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World News | Bangladesh Constitutional Crisis Raised at Seminar in Geneva

Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. Concerns over Bangladesh’s political and constitutional situation were raised at a Geneva seminar. Speakers alleged restrictions on political opposition, freedom of expression and journalists, while discussing the banning of a political party. Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s possible return to Bangladesh was also discussed.

World News | Bangladesh Constitutional Crisis Raised at Seminar in Geneva
Speakers and panellists are seen addressing a seminar titled "Constitutional Crisis in Bangladesh: Right to Education, Arbitrary Detention and Fabricated Tribunal Sentences," held alongside the 63rd UN Human Rights Session in Geneva. (Photo/ANI)

Geneva [Switzerland], October 3 (ANI): Concerns over Bangladesh’s political and constitutional situation were raised during a seminar in Geneva titled “Constitutional Crisis in Bangladesh”, held alongside the ongoing 63rd Human Rights Session of the United Nations.

Paulo Casaca, Executive Director of the South Asia Democratic Forum (SADF), described the situation in Bangladesh as a “dire situation”, alleging that the country was facing an unconstitutional government and restrictions on political opposition. 

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He stated that the main political party in Bangladesh had been outlawed and raised concerns over alleged persecution of people and journalists, as well as restrictions on freedom of expression.

Casaca also alleged that there was an attempt to “recreate history” and expressed concerns over what he described as generalised persecution in the education sector.

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He linked the political crisis with what he called the government’s economic incapacity to fulfil its obligations.

Referring to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Casaca said her stated intention to return to Bangladesh in December, regardless of the circumstances, represented “a ray of hope” for the country.

He described the decision as courageous and expressed hope that her return could help “unlock the present constitutional process”.

Rahman Khalilur Mamun, a Bangladeshi human rights activist, also raised concerns over the political situation.

He said speakers and panellists from several countries participated in the event and voiced concerns about developments in Bangladesh.

Mamun referred to the role of the political party associated with Bangladesh’s independence in 1971 and said its current banning was “very unlawful” and “very undemocratic”.

He called for greater attention to democratic concerns in the country.

He also highlighted the participation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who, according to Mamun, delivered an online speech during the event.

Mamun said she expressed solidarity and sympathy with the people of Bangladesh and described her participation as a significant achievement. (ANI) 

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)