Expressing continued concern about forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and state of freedom of expression in Bangladesh, the visiting European Parliament (EP) delegation has called for consolidating democratic institutions to restore peace and stability in the country.
"… We need Bangladesh as a strong partner. The respect for human rights and democracy will be an essential component for Bangladesh to realise its full potential in order to reach its declared goal of becoming a middle-income country by 2021," said head of the delegation in a press statement issued on Thursday.
Peace and stability should not be restored at the expense of civil and political rights. Freedom of expression is a fundamental pillar of a pluralistic and vibrant democracy, the statement also said.
A three-member delegation of the Sub-committee on Human Rights of the European Parliament, led by Cristian Dan Preda, has visited Bangladesh from February 16 in a follow-up to the EP resolution of September 2014.
The team arrived in the country to assess the current human rights situation, focusing on the areas of labour rights, children and women and minority rights. Other members of the delegation were Josef Weidenholzer and Karol Karski.
During discussions, the EU members also paid special attention to civil and political rights against the backdrop of violence generated by the current political impasse, according to the statement.
The delegation, having met the government and opposition representatives, also focussed on an immediate end to the increasing violence, and echoed calls from the international community and Bangladeshi civil society to solve the political crisis.
The members reiterated their expectations that the draft Foreign Donations Act should guarantee adequate space for civil society organisations to continue working for the betterment of situation of vulnerable populations.
"This is also critical for smooth implementation of the EU-funded development projects," the statement said.
The EU Parliament delegates also met trade union and business leaders, environmental activists, representatives of local and international civil society, members of minority groups, senior political leaders, the Speaker of Parliament, and members of the government.
They also visited an RMG factory in Dhaka and exchanged views with Accord representatives, trade union leaders and industry stakeholders to gain insight into implementation of the Sustainability Compact and to assess labour conditions.
While welcoming the progress achieved through inspections and consultations, they called for further support to Accord, and working towards a supportive environment to ensure effective rights to collective bargaining, and full implementation of the amended Labour Law, including in the EPZs.
The delegation welcomed the government efforts and progress achieved in basic education of children, and encouraged further measures, such as nationwide birth registration, and protection of particularly vulnerable groups, especially in large urban areas.
Its members also discussed women's rights and children's rights, and urged the government to ensure full implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord.
Members expressed hope that the government will continue engaging with the international community towards improving the situation of the Rohingyas in Bangladesh.
UNB reports, Cristian Dan Preda on Thursday said EP is very concerned about Bangladesh's human rights situation.
"My definition is very simple. We're here because we're very concerned about human rights situation," he told reporters after a meeting with Chairman of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Dr Mizanur Rahman.
Preda also cited the Daily Star report that quoted State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam saying EP is not concerned about the human rights situation in Bangladesh.
A bdnews24.com report adds, the ruling Awami League has told the EP delegation that there can be no dialogue with the agitating BNP-led coalition unless the ongoing violence stops.
"Talks can be held when the time for election comes," Prime Minister's Adviser Gowher Rizvi said on Thursday after a meeting with the delegation at the party chief's Dhanmondi office.
He also said new rules could be made to make the Election Commission stronger to organise a fair election.
"But it must be done within the democratic framework," he stressed.
The EP delegation, however, did not comment on Thursday's meeting.
smunima@yahoo.com
EP for unity of democratic bodies to restore peace in BD
FE Report | Published: February 20, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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