UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed concern about the newly-elected government of Bangladesh’s course of action, urging it to redirect towards democracy. This plea came in the wake of the violence-marred atmosphere surrounding the country’s 12th parliamentary election conducted on January 7.
The Bangladesh Army had been called in prior to the polls to maintain peace. Despite the tension, the Awami League, Bangladesh’s ruling party, managed to secure its fourth consecutive victory, granting Sheikh Hasina a fifth term as the Prime Minister. However, the election process was marked by violence, attacks on opposition leaders, and a low turnout of just 40 per cent. In protest to what they termed a “fraudulent” election, the main opposition party – the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) – boycotted the polls and initiated a 48-hour strike attempting to “restore democracy.”
Türk condemned the arbitrary arrests of “thousands of opposition supporters” and implored the government to make efforts to strengthen Bangladesh’s democracy. He emphasized the need for independent investigations into human rights violations during the election period, including unjustified detentions, murders, and inhumane confinement. “Democracy was hard won in Bangladesh and must not become cosmetic… The future of all Bangladeshis is at stake,” voiced Türk.
The US Department of State also shared concerns about the electoral integrity, expressing belief that the “elections were not free or fair.” They expressed apprehension about the arrests of opposition members and irregularities on polling day. The State Department has urged Bangladesh to carry out a credible investigation into instances of violence.
The same sentiment was reflected across the Atlantic, as the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) underscored the importance of “credible, open, and fair competition” in democratic elections, observing that these standards were not consistently met during the election period.
Tensions in Bangladesh escalated long before the Election Day. In late October, following a massive rally held by the BNP which saw violent clashes with the police, Human Rights Watch reported an extensive crackdown on the opposition leaders and activists by the law enforcement, resulting in numerous deaths.
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