Human rights, democracy, freedom of expression, the rule of law and an inclusive democratic future for Bangladesh

Subject: Petition concerning human rights, democracy, the rule of law and an inclusive democratic future for Bangladesh

Dear Chair,

We, the undersigned citizens and residents of EU countries, respectfully submit this petition to express our concerns regarding human rights, democratic governance, the rule of law and political inclusion in Bangladesh.

Many of us have close family, social, cultural and community ties with Bangladesh. Developments affecting democracy, political stability, fundamental freedoms, minority rights and the rule of law in Bangladesh therefore have a direct and continuing impact on our families and communities living within the European Union.

The European Union is founded on respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights. These principles also form an important part of the European Union's external relations and its engagement with international partners.

We therefore respectfully ask the European Parliament, within the competences of the European Union and in the context of EU relations and cooperation with Bangladesh, to support democracy, human rights, political pluralism, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.

We respectfully request that the European Parliament and relevant EU institutions:

1. Political participation and inclusive democracy

   Encourage the Government of Bangladesh to remove the ban on the Bangladesh Awami League through due constitutional and legal process, ensuring the participation of all peaceful political parties in a free, fair, credible and inclusive democratic process. We respectfully ask the European Union to encourage political pluralism and ensure that its engagement with Bangladesh promotes peaceful political participation, democratic representation and respect for fundamental political rights.

2. Rule of law and access to justice

   Encourage Bangladesh to uphold judicial independence, due process, fair trials and equality before the law, regardless of political affiliation, and in accordance with its Constitution and international human-rights obligations.

3. Human-rights investigations and accountability

   Encourage independent, credible and impartial investigations into allegations of human-rights violations, including politically motivated violence, attacks against minorities, arbitrary arrests and abuses by state or non-state actors, with accountability through lawful and transparent processes where violations are established.

4. Protection from serious human-rights abuses

   Call for effective measures to prevent extrajudicial killings, torture, custodial deaths and arbitrary detention, and to protect human dignity and fundamental freedoms.

5. Protection of minorities and vulnerable communities

   Encourage effective protection for religious and other minorities, women, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable communities, and promote equality, tolerance and freedom from discrimination.

6. Opposition to extremism and political violence

   Support measures that promote religious tolerance, pluralism and peaceful democratic participation, while opposing religious extremism, hatred, intimidation and political violence.

7. EU engagement with Bangladesh

   Encourage the European Union to ensure that democracy, human rights, political pluralism, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law remain important principles in its political dialogue, cooperation and wider relations with Bangladesh.

We believe that lasting peace, stability and prosperity in Bangladesh can best be achieved through inclusive democratic participation, political pluralism, judicial independence, equal justice, protection of minorities, respect for fundamental freedoms and rejection of extremism and political violence.

We therefore respectfully request that the Committee on Petitions and the European Parliament consider this petition and, where appropriate within the European Union's competences, bring these concerns to the attention of the European Commission, the European External Action Service and other relevant EU institutions.

We further ask the European Union to continue constructive engagement with Bangladesh in support of democratic principles, human rights and the rule of law, for the benefit of the people of Bangladesh and citizens and residents of EU countries who maintain close family and community ties with Bangladesh.

Thank you for your time and consideration.