UK warned over rise of Islamist extremism, political turmoil in Bangladesh

David Lammy has been cautioned about the potential for the UK to be drawn into an international crisis as Bangladesh faces mounting instability. A cross-party group of MPs has alerted the foreign secretary to alarming developments in the country, emphasizing the escalating use of the legal system as a tool for political vengeance as well as an increase in Islamist extremism, says the Independent.

A new report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Commonwealth documents over 2,000 atrocities since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government in August 2024. The report accuses the interim regime of exploiting the legal framework to target political opponents, journalists, and former officials and highlights the rising influence of Islamist extremists. This weaponization of the law raises grave concerns about human rights and the rule of law.

"The politicisation of the legal system in Bangladesh is nothing new. Indeed, Professor Yunas himself was sentenced to six months in jail after being accused of violating the country's labour laws in January 2024 under the previous administration.", says the report.

The destabilization of Bangladesh has far-reaching implications for the UK, home to a significant Bangladeshi diaspora. According to the 2021 census, 644,881 people of Bangladeshi descent live in England and Wales, making up 1.1% of the population.

The crisis has also drawn attention to Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq, whose aunt, Sheikh Hasina, is the ousted prime minister and whose maternal grandfather was Bangladesh's founding president.

"This report highlights the troubling trend of political reprisals disguised as legal actions in Bangladesh. It is imperative that such issues are brought to the forefront within Westminster and Whitehall to inform decision-making on this Commonwealth partner.", said Tory MP Andrew Rosindell, chairman of the APPG.

The report also said that, "despite initial optimism following the fall of Sheikh Hasina, evidence now suggests a troubling pattern under the interim regime led by Professor Muhammad Yunus. The use of the legal system as a political weapon undermines the legitimacy of this government and risks further destabilizing the region."

The APPG outlined abuses, including widespread allegations of politically motivated murder charges against former ministers, judges, lawyers, journalists, and Awami League members. These charges are described as being levied "in such numbers as to cast serious doubt on their credibility."

However the report also stated thats "Our inquiry received a great deal of personal
evidence containing images following properties that have were looted, arson attacks and violence against individuals. Sadly, many contributors stated that they did not wish to be named (such was the concern about reprisals against them personally or against friends and family) and there are obvious issues about corroborating this evidence. For this reason, we can't use much of this evidence"

"The Rights & Risks Analysis Group think tank submitted evidence that media freedom has increased for the opponents of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. While this is welcome after learning this was not the case under the previous administration, journalists that were favourable to the last Government are now facing
the risk of arrest and detention", says the Report

With reports of 1,000 deaths by the end of August and ongoing security threats, MPs and peers warned of the potential for continued violence. The APPG concluded that without urgent action to restore impartiality to the judiciary and uphold human rights, Bangladesh's new regime risks descending into further chaos.

The crisis demonstrates the perils of politicizing the legal system, both domestically and on the international stage. As Bangladesh navigates this tumultuous period, the UK's response will be closely watched, particularly by its Bangladeshi communities, many of whom are deeply invested in the country's stability.