A coalition of 41 Australian Members of Parliament and Senators has sent a formal letter to Muhammad Yunus, leader of Bangladesh’s interim government, pressing for an immediate and transparent electoral roadmap to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in the country.
The Australian lawmakers emphasised the urgency of outlining a time-bound plan for holding inclusive elections, framing it as essential for restoring democratic legitimacy and stability in Bangladesh.
The appeal reflects growing concern among the international community about the political trajectory of the South Asian nation.
The letter, issued on Wednesday, called for a concrete timeline for elections to be publicly announced “as soon as practically possible,” citing widespread expectations within the Australian Bangladeshi community that the electoral process be initiated within the current calendar year.
To ensure electoral fairness, the MPs and Senators urged the interim administration to take legislative and executive steps that would create a level playing field for all political parties.
The statement emphasised the importance of upholding democratic standards and preventing any form of political repression or undue influence.
The lawmakers also addressed the aftermath of the July uprising in Bangladesh, urging for transparent investigations and accountability for political violence.
They called for independent inquiries into alleged abuses and demanded justice for victims and their families through a formal process of truth, reparation, and justice.
In a significant policy stance, the Australian representatives called for the immediate disbandment of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)—a controversial paramilitary force accused of human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
The letter referenced existing international concerns and echoed the U.S. government’s sanctions on RAB leadership, while urging the Australian government to consider similar measures.
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“We have listened closely to the voices of the Australian Bangladeshi community, who have consistently expressed concern over the ongoing human rights situation and the lack of a credible democratic process in Bangladesh,” the lawmakers wrote.
They warned that further delay or uncertainty over election plans would risk deepening public mistrust and destabilising the country’s democratic prospects.
Concluding the letter, the signatories offered their willingness to engage constructively and support Bangladesh’s path back to democratic governance.
