British politicians, lawyers call for inclusive election, justice process in Bangladesh

Speakers at a London seminar also raise concerns over justice, governance and social stability

Several British politicians, members of parliament and lawyers have called for an inclusive election and credible justice process in Bangladesh during a seminar at the House of Lords in London.

The seminar, held on Wednesday in a committee room of the upper chamber, focused on “Political institutions, economic frameworks and social systems -- revival and reform”.

Contributions came from MP Iain Duncan Smith, former MP Simon Danczuk, lawyer and politician Lord Carlile KC, and Senior Policy Researcher Alice Stuttaford from the office of the MP for Chingford and Woodford Green.

Other speakers used the platform to describe the “political uncertainty, divisions, public anxiety and economic strain in Bangladesh”.

They pressed for a participatory, inclusive, free and fair election as a priority for restoring order and confidence.

They argued that an elected government is “necessary” to drive governance reforms and bring a troubled economy back to a stable path, addressing “long-standing political rifts and unresolved disputes”.

During a session titled “Reconciliation or Retribution”, British lawyer John Cammegh revisited his earlier concerns about “flaws” in the law governing Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal.

Drawing on his experience from 2011, when he served as one of the defence lawyers in cases involving the Jamaat-e-Islami leaders charged with crimes against humanity, he recalled that he had previously raised objections about the law with the UN, European Union and other bodies, at a time when he believed many were unaware of its shortcomings.

Cammegh argued that the current interim administration in Dhaka had an opportunity to reshape the justice pathway.

According to him, the authority could have ended the ICT framework, detached from its legacy and brought any potential charges against Sheikh Hasina under domestic criminal law in Bangladeshi courts.

He remarked that the present arrangements appear to impose the trial on the former prime minister in what he described as an example of victorious forces using the system to secure punishment.

He added that any dismantling of the ICT has not delivered justice for Bangladesh’s public, pointing to “communal violence, damage at religious sites and restrictions on the Awami League as indicators of deeper turmoil”.

In his view, the unrest of 2024 may signal only another shift in a long-running cycle, with the February election possibly ushering in another period of single-party dominance.

He warned that democracy cannot function without open justice, nor can politics remain stable when dissent is suppressed.

He said a government that sidelines opposition voices reveals its own weakness. Suppressing contrary opinions, even if unpopular among moderate Bangladeshis, only reinforces fragility.

Cammegh also said the wider the political division becomes, the more unstable and volatile a country grows. He linked declining investment to this instability, noting that reduced investment undermines economic growth, fuels poverty, intensifies dissent and eventually pushes a country into further crises.

Speakers also drew attention to the “longstanding vulnerability” of minority communities in Bangladesh.

They argued that minorities require assured protection of life, property and religious identity, similar to any functioning civic environment.

They said a reformed political system is “essential” for Bangladesh’s renewal as a dynamic economy, an inclusive polity and a society capable of safeguarding its diverse communities.

For this, the speakers urged participation from all political traditions and social groups in the effort to rebuild the state and public life.

Separate statements by MP Bob Blackman and Lord Carlile were read during the seminar.

Both called for elections in Bangladesh to be free, fair, transparent, participatory and inclusive.