BNP Meets with UK Human Rights Envoy Eleanor Sanders

The meeting took place at the residence of the British High Commissioner in Dhaka, as confirmed by BNP media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan.

BNP Standing Committee Member and Chairperson's Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee member Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, alongside Special Assistant to the BNP Chairperson's Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee Member Shama Obaid, participated in the discussions.

Key Discussions and Inquiries
The conversation covered a wide array of topics, primarily focusing on the current and future political landscape in Bangladesh. According to Kabir, Ambassador Sanders raised several critical issues, particularly regarding the treatment of opposition parties over the past decade under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. She specifically inquired about the July-August movement and the factors that led to its escalation.

Ambassador Sanders also sought clarity on the state of political and human rights in the wake of August 5 and asked for insights into ongoing discussions between the government and political parties about reforms and elections.

She raised a pertinent question about the interim government’s plans, asking whether reforms would be completed before the elections or if both processes would occur simultaneously. Additionally, Sanders inquired about BNP's stance on the electoral roadmap and the party's position on proposed reforms.

Concerns Over Human Rights Violations
A major concern expressed by Ambassador Sanders was the increasing number of extrajudicial killings in the country, including the recent killing of Jubo Dal leader Touhidul Islam in Comilla. This issue has raised alarm among human rights groups and opposition leaders alike.

BNP representatives voiced concerns that without a government dedicated to accountability, Bangladesh's human rights situation could worsen. They highlighted the urgency for systemic changes to ensure justice and the protection of citizens' rights.

Ambassador Sanders' Visit and Agenda
Eleanor Sanders, who arrived in Bangladesh today, is on her first official visit in her current role, which focuses on democracy and human rights. During her three-day visit, she will meet with key advisers and senior officials from the interim government. Sanders will also engage with civil society members, human rights activists, and leaders of minority groups.

As part of her visit, Sanders is scheduled to visit the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar to assess UK-funded response and protection efforts, as part of the UK's ongoing humanitarian support to the region.

This meeting and the ambassador's visit underscore the growing international attention on Bangladesh’s political and human rights issues, with global partners closely monitoring developments in the country.