Ansar Ahmed Ullah, London.

 In a seminar at the House of Lords on 18 November, Lord Carlile emphasised that the international community would not accept an election without the participation of all political parties, including the Awami League. The event, with Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman as the chief guest, focused on Bangladesh’s political and democratic challenges.

Lord Carlile suggested establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) as a strategic approach to supporting Bangladesh’s political and economic development. Cammagh KC, Jamaat’s lawyer during the War Crime International Tribunal, supported this recommendation, citing his successful experience with a similar process in Sierra Leone.

Lord Carlile proposed the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) as a strategic approach to support the country’s political and economic development. This recommendation was notably supported by Cammagh KC, Jamaat’s lawyer from the War Crime International Tribunal, who drew from his successful experience with a similar process in Sierra Leone.

The discussions extensively covered crucial issues including electoral fairness, judicial system reform, and minority protection. Lord Carlile welcomed Dr Rahman’s call for free and fair elections and advocated for cleansing the justice system of corruption. Rupa Huq MP and former Amnesty International’s Abbas Faiz raised concerns about minority persecution, to which Jamaat responded by condemning such incidents and denying any involvement.

Continuing his engagement, Lord Carlile participated in a Voices for Bangladesh meeting on 19 November, reaffirming UK parliamentarians’ commitment to helping Bangladesh return to the “comity of like-minded democratic nations.” He stressed the ongoing need for comprehensive reforms to ensure democratic integrity and judicial fairness.

The seminar and subsequent meeting underscored the international community’s keen interest in supporting Bangladesh’s democratic processes, highlighting the importance of inclusive elections, judicial transparency and potential reconciliation mechanisms.