UK MPs table motions in parliament condemning violence in Bangladesh, urge inclusive elections
They express concern that former MPs, journalists and judges have reportedly been imprisoned without charge for over a year, warning that “justice delayed is justice denied”.
Several members of the UK Parliament have tabled early day motions condemning recent violence in Bangladesh and raising concerns over political prisoners and human rights, calling for free, fair and inclusive elections in the country.
According to the UK parliament's website, an early day motion titled "Violence in Bangladesh", was tabled on 16 December and signed by Conservative MP Bob Blackman, Liberal Democrat Andrew George and Democratic Unionist Party's Jim Shannon. It condemns the recent violence and urges the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure that elections are held in which all political parties are allowed to participate.
The motion also calls for those responsible for violence to be prosecuted under fair trial standards and stresses the need to protect the rights of minorities.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"This House condemns the recent violence in Bangladesh and urges the government to ensure free, fair and inclusive elections are called in which all political parties should be allowed to compete; and notes that those who are guilty should be prosecuted under fair trial and ensuring minorities' rights should be protected," the motion reads.
Another early day motion, titled "Political prisoners in Bangladesh", was tabled earlier on 3 December 2025 and has been signed by Liberal Democrat Andrew George and 12 other MPs. The motion expresses concern that former MPs, journalists and judges have reportedly been imprisoned without charge for over a year, warning that "justice delayed is justice denied".
The motion also highlights what it describes as a resurgence of human rights abuses by state institutions, citing documentation by the human rights organisation Odhikar, which reported more than 40 extrajudicial killings in the 15 months following the resignation of the previous government.
It urges the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus to ensure that minority rights are respected and that proper judicial processes are followed.
"This House notes with concern that many former MPs, journalists and judges have been imprisoned without charge for over a year in Bangladesh; recalls that justice delayed is justice denied; expresses its concern that there has been a resurgence of human rights abuses by state institutions, including over 40 extrajudicial killings in the 15 months since the resignation of the previous government, as documented by the human rights organisation Odhikar; and urges the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus to ensure that the rights of minorities are respected and that proper judicial process is followed," reads the motion.
Early day motions are formal notices submitted for debate in the UK Parliament, often used by MPs to draw attention to specific issues and signal parliamentary concern, even if they are not debated in the House.
