Senior UK lawyer Barrister Stuart Stevens on Wednesday alleged that BNP vice-chairman Tarique Rahman, who is now undergoing treatment in London, is a victim of political vengeance and propaganda.
He made the allegation while addressing a press conference titled “Gross violation of human rights and politicisation of judiciary in Bangladesh” at Westminster Green Centre in London.Stevens also alleged that Bangladesh government uses the judicial system of the country for their own interests, according to information received from London.
He said the judicial system of Bangladesh is not neutral because a court in Bangladesh has harassed a judge of the country for releasing BNP leader Tarique Rahman from a case.
The vengeance attitude of the government against a judge is not a good sign for the country and democracy. Such behaviour of the government questioned the judiciary system in Bangladesh, he observed.
Stuart Stevens, the head of Holborn Chambers, said, the judiciary can’t be a political tool of a country. “UK government can not be silent in this regard as Bangladesh is a development partner of the UK,” he observed.
“UK government should take stern actions against Bangladesh government because a farcical election was held here lowering the voting rights of the people of the country,” Stevens added.
Pointing to the issuing arrest warrant against Tarique through Interpol Stevens said, the government of Bangladesh is not properly informed about the law.
He said the incidents of killing or disappearance of 300 opposition activists are contrary to the crimes against humanity.
Stevens said they would raise the issue to international court and United Nations.
The press conference organized by Holborn Chambers was attended by 13 senior British lawyers, expatriate Bangladeshi lawyers and human rights activists. – Staff Reporter
