Congressional briefing calls Bangladesh election ‘questionable’

A congressional briefing in Washington has cast doubt on the credibility of Bangladesh’s parliamentary election.

Some speakers argued that a vote held without the Awami League will remain “fundamentally flawed”.

The event, titled “Violence Against Religious Minorities in Bangladesh”, was held on Monday at Capitol Hill, three days before the national election.

It was organised by HinduACTion and the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA).

Virginia Democrat Congressman Suhas Subramaniam said, 'It is unacceptable that the elections are being held without the Awami League, the oldest party in Bangladesh and the leader of the liberation war. This election will remain questionable.'

Michael Rubin, a senior researcher at the 'American Enterprise Institute', advocated for banning Jamaat-e-Islami as a 'terrorist organization'. He called Muhammad Yunus an 'enemy' of democracy and humanity.

Rubin said, "Jamaat-e-Islami wants to avoid responsibility for injustice, misdeeds and corruption in the name of religion. They are using Islam as a shield, which will not bring good results for Bangladesh."

Citing a report in the Washington Post, he said, "The Trump administration's relationship with Jamaat-e-Islami is unacceptable."

Michigan Republican Congressman Tom Barrett said, "Islamic extremists are creating instability in countries around the world. The United States will remain vocal in protecting humanity.’

Former US Ambassador-at-Large for Religious Freedom Samuel Brownback said in a virtual speech, ‘If communal harmony is disrupted, it affects not only the map of the country, but also economic activities.’

Former President of the National Press Club Farida Yasmin demanded the release of detained journalists and said, ‘About 300 journalists have been accused in murder cases.’

President of the South Asian Minorities Collective Priya Saha said, ‘Minorities in Bangladesh have no security. Brutality is going on in front of law enforcement.’

Representatives of New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, California Congressman Mike Levin, Young Kim and David Min were present at the briefing. Officials from various think tanks also participated.