Geneva, Switzerland: Former UK Member of Parliament Paul Burstow delivered a keynote speech at a side event during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Wednesday, focusing on human rights violations and the rise of Islamic extremism in Bangladesh.
Economic Progress and Human Rights Concerns
While acknowledging Bangladesh’s economic achievements, Burstow expressed serious concerns about the country’s ongoing challenges, including corruption, political repression, and security risks that could threaten the nation’s stability.
“I’m not here to cast judgement on any regime in Bangladesh in the past, present or future,” Burstow stated. He emphasized that his role was not to take a political stance but to reflect on his personal experiences. As a UK MP, Burstow had focused primarily on domestic issues, shaped by the diverse backgrounds of his constituents.
“There are two sides and two faces of Bangladesh – one is good,” he noted, praising the country’s economic growth, which has consistently hovered around 6% in recent years. He also commended the strides made in female education, calling it “the best thing we can do in the world right now” and recognizing Bangladesh’s role in hosting displaced populations, including the world’s largest refugee camp.
Challenges and the Threat to Stability
However, Burstow also warned against overlooking the persistent challenges facing Bangladesh. “The other side of Bangladesh is corruption, the other side is using the law as a political weapon rather than reason or arguments, and of course human rights issues,” he said.
He raised critical questions about the nation’s future:
“What happens to the economic growth in a Bangladesh that has been massacred in recent years – if the security and human rights situation in Bangladesh doesn’t improve?” He also pointed out the vulnerabilities of minority rights and the long-term risks to women’s education.
Concerns Over Rohingya Refugees
Burstow specifically addressed the plight of the over one million Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh, questioning their fate if the security situation worsens:
“What happens to the Rohingya refugees? There’s over a million of them. What happens to them if Bangladesh collapses into chaos, if the security situation doesn’t improve?”
His speech underscored the urgent need for stability, human rights protections, and a secure future for all communities within Bangladesh.