The Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) has expressed approval for the resolution unanimously passed by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Governing Council during its 216th session held in Geneva on October 23, 2025. This resolution condemns reported human rights abuses, including intimidation, arbitrary arrests, inhumane detention conditions, and violations of due process concerning six detained parliamentarians.
The RRAG played a key role in highlighting the cases of former parliamentarians Saber Chowdhury, Fazle Karim Chowdhury, Habibe Millat, Asaduzzaman Noor, Mosharraf Hossain, and Muhammad Faruk Khan, whose situations prompted the IPU’s resolution. Presently, over 100 former parliamentarians linked to the Awami League are imprisoned in Bangladesh, facing various criminal charges. Notably, parliamentarian Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun died in custody on September 29, 2025.
The IPU has raised concerns that its independent trial observer, designated to monitor the legal proceedings, faced difficulties traveling to Bangladesh on two occasions due to visa delays. Despite multiple requests for assistance in expediting visa approvals and logistical arrangements for an IPU delegation’s visit, there has been no response.
Suhas Chakma, Director of the RRAG, commented, “This denial of timely visas to IPU trial observers and a delegation indicates that the interim government of Bangladesh, led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, is conducting trials for the detained former parliamentarians in Kangaroo Courts, hiding grave human rights violations.”
The IPU has conveyed serious apprehension regarding the ongoing detention of Fazle Karim Chowdhury, Asaduzzaman Noor, Mosharraf Hossain, and Muhammad Faruk Khan, pointing to alarming reports regarding their detention conditions and the negative effects on their health. Concerns have also been expressed over alleged infringements of fair trial rights, with some charges carrying the potential for the death penalty. There are claims that these cases against former Awami League members are politically driven.
In reaffirming its commitment, the IPU intends to dispatch a trial observer to oversee upcoming court proceedings and to send a delegation to Bangladesh soon. This team aims to engage with legislative, executive, and judicial authorities, prison officials, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to assess the situation of the six former parliamentarians.
Chakma further emphasized the resolution’s call for the international community to take effective actions. He criticized those who are supporting the interim government, expressing skepticism regarding Dr. Yunus’s respect for the rule of law and democracy. “Dr. Yunus has no respect for the rule of law, having turned the judiciary into Kangaroo courts, leading to an increasing case for stripping him of the Nobel prize,” Chakma added.
Original Source: https://nenews.in/neighbours/rrag-welcomes-ipu-resolution-criticising-bangladeshs-interim-govt-over-denial-of-trial-observers-delegation-visit/35887/
Category: Neighbours,Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Governing Council,Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG)
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Publish Date: 2025-11-12 13:00:00
