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Dhaka, May 21, 2025 – Forty-one Australian Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators have penned an open letter to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, calling for a clear election roadmap, justice for victims of the July uprising, and the immediate dissolution of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
In the letter, the Australian parliamentarians acknowledged the courage of the Bangladeshi people during the July 2024 uprising, which they described as a historic opportunity to restore democracy, uphold human rights, and rebuild public trust in governance. They emphasized that Bangladesh’s last three elections lacked the legitimacy required for a stable democratic government, urging the interim government to ensure electoral integrity and a peaceful democratic transition.
The letter cautioned that delays or ambiguity in decision-making could deepen public distrust and jeopardize Bangladesh’s democratic future, noting that both the Bangladeshi public and the international community are closely monitoring the process. The parliamentarians expressed their readiness to support Bangladesh’s democratic efforts constructively.
Highlighting the need for justice, the letter stressed the importance of addressing the violence during the July uprising, which, according to international reports, resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries. The MPs called for transparent investigations and accountability for those responsible.
The letter also demanded the immediate disbandment of RAB, citing its alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture, as documented in human rights reviews. The Australian parliamentarians endorsed U.S. sanctions on RAB leadership and urged the Australian government to consider similar measures.
AI/MR
