesh carries implications for the UK, home to a significant Bangladeshi diaspora. According to the 2021 census, over 644,000 individuals of Bangladeshi heritage reside in England and Wales, comprising 1.1% of the population.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has been cautioned by MPs about the risk of the UK being drawn into an international crisis due to Bangladesh’s deteriorating stability.
Cross-Party Concerns in Westminster
A cross-party group of MPs has raised alarms about political retribution disguised as legal actions and the rising threat of Islamist extremism.
“The trend of political reprisals disguised as legal actions in Bangladesh is deeply troubling. It is crucial to address these issues within Westminster and Whitehall to inform decisions about this Commonwealth partner,” said Andrew Rosindell, chairman of the APPG.
The report also sheds light on the role of Treasury Minister Tulip Siddiq, whose aunt, Sheikh Hasina, is the ousted prime minister, and whose maternal grandfather was Bangladesh’s founding president.
Growing Violence and Unrest
Despite initial optimism after Sheikh Hasina’s removal, the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus has faced allegations of widespread abuse. The APPG documented politically motivated charges against former ministers, judges, lawyers, journalists, and members of the Awami League.
The report includes evidence of looted properties, arson, and violence against individuals but notes that many contributors feared reprisals, leading to challenges in verifying some allegations.
By the end of August, reports indicated over 1,000 deaths linked to the unrest. MPs have warned that continued violence could plunge Bangladesh deeper into instability unless urgent measures are taken to restore judicial impartiality and protect human rights.
International Implications
The APPG cautions that the growing instability in Bangladesh underscores the dangers of a politicized judiciary, both domestically and globally.
As the UK monitors developments, the crisis is particularly significant for its Bangladeshi community, many of whom have strong ties to the nation and a vested interest in its stability.
This report serves as a call for action to address Bangladesh’s escalating challenges, ensuring justice, human rights, and stability for its people and international partners.