Australian Prime Minister is concerned about human rights violations and freedom of expression in Bangladesh

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is concerned about reports of human rights abuses and restrictions on freedom of expression in Bangladesh. A total of 15 MPs from the country wrote to Anthony Albanese recently (04 October) calling for a ban to ensure that those responsible for undermining Bangladesh’s democratic process cannot enter Australia, expressing concern over ongoing human rights abuses in Bangladesh and its potential impact on the upcoming national elections. Australia’s 31st Prime Minister Albanese expressed his concern in a return letter to one of the signatories of the letter and the country’s influential Senator David Shoebridge.

A copy of the letter sent on November 1 has reached Manavzamin. Addressed to “Dear Senator Shoebridge and co-signatories”, the letter begins: Thank you for your letter dated 4 October 2023 regarding the upcoming national elections in Bangladesh.

Next: I am concerned about reports of human rights abuses and restrictions on freedom of expression in Bangladesh. I take these matters very seriously.

The Australian Prime Minister wrote: The Government of Australia regularly engages the Government of Bangladesh on human rights and democratic principles, including the need for free, fair and inclusive elections, freedom of expression, protection of minority rights and judicial independence. We do this directly at the official and political level and through the UN Human Rights Council.

At the end of the letter, they were again thanked for bringing the concerns of the Australian MPs about Bangladesh to the attention of the Prime Minister of the country.