Report documents over 2,000 instances of atrocities in Bangladesh since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, UK MPs warned of spike in Islamist extremism

The report alleges that the interim regime has manipulated the legal system to target political rivals, journalists, and former officials, while also noting the growing power of Islamist extremists, according to tbsnews.net.

This misuse of the legal framework has raised serious concerns about human rights and the integrity of the rule of law.

"The politicisation of the legal system in Bangladesh is nothing new. Indeed, Professor Yunas himself was sentenced to six months in jail after being accused of violating the country's labour laws in January 2024 under the previous administration," says the report.

The instability in Bangladesh has deep repercussions for the UK, which is home to a large Bangladeshi diaspora.

As per the 2021 census, there are 644,881 people of Bangladeshi heritage in England and Wales, representing 1.1% of the population.

UK’s Foreign Secretary David Lammy has been warned about the risk of the UK becoming embroiled in an international crisis as Bangladesh grapples with growing instability.

A cross-party group of MPs has informed the foreign secretary of troubling developments in the country, highlighting the rising use of the legal system for political retribution and the surge in Islamist extremism, according to the Independent.

The crisis has also brought attention to Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq, whose aunt, Sheikh Hasina, is the deposed prime minister, and whose maternal grandfather was the founding president of Bangladesh.

"This report highlights the troubling trend of political reprisals disguised as legal actions in Bangladesh. It is imperative that such issues are brought to the forefront within Westminster and Whitehall to inform decision-making on this Commonwealth partner," said Tory MP Andrew Rosindell, chairman of the APPG.

The report also said that, "despite initial optimism following the fall of Sheikh Hasina, evidence now suggests a troubling pattern under the interim regime led by Professor Muhammad Yunus. The use of the legal system as a political weapon undermines the legitimacy of this government and risks further destabilizing the region."

The APPG outlined abuses, including widespread allegations of politically motivated murder charges against former ministers, judges, lawyers, journalists, and Awami League members.

These charges are described as being levied "in such numbers as to cast serious doubt on their credibility."

However, the report also noted that their inquiry had received substantial personal evidence, including images of looted properties, arson attacks, and violence against individuals. Unfortunately, many contributors expressed concerns about reprisals against themselves or their loved ones, leading them to request anonymity. Due to these concerns and the challenges in corroborating the evidence, much of it could not be used.

"The Rights & Risks Analysis Group think tank submitted evidence that media freedom has increased for the opponents of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. While this is welcome after learning this was not the case under the previous administration, journalists that were favourable to the last Government are now facing the risk of arrest and detention," says the report.

Reports indicated that by the end of August, 1,000 deaths had occurred, and with persistent security risks, MPs and peers cautioned that further violence could ensue.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) warned that, unless swift action is taken to restore judicial impartiality and protect human rights, Bangladesh's new government could spiral further into disorder.

The crisis underscores the dangers of politicizing the judiciary, both within the country and internationally, it says.

As Bangladesh faces this turbulent period, the UK's response will be closely monitored, particularly by its Bangladeshi community, many of whom have a strong stake in the nation's stability, the report notes.