British HC clarifies position on recent unrest in country
Wednesday, 29 August 2007
A British High Commission spokesman Tuesday issued a statement clarifying the UK's position regarding the recent unrest in Bangladesh, reports UNB.
The spokesman in a release said, "We're pleased that a situation has been reached in which the curfew could be lifted. We understand that the Caretaker Government will not allow these events to deflect from its desire to prepare credible elections, as per the election roadmap. We welcome this."
The spokesman said, "We're aware of concerns over reported incidents of harassment and beating of journalists and students. The UK had urged restraint and has publicly condemned these reported incidents.
We recognise the important role of the media. We call on the government to investigate reported incidents thoroughly and to take appropriate actions against those responsible."
"Indeed," the spokesman said, "throughout the tenure of this Caretaker Government, the UK has consistently urged the government, Army and law enforcement agencies to act impartially, with respect for public safety, human rights, media freedoms, due process and the rule of law, in line with Bangladesh's international human rights obligations."
The spokesman said, "The UK has coordinated these same messages with its European Union partners in Dhaka and these have been delivered to the Caretaker Government at the highest levels."
The spokesman further said: "The UK does not seek to offer its own assessment of the nature of the unrest. Our previous comments to the media have recounted the understanding of the government and others that initially spontaneous student protests became imbued with external coordination; that this was a serious disturbance with the potential for strategic consequences, hence the government's decisive action to bring the situation under control."
The spokesman in a release said, "We're pleased that a situation has been reached in which the curfew could be lifted. We understand that the Caretaker Government will not allow these events to deflect from its desire to prepare credible elections, as per the election roadmap. We welcome this."
The spokesman said, "We're aware of concerns over reported incidents of harassment and beating of journalists and students. The UK had urged restraint and has publicly condemned these reported incidents.
We recognise the important role of the media. We call on the government to investigate reported incidents thoroughly and to take appropriate actions against those responsible."
"Indeed," the spokesman said, "throughout the tenure of this Caretaker Government, the UK has consistently urged the government, Army and law enforcement agencies to act impartially, with respect for public safety, human rights, media freedoms, due process and the rule of law, in line with Bangladesh's international human rights obligations."
The spokesman said, "The UK has coordinated these same messages with its European Union partners in Dhaka and these have been delivered to the Caretaker Government at the highest levels."
The spokesman further said: "The UK does not seek to offer its own assessment of the nature of the unrest. Our previous comments to the media have recounted the understanding of the government and others that initially spontaneous student protests became imbued with external coordination; that this was a serious disturbance with the potential for strategic consequences, hence the government's decisive action to bring the situation under control."