UK warns of rise of Islamist extremism and political unrest in Bangladesh

David Lammy has warned of the potential for Britain to be dragged into an international crisis as Bangladesh faces increasing instability. A cross-party group of MPs warned the foreign secretary about worrying developments in the country, highlighting the increasing use of the legal system as a tool for political revenge, as well as the rise in Islamist extremism, the Independent reported.

A new report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Commonwealth documents more than 2,000 atrocities since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024. The report accuses the interim regime of exploiting the legal framework to target political opponents, journalists and journalists. underlines the growing influence of former officials and Islamist extremists. This weaponization of the law raises serious concerns about human rights and the rule of law.

“The politicization of the legal system in Bangladesh is nothing new. Indeed, Professor Yunas was sentenced to six months in prison after being accused of violating the country’s labor laws in January 2024 during the previous administration,” the report said. The statement is included.

The destabilization of Bangladesh has far-reaching implications for the UK, which is home to a significant Bangladeshi diaspora. According to the 2021 census, 644,881 people of Bangladeshi origin live in England and Wales, making up 1.1% of the population.

The crisis has also drawn attention to Treasury Secretary Tulip Siddiqui, whose aunt Sheikh Hasina is the ousted prime minister and whose maternal grandfather was the founding president of Bangladesh.

Tory MP Andrew Rosundall said: “This report highlights a disturbing trend of political reprisals disguised as legal action in Bangladesh. It is imperative that such issues are brought to the fore in Westminster and Whitehall to inform decision-making on this Commonwealth partner.” ” President of the APPG.

The report also stated: “Despite initial optimism after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, evidence now reveals a problematic picture under the interim regime led by Professor Muhammad Younis. The use of the legal system as a political weapon is undermining the legitimacy of this government and further destabilizing the region.” “There is a risk.”

The APPG outlined abuses, including widespread allegations of politically motivated murders against former ministers, judges, lawyers, journalists and Awami League members. These charges are described as “high enough to raise serious doubts about its credibility.”

However, the report also included the following statements: “Our investigation received many personal opinions.
Evidence includes footage of looted property, arson attacks, and violence against individuals. Unfortunately, many of the contributors stated that they wished to remain anonymous (such as concerns about reprisals against them personally or against their friends and family), and there are obvious problems with corroborating this evidence. So we can’t use much of that evidence.”

“The Rights and Risks Analysis Group think tank has presented evidence of increased media freedom for opponents of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. While this is welcome after learning that this was not the case under the previous administration, we are now faced with recent pro-Government journalists
Risk of arrest and detention,” says the Report

MPs and colleagues have warned of the potential for violence to continue amid reports of 1,000 deaths by the end of August and ongoing security threats. The APPG concluded that without urgent action to restore judicial impartiality and promote human rights, Bangladesh’s new regime risks descending into further chaos.

The crisis highlights the dangers of politicizing the legal system both domestically and internationally. As Bangladesh navigates this turbulent period, the UK’s response will be closely watched, particularly by Bangladeshi communities, many of whom are deeply invested in the country’s stability.