# CE2004088EN.01059002.xml

| 8.4.2004 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 88/590 |
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8.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 88/590

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(2004/C 88 E/0603)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0242/03

by Nirj Deva (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(4 February 2003)

Subject:   Human rights in Bangladesh

Subject:

Is it correct that the Government of Bangladesh since the 2001 elections has instigated a regime of terror? It is alleged by Amnesty International amongst others that assassinations have become common, freedom of the press has been curtailed and the army has been given indemnity from prosecution for its actions during Operation Clean Heart (16 October 2002 to 9 January 2003).

What does the Commission propose to do to ensure that this indemnity is stopped and that those who are accused of gross human rights violations are brought to justice?

Joint answer

to Written Questions E-0170/03 and E-0242/03

given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(25 February 2003)

(25 February 2003)

In the session of the Parliament of 21 November 2002, the Commission expressed the Union's grave concern about the human rights situation in Bangladesh, the deterioration of law and order in the country and the continued reports about torture and deaths in custody, following the launch of the Operation Clean Heart. Only recently, the Member of the Commission responsible for External Relations has conveyed to the Minister of Finance of the Government of Bangladesh his regret about the Government's decision to grant immunity to the joint law enforcement agencies for acts committed during the operation. He urged the Government of Bangladesh to launch a fully transparent investigation into the custodial deaths, as previously promised by Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and to ensure that legal action is taken against any law enforcement personnel found responsible for breaches of human rights.

Article 1 of the Cooperation Agreement between the Community and the People's Republic of Bangladesh on partnership and development (1), states that respect for human rights and democratic principles as laid down in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights underpins the domestic and international policies of the Union and Bangladesh. It constitutes an essential element of the Agreement. On this basis, the Union offers the Government of Bangladesh and Bangladesh civil society a constructive and comprehensive dialogue on human rights, democracy, and governance issues. One element in this process of engaging with the Government of Bangladesh is the upcoming first meeting of the Joint Commission's Specialized Sub-group on Human Rights and Governance.

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Furthermore, the National Indicative Programme 2003-2005 for Bangladesh, which the Government of Bangladesh has subscribed to, foresees an amount of EUR 9 million for the promotion of democracy and human rights.

Finally, the Commission would like to point out that it actively participates in the Local Consultation Group in Dhaka, as well as in the Bangladesh Development Forum, both of which are platforms for conveying Community concerns on Human Rights and Democracy to the Government of Bangladesh and for engaging with it on these issues.

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(1)  OJ L 118, 27.4.2001.

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