The Asian Network for Free Elections on Tuesday called for democratic renewal in Bangladesh and a free, fair and participatory election under an interim government.
ANFREL, an international, multi-sector, independent and non-political alliance, also demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners who had been wrongfully detained.
In the statement the network called for urgent and decisive action following Sheikh Hasina's resignation as prime minister on August 5.
The statement read that the rule of Hasina government 鈥� 鈥榳as increasingly marked by authoritarian practices including arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and the suppression of dissent, alongside significant electoral manipulation.鈥�
It also read that the protest against her was led by a student movement and other civil society groups began as a peaceful demand for quota reforms in government jobs and later evolved into a broader movement against state-sanctioned violence and human rights abuses.
鈥楾he protests, driven by frustration over years of political repression, grave human rights violations and lack of rule of law, resulted in the deaths of hundreds of student protesters and bystanders at the hands of law enforcement and the Awami League鈥檚 student wing,鈥� it continued.
It also mentioned that there were numerous reports of injuries and fatalities.
鈥楾his underscores the need for an independent investigation into these incidents and accountability for those responsible,鈥� it continued.
It read that Bangladesh has seen a significant decline in the quality of its elected government, a downward trend rooted in the highly controversial 2018 general elections.
鈥楽upporting this assessment, the Global State of Democracy indices show that Bangladesh performs poorly in three key categories: representation, rights, and rule of law, while achieving a mid-range score in Participation,鈥� the statement read.
ANFREL denounced the brutal crackdowns and manipulation efforts by the Bangladeshi government, emphasized the importance of maintaining a credible interim government and immediate release of all political prisoners who had been wrongfully detained.
The network urges the transitional interim government to organize transparent, inclusive, and credible elections, ensuring truly reflects the will of the people.
鈥楢dequate time must also be provided to ensure maximum political and public participation in the electoral process,鈥� it read.
ANFREL also urged the international community to support these measures to ensure a peaceful and democratic transition in Bangladesh.