Dec. 1, 2008: Hearing on Bangladesh: Religious Freedom, Extremism, Security, and the Upcoming National Elections
Thursday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. *
Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2325
The
U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is holding a public
hearing to focus attention on Bangladesh's upcoming national elections.
Bangladesh's
last national elections, in October 2001, were followed by numerous
reports of violence against members of religious minority communities,
particularly Hindus.
Elections previously scheduled for January 2007 were postponed amid allegations that they would not be free and fair. Since
January 2007, Bangladesh has been administered by a military-backed
caretaker government, a state of emergency has restricted political
rights, and there have been serious human rights violations such as
extrajudicial killings and torture.
This
hearing will explore the prospects for free, fair, and peaceful
elections in Bangladesh, the development of a stable democracy, the
threat to democratic values posed by religious extremism, and
strategies for the U.S. government to promote democracy and respect for
human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.
Confirmed speakers include Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-NY).
Confirmed witnesses include:
Panel
I: The U.S. government's promotion of democracy, respect for human
rights, and free, fair, and credible elections in Bangladesh
- Hon. James F. Moriarty, U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh
Panel II: The role of U.S.-funded institutions in promoting free, fair, and credible elections
- Peter Manikas, Regional Director for Asia Programs, National Democratic Institute
- Kimber Shearer, Deputy Director for Asia Programs, International Republican Institute
Panel III: Legal,
social, and political challenges to human rights under the caretaker
government, including freedom of religion or belief; Islamic extremism;
recommendations for the U.S. and Bangladeshi governments
- Dr. Shapan Adnan, National University of Singapore
- Dr. Sachi G. Dastidar**, State University of New York
- Sara Hossain, Esq., Kamal Hossain & Associates
- Dr. Ali Riaz, Illinois State University
- Asif Saleh, Founder and Executive Director, Drishtipat
RSVP:
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or (202)/523-3240, ext. 114
*Ending time has changed
**Witness has been added
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