International concern continues to grow over Bangladesh’s political crisis and human rights situation. Recently, UK Prime Minister and Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer withdrew from a scheduled meeting with Bangladesh’s interim head of government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Diplomatic circles view this decision as a clear message against the country’s current political repression and rights violations.
Sources close to the British government revealed that Starmer opted out due to serious concerns over the ongoing crackdown on opposition forces—particularly the Awami League—alongside political vendettas and the erosion of judicial neutrality in Bangladesh. Currently, at least 108 former Awami League MPs are behind bars. Many of them, according to reports, have been stripped of their division status and are being held as common prisoners.
Former food minister Sadhan Chandra Majumder, former law minister Anisul Huq, MP ASM Feroz, and Rajshahi MP Enamul Haque are among those whose division privileges have reportedly been revoked. Human rights groups argue these actions are part of a broader political vendetta.
The targeting of Awami League leaders has now reached the courts. In April and May, several alarming incidents occurred on court premises. Former MP Momtaz Begum had eggs and shoes thrown at her. Former law minister Anisul Huq was physically assaulted. Former public administration minister Farhad Hossain was publicly humiliated. Observers believe all of this has taken place under the silent endorsement of the Yunus administration.
Violence against former AL leaders in court premises is escalating, as are attacks on their legal defenders. Last November, in the courtroom of a Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate, lawyer Swapan Roy Chowdhury was physically assaulted. This happened during a remand hearing involving Amir Hossain Amu, an AL advisory council member and former industries minister, in connection with a murder case. Yunus-aligned activists allegedly carried out the attack in full view of the court.
Such incidents have raised serious concerns internationally about judicial impartiality and safety. If the courts themselves become sites of violence and intimidation, what protection remains for human rights?
Special sources indicate that under the silent patronage of the Yunus administration, nearly 10,000 Awami League leaders and activists have been killed across the country in acts of mob justice. Several hundred thousand members of affiliated organizations such as Chhatra League and Jubo League have reportedly been arrested, forcibly disappeared, or remain missing. Many detainees have yet to face a judge or communicate with their families.
Diplomatic analysts argue that Starmer’s cancellation of the meeting with Yunus was not merely procedural—it was a powerful statement: Britain will not legitimize human rights abuses and political vengeance.
The UK Labour Party has historically championed democracy, freedom of expression, and human rights. Starmer’s diplomatic withdrawal, based on the mounting allegations against the Yunus regime, is being viewed as a landmark move in international efforts to uphold human rights.
Amid ongoing political violence and allegations of interference in the judiciary, the Yunus administration faces mounting international pressure. Starmer’s decision could mark a major diplomatic turning point in this crisis.
