Declaration of the International Virtual Conference on “Turning Point: Bangladesh After the July-August Uprising”

Date: 29 October 2025

We, the participants of the Conference, reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the universal principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

We recognize the rights of the people of Bangladesh to enjoy freedom, justice, equality, and meaningful participation in governance. We stress that accountability, transparency, and fairness are essential for lasting peace and democracy.

We express grave concern over continuing reports of human rights abuses, oppression of women, children, and minorities, the alarming rise of religious extremism, and restrictions on civil liberties and press freedom.

In solidarity with the people of Bangladesh, we declare:

1. Restoration of Civil Rights and Judicial Independence

We call for the full restoration of civil, political, and religious rights and the protection of fundamental freedoms. The judiciary must be independent and free from political interference to ensure equal justice for all.

• Accountability for Human Rights Violations

All reports of killings, detentions, torture, and violence against women, children, minorities, and political opponents must be investigated fairly and transparently. Every victim deserves justice.

• Freedom of the Press and Protection of Journalists

We strongly condemn media censorship and attacks on journalists. We call for an immediate end to intimidation, imprisonment, and censorship, and demand full freedom of expression and protection for all journalists.

• Combating Extremism and Safeguarding Regional Stability

Participants emphasize the need for united action against extremism, promoting inclusive governance, human rights, and regional cooperation to ensure lasting peace and stability in Bangladesh and the broader South Asian region.

• Free, Fair, and Inclusive Elections

We emphasize the urgent need for an inclusive, free, fair, and transparent national election under a neutral and credible caretaker government, ensuring the participation of all political parties and restoring public confidence in democratic institutions.

Final Commitment

We stand in firm solidarity with the people of Bangladesh in their pursuit of democracy, justice, and human rights. We call upon national, regional, and international actors—governments, civil society, and global institutions—to support a peaceful and democratic transition and to help rebuild faith in Bangladesh’s democratic future.

Thank you.

Signatories,

1. Rev. Dr. Robert B. Lancia, Former Legislator, Rhode Island House of Representatives, USA
2. William Sloan, International Human Rights Lawyer & Constitutional Expert, Canada
3. Prof. Veena Sikri, Former High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, India
4. Paulo Casaca, Founder and Executive Director, South Asia Democratic Forum, Belgium
5. Chris Blackburn, Communications Director, European Bangladesh Forum, UK
6. Charlotte Jacquemart, Senior Editor, Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF), Switzerland
7. Alan Rides, Director, West London Chamber of Commerce, UK
8. Suhas Chakma, Director, Rights & Risks Analysis Group, India
9. Natalia Sineaeva, Representative, NEVER AGAIN Association, Poland
10. Shun-ichi FUJIKI, Managing Director, International Career Support Association, Japan
11. Dr. Chongsi Ayeah Joseph, President/CEO, Centre for Human Rights and Peace Advocacy, Cameroon
12. Prof. Dr. Rafal Pankowski, Rotary Peace Fellow, Makerere University, Uganda
13. Pushpita Gupta, President, Secular Bangladesh Movement, UK
14. Dr. Nuran Nabi, Heroic Freedom Fighter & Ekushey Award-winning academician, USA
15. Prof. Engr. Dr. Md. Abdur Rashid, Massey University (Rtd.), New Zealand
16. Prof. Dr. Mohammad Shahidullah, University of Arizona, USA
17. Dr. S. M. Masum Billah, Human Rights Lawyer and Visiting Professor, University of Cote D’Azur, France
18. Dr. Md. Abu Naser, Chairman, Dept. of Communications, California State University, USA
19. Barrister Tapas Kanti Baul, International Human Rights Lawyer & defender, Germany
20. Rahman Khalilur Mamun, President, International Forum for Secular Bangladesh, Switzerland
21. Priyajit Debsarkar, Geopolitical analyst & Author, UK
22. Engr. Rana Hassan Mahmud, Political Analyst & Columnist, USA
23. Debadyuti Dasgupta, War Historian & Author, India
24. Prof. Dr. Md. Habibe Millat, President, Global Center for Democratic Governance, Canada
25. Md. Golam Kibria Talukder, Executive Director, Global Center for Democratic Governance, Canada