Right to Freedom delegation meets AB Party officials; Interim Administration, Reforms, Election, Political Alliance, Justice and Accountability discussed
Online Desk: The Amar Bangladesh Party, AB Party, hosted a delegation from Right to Freedom, a Washington based think tank with focus in South Asia, Bangladesh in particular, on Sunday afternoon at its central office in Dhaka. William B. Milam, former USA Ambassador to Dhaka and President of Right to Freedom, and Jon F. Danilowicz, former Deputy USA Ambasador to Dhaka and Executive Director of Right to Freedom, attended AB Party leaderships to discuss Bangladesh’s evolving political landscape, electoral reforms, possible electoral alliance, future of the deposed regime, justice and accountability of the alleged perpetrators of the crimes against humanity and prospects for international engagement. AB Party feels that these kind of visits by non-partisan parties will help clear the misconception propagated by some foreign media about Bangladesh.
Mojibur Rahman Monju, Chairman of the AB Party, welcomed the delegation and expressed gratitude for their contributions in pro-democracy movement over the years. Asaduzzaman Fuaad, a barrister-at-law and General Secretary of the Party, Nasreen Sultana Mily, a barrister-at-law, Joint General Secretary and head of International Affairs, Zubair Ahmed Bhuiyan, a barrister-at-law and Joint General Secretary, Sunny Abdul Haque, a barrister-at-law and Joint General Secretary, Farah Naz Sattar, Women Affairs Secretary, Hazra Mehzabeen, a member of International Affairs Team were present at the meeting.
The AB Party provided an overview of its history, struggles against the fascist regime since 2020, and vision for a democratic transition. AB Party also explained how they believe the future of politics in Bangladesh lies with policy based engagement and addressing nation’s day-to-day issues. The discussion then expanded to explore the future political landscape, including potential alliances, challenges of the Election Commission. The delegation acknowledged concerns about the lack of public awareness regarding various reforms due to a top-down approach and was interested to know how the AB Party can take it to the grassroots. New political party, the NCP, also came in for their complimentary role in new generation politics.
On the future of Bangladesh’s governance, AB Party reiterated its strong support for the interim government while maintaining a critical stance on any governance shortcomings. In response to queries on accountability and transitional justice, AB Party feels that international community, the UN in particular and democracy loving world, have critical role to play to ensure justice for the victims as well as addressing sustained campaign on misinformation and disinformation. AB Party General Secretary, Asaduzzaman Fuaad, then held a press briefing to update about the conversation.
