UK Human Rights Ambassador Eleanor Sanders. -File Photo

DHAKA, Feb 3, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) held a meeting with UK Human Rights Ambassador Eleanor Sanders to discuss the country's political and human rights situation.

The meeting was held this afternoon at the residence of the British High Commissioner in Dhaka, BNP’s media cell member Shairul Kabir Khan told BSS.

BNP Standing Committee Member and chairperson’s Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan and Special Assistant to the BNP Chairperson's Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee Member Shama Obaid took part in the meeting.

The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including Bangladesh’s current and future political issues. 

Eleanor Sanders inquired about the repression faced by opposition parties over the last decade under the rule of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Kabir said adding she particularly wanted to know the context of the July-August movement and how it was escalated.

The UK HR Ambassador also raised questions about the political and human rights situation after August 5 seeking for insights about the ongoing discussions between the government and political parties regarding reforms and elections.

In particular, she asked whether the interim government intends to complete reforms before elections or conduct both processes simultaneously. Additionally, she inquired about BNP’s views on the election roadmap.

Sanders also expressed concern over extrajudicial killings in Bangladesh including the recent killing of Jubo Dal leader Touhidul Islam in Comilla.

BNP leaders apprehended that without a government committed to accountability, Bangladesh’s human rights situation might continue to deteriorate further.

Eleanor Sanders arrived in Bangladesh today on her first official visit in this role, focused on democracy and human rights.

During her three-day visit, she will hold key meetings with advisers and senior officials of the interim government, as well as engage with civil society members, human rights activists and leaders of the minority groups, according to a statement from the UK High Commission.

She will also visit the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar to oversee UK-funded response and protection activities.