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
