The British government has observed that some of the steps taken recently by Bangladesh government have generated concerns about civil society space, media freedom, and government power to suppress criticism or dissent.
The observation was made in the Annual Human Rights and Democracy Report 2014 released in London yesterday. The report is available on the website of UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Saying the Bangladesh government has proposed revisions to the foreign donations act (pending parliamentary approval) and a new broadcast policy, the report added that some using digital media to criticise the government have been detained under the information and communication technology act.
The report in a part titled “Bangladesh – Political Violence” also said, the government also restored parliament’s authority to impeach judges, which, depending on how it is implemented, could compromise the independence of the judiciary.
On political issue, it said after the January 5, 2014, elections, the BNP committed to peaceful protest, although political tension at the end of the year led to the re-emergence of widespread political violence.
The report said three British ministers visited Bangladesh last year and they urged Bangladesh’s political parties to work together to strengthen democratic accountability, and to build wider confidence in future elections.
Allegations of involvement by the Rapid Action Battalion in the death of seven men in Narayanganj drew domestic and international criticism, it said.
The report also said British Prime Minister David Cameron met Bangladesh’s Prime Minster Sheikh Hasina on July 22, 2014. “He noted our disappointment over the conduct of the election. Both agreed on the importance of an open society and political system in which democratic political participation and media freedom are respected.”
Courtesy: The Daily Star
