UK MPs Demand 'Free, Fair' Bangladesh Polls Amidst Unrest, Violence

• Three UK MPs tabled a motion on December 16, condemning violence and urging free, fair, and inclusive elections in Bangladesh.
• The motion insists that all political parties, including the banned Awami League, must be allowed to compete.
• MPs called for fair trials and protection of minority rights, citing Sheikh Hasina's death sentence and mob lynching of a Hindu man.
• Awami League was sidelined after July protests toppled Sheikh Hasina's government, leading to her conviction by the ICT.
• Minorities face persecution, and tensions are high following the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi.

Why It Matters: UK MPs push for inclusive, fair Bangladesh elections and minority protection amid escalating violence.