European Parliament Hosts Urgent Discussion on Minority Rights Violations in Bangladesh
Brussels – February 19, 2025 – Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) organized a high-profile event at the European Parliament to address the widespread human rights violations against minorities in Bangladesh. The discussion primarily focused on the impact of the 2024 elections and the subsequent national unrest, highlighting the dire need for international intervention to protect marginalized communities.
Key Discussions at the European Parliament
The event opened with a statement from GHRD, stressing the growing persecution of minority groups in Bangladesh and the urgent need for action. The gathering brought together prominent Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and other stakeholders dedicated to human rights advocacy.
Among the distinguished attendees were MEPs Miriam Lexmann, Ioan-Rareş Bogdan, Giusi Princi, Șerban-Dimitrie Sturdza, Alessandra Moretti, Rosa Estaràs Ferragut, Marco Falcone, and Fulvio Martusciello. Norwegian Parliament members Himanshu Gulati and John Erik Selle also contributed to the discussions. Additionally, Thierry Valle, Director of Coordination des Associations & Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience, and Professor Chandan Sarkar joined the event remotely, offering diverse perspectives on the critical issue.
Key Statements by Participants
MEP Giusi Princi emphasized the fundamental importance of mutual respect in fostering peaceful coexistence. She expressed solidarity with the Hindu community and highlighted concerns over gender-based violence, including trafficking and forced marriages. She urged the use of economic and diplomatic tools to press Bangladesh for human rights reforms.
MEP Ioan-Rareş Bogdan strongly condemned the persecution of women and religious minorities, denouncing forced marriages, physical violence, and systemic abuse. He called on Bangladesh to enhance legal protections for minorities, stressing that defending human rights is both a legal obligation and a moral necessity.
MEP Șerban-Dimitrie Sturdza criticized the Bangladeshi government for failing to implement promised reforms. He pointed to ongoing human rights abuses, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on the press. He urged the EU and the UN to maintain diplomatic and economic pressure on Bangladesh, advocating for measures beyond trade agreements like the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP).
MEP Miriam Lexmann underscored the significance of religious freedom and human rights, drawing parallels from her experience with totalitarian regimes. She warned of China’s growing influence in the region and criticized the EU’s weak enforcement of sanctions against human rights violators. She called for stronger monitoring mechanisms to ensure accountability.
MEP Marco Falcone reiterated that defending human rights is a global responsibility. He urged the EU to strengthen its enforcement mechanisms to prevent ongoing abuses, reinforcing the need for international cooperation.
Thierry Valle, Director of CAP LC, called for heightened international scrutiny of human rights violations. He urged the United Nations and other organizations to take stronger actions, warning that a lack of accountability would allow perpetrators to continue committing abuses without consequences.
MEP Alessandra Moretti condemned the use of violence against women as a method of oppression, particularly in conflict zones like Bangladesh. She called for immediate measures to combat gender-based violence and ensure the safety of women in oppressive conditions.
Call for International Action
The event concluded with a unified call for urgent international intervention, emphasizing the need for diplomatic, economic, and legal measures to uphold human rights in Bangladesh. GHRD and its allies remain dedicated to advocating for the rights and dignity of all marginalized communities facing persecution.
For more information, please contact:
Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD)
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