UN Calls for Political Freedom for All in Bangladesh

The United Nations has said all political parties and political figures in Bangladesh should be free to participate in political activities.

“Certainly, regarding political activity, we believe that all political parties and all political personalities should be free to participate,” Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, told reporters during a regular briefing in New York on November 10.

He made the remarks in response to a journalist's question about the UN's position on allegations that supporters of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina were again attempting to destabilise Bangladesh.

Haq also stressed the need for accountability for crimes committed in Bangladesh, including those documented by the UN fact-finding mission.

Meanwhile, a total of 22 vehicles were set on fire across the country in the past 30 hours, while crude bombs were exploded at least 28 locations in Dhaka and six other districts.

In a separate development, Hasina's lawyer has urged the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi to take necessary steps to issue her a passport and national identity card.

The request was made in a letter sent by London-based law firm Matrix Chambers and seen by The Associated Press. The letter asked the mission to process the application “expeditiously”, citing Hasina's Bangladeshi nationality and obligations under international human rights instruments.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said on Monday that Bangladesh does not issue passports to “convicted and fled terrorists”.

Asked about the matter in New Delhi on Tuesday, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said a travel document was necessary for people to travel.

“Obviously for travel of people, you need a travel document. That is what I understand. But again, this is a technical matter, and I'll come back to you,” he told reporters.