28 February 2003 Daily Star
Staff Correspondent
A visiting delegation of the European Parliament has expressed its concern over
violation of human rights and democratic norms in Bangladesh.
It, however, was optimistic that the government would address the issues.
At the end of a five-day visit, the delegation members at a briefing in the city yesterday also said they had the impression that there are 'some restrictions on freedom of press' and also 'tortures on journalists'.
They also expressed serious reservations about the recently passed indemnity
law that puts the acts of the joint forces between October 16, 2002 and January
9, 2003 above civil law.
"This indemnity law casts a doubt on the real nature of the system of government
of Bangladesh, as do the hampering of the work of the Election Commission, the
persistent denial to create independent bodies to protect human rights, to fight
the systematic and widespread corruption, or to enquire into misadministration
(ombudsman), some of which are in direct contradiction with the very constitution
of Bangladesh," they said in a written statement.
"Several people whom we have met during our stay mentioned the people in
general welcomed the Operation Clean Heart. But it does not justify that people
who are responsible for the custodial deaths or tortures during the anti-crime
drive would not be tried," said Robert JE Evans, a member of the delegation.
They also said limiting the possibility to prosecute the armed forces only in
court martial and the total indemnity of the police forces and political personnel
for the 'acts of murder, torture, illegal arrests and other human rights violation'
during the Operation Clean Heart "is a blatant violation of the responsibility
of Bangladesh to abide by the rule of law".
"While by and large the Bangladeshi political system is formally democratic
and compliant with international standards, its shortcomings and, moreover,
the lack of impartial and efficient implementation may negate this," said
Thomas Mann, a German lawmaker and first vice chairman of the European Parliament's
Delegation for Relations with the Countries of South Asia and the South Asian
Association for Regional Cooperation.
Two other members of the delegation, British lawmaker Robert Evans and Italian
parliamentarian Benedetto Della Vedova, also spoke at the briefing.
The delegation arrived here on February 23 at the invitation of Speaker Jamiruddin
Sircar. Their visit mostly focussed on the human rights and governance issues.
They had extensive meetings with ministers, lawmakers from all political parties
and also with the Chief Election Commissioner.
They said the recent developments (violation of human right and democracy) are
against the basic principle of the EU-Bangladesh cooperation agreement, which
is based on respect for human rights and democratic principles.
The delegation would submit their observation to the President of the European
Parliament, they said. They however hoped that their observation would not have
any impact on economic relations with Bangladesh.
"We are looking forward to seeing in the coming days and months that the
government address these issues," said Evans.
Referring to torture on journalists, he said, "One journalist of Reuters
is still in jail. We have raised issue with the ministers and we don't think
there is any reason to hold him in jail."
"The previous government has its share of responsibility, as it equally failed in implementing the necessary reforms in its time. The present government however bears a heavy responsibility in harassing opponents, restricting the freedom of press through harassment or indirect intimidation, interfering with the work of the major national NGOs and in denying the existence of such violations," the delegation said.
It said the government should act fast to set up human rights commission, office
of Ombudsman, independent anti-corruption commission and other institutions
that can make a difference. The government has promised to do the task, the
delegation said.