Publish: 12:05, 20 Jan, 2025 Updated: 14:05, 20 Jan, 2025

UK MPs withdraw report criticizing Yunus regime over ‘bias’

The Guardian Reports
Online Desk
UK MPs withdraw report criticizing Yunus regime over ‘bias’

The Guardian reported a group of MPs has withdrawn a controversial report into Bangladesh after complaints that it was biased in favor of the ousted government of Sheikh Hasina.

According to the report, the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on the Commonwealth issued a report on Bangladesh last November that criticized the current regime in Dhaka but was accused of significant inaccuracies.

The report cites officials as saying: “However that it is no longer being distributed and is ‘under review’ after a Labour MP complained about it in the House of Commons.”

“The report in question remains an internal document under review and has been shared with the [Foreign Office] as part of the group’s broader deliberative process,” a spokesperson said. “It is not intended for wider dissemination, and the APPG will not be taking the matter further or making any follow-ups.”

Hasina’s niece Tulip Siddiq resigned as City minister over her previously undisclosed links to her aunt’s party, triggering accusations that the Awami League was interfering in British politics.

The guardian wrote about report: “The report, entitled The Ongoing Situation in Bangladesh, was released to the press in November, three months after Hasina was deposed by a student-led rebellion against her authoritarian rule. That rebellion was met by a brutal but ultimately unsuccessful crackdown from security forces, resulting in an estimated 1,000 deaths.”

The report makes a series of criticisms about Hasina’s successor, the Nobel peace prize winner Muhammad Yunus. Andrew Rosindell, the Conservative chair of the APPG, wrote in an accompanying press release: “Bangladesh should have a great future where opportunities are open and available to everyone rather than just supporters of whatever regime is in power … Without an immediate change of tack, the goodwill the new government enjoys internationally will be in danger of evaporating.”

The group’s report accused Yunus’s administration of “using the law as a political weapon” and empowering “hardline Islamists”.

“We have received evidence that murder charges are being slapped on former ministers, Awami League leaders, MPs, former judges, scholars, lawyers and journalists in such numbers to raise questions around their credibility,” the report read, relying mainly on evidence from the Rights & Risk Analysis Group, a New Delhi-based thinktank.

Experts, however, criticized it for citing a relatively low estimate of deaths, and claiming that most had occurred after Hasina had fled the country rather than as a result of violence by her police and armed forces.

The report said: “The majority of these [deaths occurred] after 5 August when millions came into the street protesting against police tactics against demonstrators and looking for reprisals against supporters of the last government.”

The finding contradicts an earlier one from the UN human rights commissioner, who released a report in August saying: “The majority of deaths and injuries have been attributed to the security forces and the student wing affiliated with the Awami League.”

The report also claimed the new government in Dhaka had charged 194,000 people with crimes, whereas experts say that number is more likely to refer to the number of people named in police reports about possible crimes.

Rupa Huq, a Labour MP who has recently spent time in Bangladesh, criticized the report in the Commons this week, calling it a “hatchet job on the interim government of Bangladesh”. Huq claimed Yunus had personally raised the report with her, asking: “What is your government doing, issuing these falsities in the name of parliament?”

Naomi Hossain, a professor at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, said: “The report features basic errors that the most superficial knowledge of Bangladesh would prevent ... It is either egregiously biased or just extremely bad analysis. As a tool for accountability it fails completely.”

A spokesperson for the APPG said: “The group has decided to shift its focus exclusively toward the Commonwealth of Nations as an institution and, as such, will no longer be producing country-specific reports.”

Bd-Pratidin English/ AM

More News
Scientists deplore sharp US cut in medical research funding
Scientists deplore sharp US cut in medical research funding
Saudi Arabia rejects Netanyahu's remarks on displacing Palestinians
Saudi Arabia rejects Netanyahu's remarks on displacing Palestinians
Time magazine’s cover puts Musk behind Trump’s desk
Time magazine’s cover puts Musk behind Trump’s desk
Trump rules out deporting Prince Harry
Trump rules out deporting Prince Harry
Modi’s party wins Delhi after 27 years
Modi’s party wins Delhi after 27 years
Trump offers asylum to white Africans
Trump offers asylum to white Africans
Remains of all 10 people killed in Alaska plane crash have been recovered
Remains of all 10 people killed in Alaska plane crash have been recovered
Indian students in US quitting part-time Jobs amid Trump's threats
Indian students in US quitting part-time Jobs amid Trump's threats
Pakistan ends quota for deceased employee’s relative
Pakistan ends quota for deceased employee’s relative
Kim slams US-S. Korea-Japan partnership; vows to boost his nuclear program
Kim slams US-S. Korea-Japan partnership; vows to boost his nuclear program
41 killed as bus catches fire after collision with truck in Mexico
41 killed as bus catches fire after collision with truck in Mexico
Released Thai hostages return to Bangkok after being held for over a year in Gaza
Released Thai hostages return to Bangkok after being held for over a year in Gaza
Latest News
Social forestry beneficiaries to receive climate trust fund
Social forestry beneficiaries to receive climate trust fund
8 minutes ago | National
6 simple habits for heart disease prevention
6 simple habits for heart disease prevention
8 minutes ago | Lifestyle
We want to remain neutral, not support or oppose any party: CEC
We want to remain neutral, not support or oppose any party: CEC
36 minutes ago | National
Salman shares rare glimpse of life in prison
Salman shares rare glimpse of life in prison
40 minutes ago | Entertainment
Asif Nazrul mourns death of ex-CEC Justice Abdur Rouf
Asif Nazrul mourns death of ex-CEC Justice Abdur Rouf
45 minutes ago | National
MATS students blockade Shahbagh over 4-point demands
MATS students blockade Shahbagh over 4-point demands
1 hour ago | City
Scientists deplore sharp US cut in medical research funding
Scientists deplore sharp US cut in medical research funding
1 hour ago | International
Saudi Arabia rejects Netanyahu's remarks on displacing Palestinians
Saudi Arabia rejects Netanyahu's remarks on displacing Palestinians
1 hour ago | International
Time magazine’s cover puts Musk behind Trump’s desk
Time magazine’s cover puts Musk behind Trump’s desk
1 hour ago | International
BNP to hold meeting with EC to discuss election preparations
BNP to hold meeting with EC to discuss election preparations
1 hour ago | National
Australia clinch test series win against Sri Lanka
Australia clinch test series win against Sri Lanka
1 hour ago | Sports
Canadian Int'l Development Minister to meet CA, Foreign Adviser Monday
Canadian Int'l Development Minister to meet CA, Foreign Adviser Monday
1 hour ago | National
Trump rules out deporting Prince Harry
Trump rules out deporting Prince Harry
1 hour ago | International
Commission's recommendations on BCS exam
Commission's recommendations on BCS exam
1 hour ago | National
Loveyapa: Funny, frothy take on Gen-Z love
Loveyapa: Funny, frothy take on Gen-Z love
2 hours ago | Entertainment
Modi’s party wins Delhi after 27 years
Modi’s party wins Delhi after 27 years
2 hours ago | International
Trading begins with an uptrend as most company shares gain
Trading begins with an uptrend as most company shares gain
2 hours ago | Business
‘Devil Hunt’ to continue until all devils are eradicated
‘Devil Hunt’ to continue until all devils are eradicated
2 hours ago | National
Former CEC Justice Abdur Rouf dies
Former CEC Justice Abdur Rouf dies
2 hours ago | National
Can social media worsen hair loss?
Can social media worsen hair loss?
2 hours ago | Lifestyle
Trump offers asylum to white Africans
Trump offers asylum to white Africans
2 hours ago | International
Remains of all 10 people killed in Alaska plane crash have been recovered
Remains of all 10 people killed in Alaska plane crash have been recovered
2 hours ago | International
Indian students in US quitting part-time Jobs amid Trump's threats
Indian students in US quitting part-time Jobs amid Trump's threats
2 hours ago | International
Study reveals brain waves may reflect life review before death
Study reveals brain waves may reflect life review before death
3 hours ago | Lifestyle
Committee formed to produce documentary on BNP’s 31-point reform plan
Committee formed to produce documentary on BNP’s 31-point reform plan
3 hours ago | National
Weather forecast: Dry with temporary partly cloudy skies nationwide
Weather forecast: Dry with temporary partly cloudy skies nationwide
3 hours ago | National
Pakistan ends quota for deceased employee’s relative
Pakistan ends quota for deceased employee’s relative
3 hours ago | International
Anora wins best picture, Shogun sweeps TV categories
Anora wins best picture, Shogun sweeps TV categories
3 hours ago | Entertainment
Ahead of Real Madrid clash, Man City given a scare by Leyton Orient in FA Cup
Ahead of Real Madrid clash, Man City given a scare by Leyton Orient in FA Cup
3 hours ago | Sports
Bangladesh up 4 notches in global passport ranking
Bangladesh up 4 notches in global passport ranking
3 hours ago | National
Most Read
Nationwide ‘Operation Devil Hunt’ launched following Gazipur attack
Nationwide ‘Operation Devil Hunt’ launched following Gazipur attack
22 hours ago | National
‘Dhaka international marathon symbolizes global solidarity’
‘Dhaka international marathon symbolizes global solidarity’
5 hours ago | Sports
Bangladeshi apparel exports to US grow slightly amid global pressure
Bangladeshi apparel exports to US grow slightly amid global pressure
5 hours ago | Business
Prothom Alo implicates Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman
Prothom Alo implicates Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman
4 hours ago | Special
Bangladesh, Egypt agree to establish business forum
Bangladesh, Egypt agree to establish business forum
23 hours ago | National
Dhaka's air 'very unhealthy,' pollution persists
Dhaka's air 'very unhealthy,' pollution persists
5 hours ago | City
‘Byathar Bagan’ starring Tawsif Mahbub and Aisha Khan
‘Byathar Bagan’ starring Tawsif Mahbub and Aisha Khan
23 hours ago | Entertainment
Stock market fails to bounce back
Stock market fails to bounce back
4 hours ago | Special
BNP announces nationwide program
BNP announces nationwide program
18 hours ago | National
Everyone should have ID card to enter Supreme Court
Everyone should have ID card to enter Supreme Court
18 hours ago | National
Israel releases 183 Palestinians after 3 hostages freed
Israel releases 183 Palestinians after 3 hostages freed
16 hours ago | International
Bridging the gender gap: 5 major projects to empower women
Bridging the gender gap: 5 major projects to empower women
5 hours ago | National
Proposal to increase retirement age of judges to 70
Proposal to increase retirement age of judges to 70
3 hours ago | Special
NBR set to launch full bond automation to enhance trade efficiency
NBR set to launch full bond automation to enhance trade efficiency
23 hours ago | Business
That notorious Benazir now conspiring from abroad: Jamaat Ameer
That notorious Benazir now conspiring from abroad: Jamaat Ameer
20 hours ago | National
Justice for past murders first, then election
Justice for past murders first, then election
4 hours ago | National
Bangladesh up 4 notches in global passport ranking
Bangladesh up 4 notches in global passport ranking
3 hours ago | National
Grand reunion of Sena Palli High School held
Grand reunion of Sena Palli High School held
21 hours ago | City
Steps underway to reinstate dismissed police officers who filed appeals
Steps underway to reinstate dismissed police officers who filed appeals
5 hours ago | National
Trump’s aid freeze sparks global mayhem
Trump’s aid freeze sparks global mayhem
5 hours ago | International
Study reveals brain waves may reflect life review before death
Study reveals brain waves may reflect life review before death
3 hours ago | Lifestyle
BCSA demand reduction of bank interest rate, electricity bills
BCSA demand reduction of bank interest rate, electricity bills
21 hours ago | Business
Farewell to a nation builder: The life and legacy of Mostafa Golam Quddus
Farewell to a nation builder: The life and legacy of Mostafa Golam Quddus
19 hours ago | Special
Will criticize, but won’t let interim government fail: Rizvi
Will criticize, but won’t let interim government fail: Rizvi
21 hours ago | National
Biggest Superhero Movies to be released in 2025
Biggest Superhero Movies to be released in 2025
19 hours ago | Entertainment
41 killed as bus catches fire after collision with truck in Mexico
41 killed as bus catches fire after collision with truck in Mexico
3 hours ago | International
Rizwan revives Babar Azam's 'King' tag
Rizwan revives Babar Azam's 'King' tag
23 hours ago | Sports
Interim government is in a hard time: Manna
Interim government is in a hard time: Manna
21 hours ago | National
JU admission test kicks off Sunday
JU admission test kicks off Sunday
17 hours ago | National
Will rebuild our own restaurants, hotels
Will rebuild our own restaurants, hotels
20 hours ago | International