A delegation of Awami League ex-lawmakers and leaders has met with Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Billy Kelleher to seek international cooperation for withdrawal of sanctions imposed on the party.
The delegation further called for the restoration of a “fair political and democratic atmosphere and the improvement of human rights situation” in Bangladesh. The meeting was held on Monday, in the lobby of the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs in Cork, Ireland.
Participants included MEP and former Irish minister Billy Kelleher, former Awami League MP Md Habibe Millat, Ireland Chhatra League President Noman Chowdhury, Ireland Awami League leader Rafiq Khan, and Radin Khan, Chairman of the student wing of Fianna Fáil.
During the talks, the Awami League representatives sought the European Parliament’s assistance regarding the withdrawal of sanctions and the granting of bail for party ministers, MPs, and activists detained in what they described as “politically motivated” cases.
Millat briefed the MEP on various issues, including the prevailing law and order situation in Bangladesh, the killing of police officers, mob violence, human rights violations, the rise of militancy, and the culture of impunity.
As part of the representation, he handed over research reports prepared by the Global Centre for Democratic Governance (GCDG) to Kelleher.
The delegation urged the European Parliament to take an active role in the restoration of democratic trends in Bangladesh and the removal of sanctions against the Awami League.
In response, Kelleher expressed interest in raising these issues within the European Parliament. He indicated his intent to seek the creation of diplomatic pressure on the Bangladesh government through formal discussions.
