In a strong expression of international concern, 41 Australian parliamentarians, including 13 senators, have jointly written to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, urging the interim government to announce a clear electoral roadmap, ensure justice for the July uprising victims, and immediately disband the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
The letter, titled “Urgent Need for Specific Electoral Roadmap, Justice for Monsoon Revolution Victims, and Disbandment of the Rapid Action Battalion,” is a unified call for democratic restoration, justice, and human rights in Bangladesh following last year’s widespread protests and crackdown.
“We, the undersigned Australian Senators and Members of Parliament, write to express our shared desire as elected members to support Bangladesh’s democratic transition by providing a specific electoral roadmap, to urge you to provide justice for victims of the Monsoon Revolution, and to support justice for the victims of the Rapid Action Battalion,” the letter reads.
Monsoon revolution and its aftermath
Referring to the July–August 2024 uprising, the lawmakers praised the courage of the Bangladeshi people.
“We recognise the bravery and courage shown by the people of Bangladesh in the Monsoon Revolution. This has given your administration an historic opportunity to restore democracy, uphold human rights, and rebuild public trust in governance.”
However, the parliamentarians also highlighted the heavy human cost of the uprising. Citing reports from Human Rights Watch, Reuters, and the United Nations, the letter states that “thousands of people were killed and tens of thousands injured” following years of repression under the previous government.
“Like so many people around the world, we were inspired by the bravery of the students and ordinary citizens of Bangladesh who made the Monsoon Revolution happen. However, this victory came at an immense human cost.”
The letter – dated 21 May – further notes that the Australian Bangladeshi community has repeatedly appealed for accountability, truth, justice, and reparations for the victims and their families.
“We have received multiple representations from the Australian Bangladesh community requesting that we urge your government to hold accountable those responsible for past political crimes of violence through independent and transparent investigations and prosecutions. They have also asked for a process of truth, justice, and reparations to the victims and their families. We acknowledge the strength and humanity of these calls.”
Disbandment of RAB
A central demand in the letter is the immediate disbandment of the Rapid Action Battalion, a force long accused of serious human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture.
“Repeated human rights reviews have highlighted the RAB’s involvement in severe human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture. According to Human Rights Watch, over 2,699 people have been unlawfully killed by RAB since 2009, and the force has operated with complete impunity, silencing dissent and targeting political opponents.”
The lawmakers expressed support for the US government’s sanctions on RAB leadership and urged the Australian government to consider similar action.
“We have noted with support the sanctions applied by the US government on the leadership of the RAB and we have called on the Australian government to take similar action. Again, we note the request from the Australian Bangladesh community for your administration to dismantle the RAB and provide justice for its victims,” the letter added.
Call for electoral roadmap
The Australian parliamentarians stressed the urgency of announcing a clear, time-bound electoral roadmap, warning that delays could further erode public trust and jeopardise the democratic transition.
“The past three elections in Bangladesh did not have the legitimacy needed for a stable, democratic government,” the letter stated.
“To restore electoral integrity and ensure a peaceful democratic transition, we urge your government to announce a clear election roadmap for free, fair, and internationally monitored elections as soon as practically possible. The Australian Bangladesh community has made it known to us that they expect and hope this will occur this calendar year.”
They also urged the interim government to use all legislative and executive powers to create a level playing field for all political parties, free from intimidation or manipulation.
“We look forward to Bangladesh embedding these changes, empowering your community, and taking its rightful place as a friend and partner of democracies around the world,” the letter concluded.
The parliamentarians issued a stark warning, saying, “Delays or ambiguity at this stage will only deepen public distrust and jeopardise the country’s democratic future. The people of Bangladesh and the international community are watching closely.”
“We call on your leadership to act decisively. We are prepared to engage constructively to support this essential step toward restoring democratic legitimacy.”
Signatories
The letter was signed by a broad coalition of Australian political leaders, including senators Larissa Waters, David Shoebridge, Jordon Steele-John, Fatima Payman, Lidia Thorpe, Penny Allman-Payne, Mehreen Faruqi, Steph Hodgins-May, Barbara Pocock, Peter Whish-Wilson, Dorinda Cox, Nick McKim, and Sarah Hanson-Young.
MPs and Legislative Members are Elizabeth Watson-Brown MP, Abigail Boyd, NSW MLC, Amanda Cohn, NSW MLC, Katherine Copsey MLC, Sue Higginson, NSW MLC, Cate Faehrmann, NSW MLC, Anasina Gray-Barberio MLC, Aiv Puglielli MLC, Dr Sarah Mansfield MLC, Brad Pettitt MLC, Jenny Leong, NSW MP, Tamara Smith, NSW MP, Kobi Shetty, NSW MP, Tim Read MP, Ellen Sandell MP, Michael Berkman MP, Gabrielle de Vietri MP, Dr Rosalie Woodruff MP, Tabatha Badger MP, Cecily Rosol MP, Cassy O’Connor MLC, Vica Bayley MP, Helen Burnet MP, Shane Rattenbury MLA, Andrew Braddock MLA, Jo Clay MLA, Laura Nuttall MLA, and Robert Simms MLC.