Politics
High Commissioner Cooke: UK Advocates for Democratic Transparency in Bangladesh
British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke has affirmed the United Kingdom’s unwavering support for upholding democratic processes in Bangladesh, ensuring citizens’ transparent and inclusive exercise of their democratic rights. This assertion followed an inaugural meeting between the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh and the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on August 27.
During the meeting, High Commissioner Cooke emphasized the UK’s steadfast backing for free, equitable, participatory, and peaceful elections within Bangladesh. This commitment aims to empower citizens to actively shape their nation’s future.
High Commissioner Cooke stated, “Our discussion was productive and introductory. The UK advocates for free, fair, participatory, and peaceful elections in Bangladesh, enabling citizens to exercise their democratic rights.”
Central to the conversation was the pivotal role played by strong and independent institutions in safeguarding the electoral process’s integrity. The British envoy underlined the importance of media and civil society in upholding democratic values, fostering transparency, and facilitating informed choices by voters.
Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal, speaking after the meeting, shared that a range of topics, including the upcoming election, were discussed. He conveyed High Commissioner Cooke’s optimism for a just electoral process, expressing similar confidence in the election’s fairness and transparency.
Throughout the dialogue, the roles of diverse stakeholders, including media and election observers, were comprehensively explored. CEC Habibul Awal highlighted the emphasis on transparency, with a focus on seeking impartial support from observers and the media.
Addressing concerns about the use of motorcycles, CEC Habibul Awal acknowledged the logical demand from the media for logistical support, particularly for election coverage.
Responding to the envoy’s concerns, he said, “While there are worries about potential misuse of motorcycles and undue influence, the demand itself is reasonable as motorcycle usage is essential for covering electoral activities. We’re reviewing the matter and will adjust our policies accordingly.”
CEC Habibul Awal relayed that High Commissioner Sarah Cooke expressed hope for a participatory and credible election. He emphasized the significance of polling agents in maintaining order and preventing malpractice within polling stations. CEC Habibul Awal outlined plans to sensitize polling agents, a proactive measure aimed at curbing irregularities during the electoral process.
A new case was lodged today against 135 individuals, including ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in connection with the killing of Jatiotabadi Sramik Dal activist Riajul Talukder. The incident occurred in Dhaka’s Jatrabari area amid the recent anti-discrimination student movement.
Among the other high-profile figures accused in the case are Obaidul Quader, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Moshiur Rahman Mollah Sajal, Enamul Haque Shamim, Iqbal Hossain Opu, and Nahim Razzaq. Additionally, between 350 to 400 unidentified individuals have been implicated in the case.
The complaint was filed by Riajul’s brother, Rubel Talukder, with Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Saddam Hossain’s court. After hearing the complainant’s statement, the court directed Jatrabari Police Station to officially register the case as a First Information Report (FIR).
According to the case documents, on August 4 at around 5 PM, hundreds of students and supporters took part in a procession supporting the anti-discrimination student movement in front of Jatrabari Police Station. The case alleges that, under the direct orders of Sheikh Hasina, Awami League affiliates and police opened fire on the peaceful procession, during which Riajul was shot and later succumbed to his injuries.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has said that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina making political remarks from India is an “unfriendly gesture”, asserting that she must remain silent to prevent discomfort to both countries until Dhaka requests her extradition.
“If India wants to keep her until the time Bangladesh (government) wants her back, the condition would be that she has to keep quiet,” he said.
In an interview with the Press Trust of India at his official residence in Dhaka, Yunus, who was appointed the country’s Chief Adviser after Hasina’s ouster, stressed that while Bangladesh values strong ties with India, New Delhi must move “beyond the narrative that portrays every other political party except Awami League as Islamist and that the country will turn into Afghanistan without Sheikh Hasina.”
“No one is comfortable with her stance there in India because we want her back to try her. She is there in India and at times she is talking, which is problematic. Had she been quiet, we would have forgotten it; people would have also forgotten it as she would have been in her own world. But sitting in India, she is speaking and giving instructions. No one likes it,” he said.
Yunus was apparently referring to Hasina’s statement on August 13 in which she demanded “justice”, saying those involved in recent “terror acts”, killings and vandalism must be investigated, identified and punished.
“It is not good for us or for India. There is discomfort regarding it,” he told PTI.
Following unprecedented anti-government protests that peaked on August 5, Hasina resigned as prime minister and fled to India. Her presence in India for nearly four weeks has fuelled speculation in Bangladesh.
When asked whether Bangladesh has communicated its stance to India, Yunus said it has been conveyed verbally and quite firmly that she should keep quiet.
“Everyone understands it. We have said quite firmly that she should keep quiet. This is an unfriendly gesture towards us; she has been given shelter there and she is campaigning from there. It is not that she has gone there on a normal course. She has fled following a people’s uprising and public anger,” he said.
Yunus stated that the interim government is committed to ensuring justice for the people of Bangladesh against the atrocities, and justice requires that she be brought back to the country.
“Yes, she has to be brought back or else the people of Bangladesh won’t be at peace. The kind of atrocities she has committed, she has to be tried in front of everyone here,” he emphasised.
Discussing the future of the India-Bangladesh relationship, Yunus expressed a desire for good ties with India but insisted that New Delhi must abandon the narrative that only Hasina’s leadership ensures the country’s stability.
“The way forward is for India to come out of the narrative. The narrative is that everybody is Islamist, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is Islamist, and everyone else is Islamist and will make this country into Afghanistan. And Bangladesh is in safe hands with Sheikh Hasina at the helm only. India is captivated by this narrative. India has to come out of this narrative. Bangladesh, like any other nation, is another neighbour,” he said.
Referring to the recent incidents of alleged attacks on Hindu minorities in the country and India raising concerns about it, Yunus said this is just an excuse.
“The issue of trying to portray the conditions of minorities in such a big way is just an excuse,” he said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address on August 15, expressed hope that the situation in violence-hit Bangladesh would return to normal soon and stated that 1.4 billion Indians are concerned about the safety of Hindus and minorities in the neighbouring country.
Yunus, the 84-year-old Nobel laureate emphasised the need for India and Bangladesh to work together to improve their currently strained relationship.
When asked about ways to improve the Indo-Bangla relations, Yunus said both the countries need to work together, and that it is at a low presently.
“We need to work together to improve this relationship, which is now at a low,” he said.
Speaking about the future of bilateral treaties with India, Yunus said there are demands for a relook at certain treaties such as transit and the Adani electricity deal.
“Everybody is saying that it is needed. We will see what is on paper and, second, what is actually happening on the ground. I can’t answer it specifically. If there is any need to review, we will then raise questions about it,” he said.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kazi Habibul Awal, along with four other election commissioners, announced their resignation during a press conference today at the Election Commission (EC) building. The resignation follows growing speculation and pressure.
CEC Awal stated, “In this changed situation, I and other commissioners have decided to step down. We’re handing over our resignation letters to the EC Secretary to send it to the President.” After submitting the letters, the CEC and some commissioners quickly left the premises, with no clear explanation for the absence of two election commissioners.
The resignations come amid increasing unrest tied to the registration of political parties such as Nagarik Oikya and Gono Odhikar Parishad. Sources revealed the CEC felt unsafe due to aggressive behavior from activists, prompting the decision to step down.
Protesters outside the EC building hurled shoes at vehicles carrying Election Commissioners Rashida Sultana, Md Alamgir, and Anisur Rahman as they left. Meanwhile, preparations for their exit had already been underway, with the commissioners reportedly relocating personal belongings from their offices.
The commission, appointed in February 2022 for a five-year term, had previously expressed confusion over demands for their resignation, maintaining they had conducted fair elections. However, internal discussions led to the collective decision to resign earlier than expected.
