London, Sep 17 (IANS) – More than 2,000 members of the Bangladeshi diaspora gathered in central London to protest alleged repression, human rights abuses, and undemocratic practices under the “unelected” Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh, the Awami League has said.
The demonstration began at Trafalgar Square on September 15 and concluded at Downing Street, where protesters delivered a letter to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
According to the Awami League, the letter voiced deep concern over the erosion of the rule of law in Bangladesh and the curbing of democratic freedoms.
“The UK Government cannot stand by while its close ally descends into lawlessness. Hundreds of thousands of people living in Britain with family and friends in Bangladesh want the UK to take a proactive interest,” the letter stated.
It further urged London to hold the interim administration accountable for alleged rights violations, ensure free and fair elections, and seek international support to safeguard democracy in Bangladesh.
Protesters also condemned reported attacks on religious minorities, which they claimed have escalated since Yunus assumed power. The Awami League alleged that in the first three months of his administration, more than 2,000 incidents of violence against Hindus and other minorities were documented, and such assaults are continuing.
Human rights groups, the party added, have criticised the interim government over media repression, targeting of opposition voices, and politically motivated persecution.
The Awami League also highlighted the ban on its participation in future elections, warning that such a move would disenfranchise millions of Bangladeshis.
The party alleged that thousands of arbitrary charges have been filed against its supporters, while members of the judiciary and press have faced intimidation.
“Over 160 journalists seen as sympathetic to the former government have had their accreditation revoked, while several senior journalists have been arrested on charges including murder, with restricted access to legal aid,” the Awami League claimed.
