IN the resolution adapted on Wednesday, the European Parliament (EP) called upon Bangladesh to bring the police and RAB within the bounds of law, reported the media. The members of the EP had a debate on a joint motion for the resolution, which strongly suggested that there should be investigations and prosecutions in respect of alleged illegal killings by RAB forces. The EP will closely monitor the proceedings of the Narayanganj Seven-murder Case in which three RAB officers (along with others) have been arrested and now await judicial proceedings. The resolution expressed concern at the enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings of opposition activists.
The EP expressed worries at the proposed NGO law and the new media policy as it said that the policy ought to be abiding by the creed of free speech and expression. The government should recognise and respect freedom of the press and media and allow human rights groups to play an important role in strengthening accountability and documenting human rights abuses, said the EP. Concerned at recurring cases of ethnic and religiously motivated violence, it urged the Bangladesh government to offer better protection and guarantees to minorities such as Hindus, Buddhists and Christians and Biharis. It is noted that attacks and arson attempts on ethnic minority Biharis on June 15, 2014 killed at least 12 people in a refugee camp of the capital.
The unabated violations of human rights in the country by limiting freedom of expression, imposing undue restraints on media, controlling judiciary, forced disappearances, and letting Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) turn the state ‘a worrisome state’. The culture of impunity of RAB and other law enforcers’ has forced the European Parliament (EP) to raise their concerned voices. Despite urges from several international rights groups to disband the death squad (RAB), establish the rules of law, ensure free and impartial judiciary, and admit freedom of expression and assembly to the people including the opposition—which are the fundamentals of the Bangladesh Constitution as well, the human rights condition is worsening day by day.
An independent, impartial and accessible judicial system to enhance respect for the rule of law and the fundamental rights of the population is an undeniable demand of the EP, a truer reflection of the Bangladeshis’ desire and spirit of liberation war.
Echoing the EP’s remarks, we remind the government that nothing is more important than building confidence in the judiciary, security and human rights institutions.
