Lammy stressed the importance of addressing the violence and ensuring a peaceful and democratic future for Bangladesh. He highlighted the longstanding relationship between the UK and Bangladesh, rooted in shared Commonwealth values and strong people-to-people ties. The call for a UN investigation comes in response to the chaos and bloodshed that have accompanied the protests against Hasina's government, which many believe has been marred by corruption and authoritarianism.
Sheikh Hasina, who has been in power for 15 years, resigned amid mounting pressure from mass protests that erupted following allegations of election rigging and severe repression of opposition voices. The protests, led primarily by students and opposition groups, have seen clashes with security forces, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. The unrest was fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with Hasina's handling of the country’s political and economic issues.
Following her resignation, the Bangladeshi military imposed an indefinite curfew and temporarily suspended internet services to curb the spread of information and prevent further mobilization of protestors. Despite these measures, demonstrators continued to rally, demanding justice and an end to what they describe as years of autocratic rule under Hasina. The military has since promised to investigate the violence and hold those responsible accountable, urging the public to remain calm and support the transition process.
General Zaman, the Chief of the Army Staff, has announced a transitional period to restore order and pave the way for democratic reforms. However, protest leaders have expressed skepticism about the military's intentions, insisting on their involvement in selecting an interim government to ensure transparency and fairness. This skepticism is rooted in the historical role of the military in Bangladeshi politics and concerns over potential power grabs.
The international community, including the United States, has echoed the UK's call for an independent investigation, urging all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution and the establishment of a democratic interim government. Human rights organizations have also highlighted the urgent need for accountability and justice for the victims of the violence.
As the situation in Bangladesh remains volatile, the UN's potential involvement is seen as a critical step towards stabilizing the country and addressing the deep-seated political and social issues that have led to the current crisis. The call for a UN probe underscores the importance of international oversight in ensuring that the transition process is conducted fairly and that the rights of the Bangladeshi people are upheld.
The developments in Bangladesh continue to be closely monitored by global observers, with hopes that international pressure will contribute to a peaceful and democratic resolution to the ongoing turmoil.
Sources:
- BBC News
- Al Jazeera
- The Independent
- NewsX
- Yahoo News