British MP tables motion seeking debate on Bangladesh situation

A British MP has tabled a motion in parliament for a debate on Bangladesh’s political situation in the wake of BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed’s disappearance.

The motion, known as Early Day Motions (EDMs), also called on the British government to put pressure on Dhaka “to ensure that free and fair elections take place promptly in Bangladesh”.

Liberal Democrat MP Julian Huppert tabled the motion, titled ‘disappearances in Bangladesh’, on Mar 23.   

Ten MPs so far signed it, though according to UK parliamentary system, support of many MPs does not mean that the motion will be debated.

The motion also called on the British government to ensure that “disappearances and extra-judicial killings are ended and that freedom of expression is protected in Bangladesh”.

EDMs are formal motions submitted for debate in the House of Commons. But very few are actually debated.

It allows MPs to draw attention to an event or cause. Usually an MP tables it and others register their support by signing individual motions.

When an MP tables a motion, they give a brief overview of the topic.

According to this motion, “This House notes with alarm the lack of a free and open democratic process in Bangladesh and in particular the recent disappearance of Salahuddin Ahmed...”

It further noted that “there have been many other disappearances, including that of BNP leader (M Ilias Ali) in 2012, who has still not been located”.

Family members of the BNP leader claimed that plainclothesmen picked up Salahuddin from a house in Uttara on Mar 10.

But security forces have denied having either detained or arrested him.

Salahuddin had been issuing statements calling general strikes from undisclosed locations during the ongoing BNP-sponsored transport blockade.

The motion cited the Human Rights Watch report that said “the Bangladesh government has a history of failing to investigate the enforced disappearance of opposition members”.

The motion also mentioned that “there are repeated allegations of extrajudicial killings by the Bangladeshi authorities, especially by the Rapid Action Battalion”.