UK minister worried over Bangladesh's HR situation
Ansar Ahmed Ullah, from London
http://www.thedailystar.net/2006/01/15/d60115012318.htm
British Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Dr Kim Howells expressed concern that the human rights situation in Bangladesh appears to be deteriorating.
Howells, while responding to a question by Jeremy Corbyn MP at the British Houses of Parliament on January 9 of FCO's latest assessment of human rights in Bangladesh, also expressed concern over the failure to bring the perpetrators of British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Anwar Chowdhury to justice.
"The human rights situation in Bangladesh is not good and appears to be deteriorating. We have serious concerns about reports of extra-judicial killings and torture by the Rapid Action Battalion and the civilian police. The persecution of religious and ethnic minorities, including the Ahmadiyyas, Hindus and Christians and indigenous groups is also a serious issue," Howells said.
"We also have ongoing concerns about use of the death penalty and legal and penal systems that do not have the appropriate probity or capacity and about the safeguarding of women's and children's rights along with those of the disabled and other vulnerable groups," he added.
On his Bangladesh visit last November, Howells underlined UK's commitment to support human rights in Bangladesh during discussions with senior government representatives, human rights campaigners and representatives of religious and ethnic minorities, he said.
On the security of high commission staff following the attempt on the life of Anwar Chowdhury, Howells said, 'The security of staff is a top priority and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office makes every effort to manage the risk and fulfil its duty of care to all its staff world-wide. Since the grenade attack in Sylhet in May 2004 [on] the British high commissioner...we have taken every available opportunity to stress to the Government of Bangladesh the importance of bringing the perpetrators to justice, not least for the relatives of those who tragically died."
Howells, who is also responsible for South Asia including Bangladesh and counter terrorism, said it is obviously vital for the Government of Bangladesh to conclude credible investigations into this, and other attacks, as soon as possible. "Most recently, during my visit to Bangladesh in November 2005, I spoke to senior members of the Government of Bangladesh about our concern at the failure so far to bring the perpetrators to justice"
Meantime, Lord Avebury, vice chair of UK Parliamentary Human Rights group, has requested the Bangladesh high commissioner in the UK for a meeting with British parliamentarians at House of Commons to discuss the present crisis and the forthcoming general election