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oppression in bangladesh - parliament protest

rikkiindymedia(At)gmail[dot]com (rikki) | 12.10.2011 12:55 | London

the 'save bangladesh' group held a several hundred strong protest outside parliament yesterday afternoon, asking the uk government to condemn the current repression they claim is happening in the former british colony.

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bangladeshi people have recently been suffering huge price increases on staple foods and services, rising crime rates and unemployment, gas and electricity shortages, collapsing infrastructure, and rampant corruption including an ongoing stock market scandal.

however, demonstrations have been met with police brutality provoking campus riots, and the democratically elected government is turning to increasingly brutal repression to stifle opposition.

'save bangladesh' describe themselves as an independent campaign and advocacy organisation working to promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in bangladesh. the campaign is headed by various barristers and human rights campaigners, and at yesterday afternoon's rally, a crowd of several hundred people listened to a succession of speakers on behalf of the campaign.

according to the speakers, the current ruling party, the 'awami league', led by PM 'sheikh hasina', has arrested thousands of its critics on trumped-up charges, and the campaign of intimidation has seen buildings burnt and damaged, brutal attacks on opponents, and even torture and extra-judicial killings.

the biggest target for the attacks has been the country's largest mainstream islamist party, 'jamaat-e-islami', with its leaders arrested and detained. the government has also set up a 'war crimes tribunal' which, despite international criticism, has been used to impose highly politicised death penalties without due process.

the 'save bangladesh' organisation has received expressions of solidarity from a few members of parliament and peers, and is hoping to persuade the british government and the international community to intervene.

further info at:  www.savebangladesh.eu


rikkiindymedia(At)gmail[dot]com (rikki)
- Original article on IMC London: http://london.indymedia.org/articles/10388