The International Association of Democratic Lawyers (IADL) expresses its solidarity for the Bangladeshi people and is deeply concerned over the recent events and continuing situation in the country. The volatile events in Bangladesh requires a high level attention from the international community considering that it is very much related to regional peace and stability of South Asia and the world at large.
IADL is worried over the deterioration of law and order situation in Bangladesh.
We strongly condemn the attacks on religious and ethnic minorities, women and political opponents. We also denounce the demolitions of sculptures, historical buildings and documents by extreme political forces. Law and order are legally a responsibility of the present interim government led by Prof. Muhammad Yunus and his fellow advisors to maintain.
IADL strongly objects against any sort of abuse of state power and demands to maintain due process of law in all cases. IADL demands that the right to life, freedom, safety and dignity of all citizens in Bangladesh are ensured.
We support the demand for a free, fair and credible general election in Bangladesh very soon so that the ongoing constitutional vacuum can be avoided and democratic process can be ensured. In particular, IADL joins the demand for an immediate parliamentary election to transfer political power to a democratically elected government. We call upon all citizens of Bangladesh to remain alert about emergence of religious extremists and fascist forces in the state power.
We support lawyers and the people of Bangladesh who have for several years been struggling for democracy and the independence of the judiciary. We are one with our colleagues in opposing any attack on such independence.
We further enjoin all foreign players to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of Bangladesh and from using its territory for their insidious military ambitions. This not only undermines the right to self-determination of Bangladeshis but impacts on peace and stability of South Asia and South East Asia.
IADL calls upon the people of Bangladesh to remain united to restore law and order and to respect human rights and trade union rights and achieve peace, justice, stability and democracy. #