The European Parliament (EP) on Thursday passed a resolution on Bangladesh requesting the European Union (EU) to assist a process seeking ‘a compromise which would give the Bangladeshi people a chance to express their democratic choice in a representative way.
“The EU (European Union) should use every means available to assist a process seeking ‘a compromise which would give the Bangladeshi people a chance to express their democratic choice in a representative way,” said the Members of the EP.
The resolution was passed calling for an immediate halt to the repression in Bangladesh, according to the EP website.
The members of the EP condemned the widespread violence which erupted in the run-up to the January 5 elections and expressed concern at the paralysis of every-day life in Bangladesh.
“The opposition politicians, subject to arbitrary arrest, should be released, parties having a democratic reputation need to develop a culture of mutual respect, and parties which turn to terrorist acts should be banned,” said the MEPs.
Earlier, the motion was moved to discuss at the European Parliament (EP) on recent Bangladesh elections at its debate chamber in Strasbourg, France.
The debate focused on fundamental freedoms, human rights and democracy in general in Bangladesh.
The EP included the debate on Bangladesh in its agenda following a request from a number of its members.
Debate in UK Parliament
Meanwhile, MPs on Thursday debated in the House of Commons on the situation in Bangladesh which was scheduled by the Backbench Business Committee following representations from Simon Danczuk and Anne Main.
The debate was the first item of main business on Thursday and was opened by Anne Main while the co-sponsor Simon Danczuk also took part in the debate.
Various issues related to elections and Bangladesh politics dominated the debate.
“We could not possibly look at the current political situation and sense of instability in Bangladesh without briefly revisiting what has happened in the past, which has helped form the situation,” Anne Main said.
During the debate, she also said, “Our government, I’m proud to say, continue to urge all parties to work together and to strengthen democratic accountability, but unfortunately it is not bearing a lot of fruit. The parliamentary model over there does not reflect ours.”
“Bangladesh is a secular country that has many Muslim believers, but many other religions as well. In 1971, it had the proud aim that it would remain secular. It is also a proud member of the Commonwealth. It is a disservice to that country that people from minority religions now feel so oppressed and intimated, with their temples being daubed and disrupted,” Main said.
