London, 12 August 2024 – A group of UK-based lawyers of Bangladeshi origin have submitted a formal petition to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging the British government to take immediate action regarding alleged crimes against humanity and gross human rights violations committed by the recently ousted regime in Bangladesh.
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, the UK Lawyers’ Alliance for Bangladesh (ULAB) expressed their profound concern over the violent suppression of student-led protests by the former government, which reportedly led to the deaths of over 500 students and young people, including 32 children, according to a UNICEF report. The group emphasized that many victims were killed by direct headshots, describing the actions as a “war against its own citizens.”
The lawyers detailed how the deposed regime, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, allegedly engaged in widespread corruption, money laundering, and the systematic destruction of state institutions. They also highlighted reports from international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which provided credible evidence of crimes against humanity perpetrated by the former administration.
The petitioners called for an independent international investigation into the alleged atrocities, emphasizing the need for justice for the victims. They also urged the UK government to refrain from offering any protection to Sheikh Hasina and her associates and to investigate potential money laundering activities involving the former regime’s assets in the UK.
Additionally, the letter urged the British government to halt the supply of lethal weapons to Bangladeshi forces, which were allegedly used to target protesters. The lawyers called for the strengthening of democratic institutions and the rule of law in Bangladesh, supporting the country’s newly formed interim government under Nobel laureate Professor Mohammad Yunus.
The ULAB’s letter underscores the gravity of the situation in Bangladesh and the urgent need for international intervention to ensure accountability and justice. The lawyers expressed hope that the UK government would take a leading role in addressing these critical issues, in line with its commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
As of now, there has been no official response from Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office regarding the petition. The situation in Bangladesh continues to draw international attention, with calls for justice growing louder from both within the country and the global community.
