Heads of Mission of the European Union resident in Dhaka have said that the recent attacks on bloggers, religious minorities, human rights activists, law enforcement officers and foreigners can undermine the reputation of Bangladesh as an open and tolerant society. During a meeting with Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali on Sunday at the state guest house Padma, they also urged the government to break this cycle of violence by bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensure the protection of all citizens at risk.
On the other hand, the foreign minister told the envoys led by EU Head of the Delegation Ambassador Pierre Mayaudon that from the initial investigations, it appeared that Jamaat-e-Islami and its various outfits with the support of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) were involved in these killings.
“The Heads of Missions shared with the Hon' Foreign Minister their concerns regarding the situation in Bangladesh in relation with the multiplication of security incidents. They highlighted the recent barbaric attacks and growing numbers of innocent victims, including bloggers, religious minorities, human rights activists, law enforcement officers and foreigners,” said a press release issued by the EU after the meeting. “The Heads of Mission submitted that these attacks constitute an unprecedented threat to human rights and freedom of expression and belief. These could undermine the international reputation of Bangladesh as an open and tolerant society and the stability and prosperity of the country,” it said.
The EU heads of mission recalled the EU principled opposition to the death penalty in all cases and under any circumstances and supported that law enforcement operations should be pursued alongside a broader engagement towards countering violent extremism, said the release.
The envoys expressed their conviction that an effective and comprehensive response to militancy includes promoting democratic accountability, freedom of expression, vibrant media, tolerance and the empowerment of civil society, it said.
They offered to strengthen their partnership and cooperation with Bangladesh to combat terrorism of which Europe is also a target, it added.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ali briefed the envoys on the actions taken and progress achieved by the government in maintaining law and order and in ensuring public safety in the aftermath of recent killings in the country, said a foreign ministry press release.
“Minister Ali informed that from the initial investigations, it appeared that Jamaat-e-Islami and its various outfits like Jammat-ul-Mujahidin (JMB),  Ansar al-Islam, Ansarullah Bangla Team, Harkatul-Jihad-al-Islam (Huji-B), Hijbut-Tahrir Bangladesh,  and newly appeared Al Mujahid  etc. were involved in these killings and he regretted that BNP was unfortunately giving shelter and support to them,” it said.