New Hampshire lawmaker withdraws support for pro-AL Bangladesh resolution citing new proof

Special Report :

In a rare and commendable display of legislative accountability, New Hampshire State Representative Jodi Newell has publicly reversed her position on a controversial resolution passed by the state House earlier this year concerning the political situation in Bangladesh.

Speaking on the House floor, Rep. Newell acknowledged that she voted in favor of HR 11- a resolution that praised the previous Awami League government in Bangladesh and condemned the current transitional administration-without having access to key information.

Her remarks have since been entered into the official Permanent Journal of the House and are being widely praised by community members and human rights advocates.

“Unfortunately, after HR 11 passed, I was presented with further information that would have influenced my perspective and my vote on the resolution,” she told her colleagues.

Rep. Newell specifically cited a report from the United Nations Human Rights Office which found that the former Awami League government and its associated security and intelligence forces “systematically engaged in a range of serious human rights violations during the last year’s student-led protests.” The report documented the deaths of 1,400 students and injuries to more than 20,000 demonstrators during a nationwide uprising against the regime.

She went on to commend the leadership of Nobel Peace Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, noting that he has earned the support of 176 world leaders. She also referenced The Economist, which named Bangladesh “Country of the Year 2024” and described the nation as having “toppled a tyrant and [being] headed for something better.”

“In light of this and a host of other additional information I would urge my colleagues to look into on their own time, I would like to express my strong disagreement with HR 11,” Rep. Newell said. “And my commitment to be more diligent in seeking out more accurate and unbiased information in the future.”