DEBATE ON BANGLADESH SITUATION

EP pushes for ‘real dialogue’

Voicing concern over the current situation in Bangladesh, European Commission vice president and Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders has urged the government and democratic political parties to engage in a ‘real dialogue' for the country's stability, democratic and economic development, reports UNB.
“It's now time for the government of Bangladesh and democratic parties together to engage in a real dialogue...” said Koenders, also Dutch Presidency for the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
He made the call in the opening statement at a debate in the European Parliament (EP) on Bangladesh situation early yesterday.
Describing the recent killings as worrying, the Dutch politician said an overall new political and social consensus will need to be built in Bangladesh so that democracy, human rights, freedom of expression and political liberty can fully be restored, promoted and protected in the country.
"It's time to put an end to arbitrary arrest and harassment of opposition leaders to restore tolerance and to open spaces for public and political debate," Koenders said.
He said it is also essential to ensure protection and safety of all citizens and mentioned that the “brutal murders and horrifying attacks” must cease.
Koenders, also a member of the Labour Party, said investigations into the brutal murders and horrifying attacks need to take place and those responsible have to be brought to justice.
Observing that the relation between Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) is growing, the politician said the EU wants to see a Bangladesh where core values of human rights are upheld.
Laying emphasis on protection and safety of all citizens in Bangladesh, he said they will continue following the situation closely and be addressing their concerns through regular dialogue with Bangladesh government.
Talking about Bangladesh's development goals, he said achieving the very ambitious target of becoming middle-income country by 2021 will need the involvement and determination of all Bangladesh citizens and institutions as well as support from Bangladesh's international partners.
The Dutch politician said since January 2014 "controversial" elections boycotted by "opposition" and criticised by the international community, the political, human rights and security situation has unfortunately deteriorated in the country.
A number of Members of European Parliament (MEP) including Cristian Dan Preda, Neena Gill, Amjad Bashir and Jean Lambert took part in the hour long debate expressing their concerns over current situation in Bangladesh.
Preda described the current situation and recent killings inBangladesh and urged the government to shed light on recent murders and attacks ensuring punishment of the attackers.

DEBATE ON BANGLADESH SITUATION

EP pushes for real dialogue

Voicing concern over the current situation in Bangladesh, European Commission vice president and Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders has urged the government and democratic political parties to engage in a real dialogue for the countrys stability, democratic and economic development, reports UNB. Its now time for the government of Bangladesh and democratic parties together to engage in a real dialogue... said Koenders, also Dutch Presidency for the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. He made the call in the opening statement at a debate in the European Parliament (EP) on Bangladesh situation early yesterday. Describing the recent killings as worrying, the Dutch politician said an overall new political and social consensus will need to be built in Bangladesh so that democracy, human rights, freedom of expression and political liberty can fully be restored, promoted and protected in the country. Its time to put an end to arbitrary arrest and harassment of opposition leaders to restore tolerance and to open spaces for public and political debate, Koenders said. He said it is also essential to ensure protection and safety of all citizens and mentioned that the brutal murders and horrifying attacks must cease. Koenders, also a member of the Labour Party, said investigations into the brutal murders and horrifying attacks need to take place and those responsible have to be brought to justice. Observing that the relation between Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) is growing, the politician said the EU wants to see a Bangladesh where core values of human rights are upheld. Laying emphasis on protection and safety of all citizens in Bangladesh, he said they will continue following the situation closely and be addressing their concerns through regular dialogue with Bangladesh government. Talking about Bangladeshs development goals, he said achieving the very ambitious target of becoming middle-income country by 2021 will need the involvement and determination of all Bangladesh citizens and institutions as well as support from Bangladeshs international partners. The Dutch politician said since January 2014 controversial elections boycotted by opposition and criticised by the international community, the political, human rights and security situation has unfortunately deteriorated in the country. A number of Members of European Parliament (MEP) including Cristian Dan Preda, Neena Gill, Amjad Bashir and Jean Lambert took part in the hour long debate expressing their concerns over current situation in Bangladesh. Preda described the current situation and recent killings inBangladesh and urged the government to shed light on recent murders and attacks ensuring punishment of the attackers.