As the crackdown on Awami League leaders escalates in Bangladesh, a group of former lawmakers and leaders from the party met with Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Billy Kelleher in Ireland. They appealed for international cooperation to remove sanctions imposed on the party and restore a fair political and democratic environment in Bangladesh. The delegation included MEP Billy Kelleher, former Awami League MP Md Habibe Millat, Ireland Chhatra League President Noman Chowdhury, Ireland Awami League leader Rafiq Khan, and Radin Khan, Chairman of the student wing of Fianna Fail.
During the meeting, the delegation requested the European Parliament’s assistance in lifting sanctions and securing bail for detained party members facing what they termed as politically motivated charges. Awami League leader Millat briefed the MEP on various issues in Bangladesh, such as the law and order situation, incidents of violence, human rights violations, and the rise of militancy. In response, Kelleher expressed interest in addressing these concerns within the European Parliament and indicated plans to engage in diplomatic efforts to pressure the Bangladeshi government.
In a separate development, Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), an international human rights organization, strongly denounced the mass arrests and judicial harassment of over 300 Awami League leaders and activists in Bangladesh. The organization criticized the misuse of the Anti-Terrorism Act against individuals exercising their constitutional rights to engage in peaceful political activities. JMBF emphasized that these actions pose a significant threat to democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental human rights in the country.
JMBF called upon the United Nations, the European Union, and other international bodies to closely monitor the situation in Bangladesh and take effective measures to safeguard human rights. The organization highlighted the need to address ongoing political repression, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on freedom of expression in the country.
