Heather Wheeler is a former Minister for Asia and the Pacific, and was MP for South Derbyshire 2010-2024
In June 2024, Bangladesh experienced a wave of protests, initially spearheaded by students demanding reforms to the quota-based system for government job recruitment. However, what began as a call for systemic change soon transformed into a broader movement, with participants demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the fall of her government.
As the protests gained momentum, they were increasingly bolstered by opposition political parties, shifting the narrative from a student-led reform movement to a political uprising.
On August 5, 2024, Prime Minister Hasina, faced with mounting pressure and the loss of support from the Bangladeshi Army, fled the country. An interim administration, whose duration and authority remain undefined, has since taken control, operating under the direction of the military.
This development has raised significant concerns about the trajectory of governance in Bangladesh, a country with a tumultuous history of political upheavals, coups, and countercoups dating back to 1975 when the nation’s founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was assassinated. These events have often been followed by political retribution, including killings, imprisonments, asset seizures, and reputational attacks.
Despite the Awami League’s extended rule since 2009, which saw economic growth averaging 6% annually, reductions in poverty, and improvements in life expectancy, the regime was often criticized as authoritarian, with opposition parties like the Bangladesh Nationalist Party frequently boycotting elections. The swift regime change has sparked concerns about the legitimacy of the new government and the protection of human rights, especially as reports surface of violence and deaths associated with the protests.
The international community, preoccupied with conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, has largely accepted the narrative of a “student-led revolution” ousting an unpopular regime. However, there has been little scrutiny of the circumstances surrounding the regime change in Bangladesh and the subsequent actions of the interim administration. Accusations that elements of the previous government may be complicit in protest-related violence and deaths have also not been adequately investigated.
This lack of attention is particularly concerning given the significant Bengali diaspora in the UK, who have a vested interest in the events unfolding in Bangladesh. Many have family and friends in the country, and there is a growing expectation that they will leverage UK media and political channels to amplify their concerns. Additionally, the situation in Bangladesh has broader implications for regional and international security, particularly with over one million refugees, primarily Rohingya, residing in camps in Cox’s Bazar. The UK has contributed £379 million in humanitarian support since 2017, highlighting the interconnectedness of the two nations’ interests.
As Bangladesh navigates this political crisis, it is imperative for the UK and international community to advocate for the protection of human rights, assets, and the reputation of those affected by the recent political shifts. The Council of Europe, an organization dedicated to upholding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, should extend its scrutiny to include Bangladesh, assessing the country’s adherence to these principles in light of the European Neighbourhood Policy.
Moreover, twelve human rights organizations have issued an open letter urging UN member states to conduct an independent investigation into the human rights violations in Bangladesh and to prevent further abuses. Although the UN has expressed concerns, it has not yet committed to a formal investigation. This reluctance to act must be challenged to ensure accountability and transparency.
The international community, including the UK, must not overlook the significance of what is happening in Bangladesh. A prompt return to accountable and democratic governance is not only crucial for the stability of Bangladesh but also for the security of the region and beyond.
As the world watches, it is essential to remind stakeholders that the preservation of human rights and democratic processes in Bangladesh matters deeply, both locally and globally.
