European Delegation Visits Bangladesh Amid Rising Attacks on Democracy and Rights: Awami League

Dhaka- Bangladesh’s Awami League has said that the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights visit comes at a time when the country is facing severe assaults on democracy and fundamental rights under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.

The EU’s five-member delegation is visiting Bangladesh from September 16 to 18 to assess governance reforms and the human rights situation. The team includes Arkadiusz Mularczyk (ECR, Poland), Urmas Paet (Renew Europe, Estonia), Mounir Satouri (Greens/EFA, France), Human Rights Subcommittee Chair Isabel Wiseler-Lima (EPP, Luxembourg), and Catarina Vieira (Greens/EFA, Netherlands).

According to the Awami League, the delegation hopes to understand how the interim government is promoting good governance and human rights. However, the party argued that any interaction with ordinary citizens would reveal the opposite picture.

The Awami League accused Yunus of heading an “unelected regime” that has delayed elections, banned the country’s largest political party, and disenfranchised millions. It further alleged that Awami League supporters, journalists, and members of the judiciary are being arbitrarily detained, dismissed, or harassed due to their political loyalties.

The party also voiced concern over increasing violence and intimidation against minorities, women, and girls under the interim government.

Calling on the EU delegation to take note, the Awami League said Bangladesh is witnessing “lawlessness, persecution, and authoritarianism” under Yunus’ leadership. It warned that neither sustainable growth nor a vibrant civil society is possible while political opponents remain unlawfully detained and minorities face targeted violence.

With inputs from IANS