In the backdrop of the political discord in Bangladesh, the United Kingdom has called on all political parties to work for credible parliamentary elections in 2019.
In its annual report on human rights and democracy 2015, released on Thursday, the UK foreign office observed “no improvement” in the overall human rights situation in the country in the year.
Saying that the tensions between ruling Awami League and the BNP remained unresolved, it emphasised that “free, fair and participatory” elections are crucial. “We encourage all political parties to work towards achieving this at the parliamentary elections in 2019.”
Furthermore, the report said, a rise in the number of extremist attacks against secularist writers and religious minorities during the year increased pressure on free speech.
Referring to the reporting by the NGOs, the UK report mentioned that excessive use of force, extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances were conducted with impunity.
The report pointed out that an overloaded justice system and delays in processing through the courts contributed to a culture of violence “where people take the law into their own hands”.
“Making progress - particularly in countries in which a lack of freedom and respect for human rights is entrenched - will often be difficult,” British foreign secretary Phillip Hammond said in the preface of the report that covered 30 countries.
Appreciating Bangladesh’s journey towards middle income country, London urged the Bangladesh authorities to ensure that this is matched by a positive human rights trajectory during 2016 and beyond.
The UK, one of major donors in development sector, was also critical of the draft Foreign Donations Act, saying that it “risks becoming a missed opportunity to improve the regulatory regime for NGOs”.
“We remain clear that an effective justice system, and a vibrant civil society and free media, able to challenge and hold authority to account, are fundamental to a successful democracy,” the UK foreign office report noted.
It also said women still do not enjoy the same social status as men, and gender-based violence remains a substantial problem.
Child marriage is also said to have remained a significant concern.
Saying that the tensions between ruling Awami League and the BNP remained unresolved, it emphasised that “free, fair and participatory” elections are crucial. “We encourage all political parties to work towards achieving this at the parliamentary elections in 2019.”
Furthermore, the report said, a rise in the number of extremist attacks against secularist writers and religious minorities during the year increased pressure on free speech.
Referring to the reporting by the NGOs, the UK report mentioned that excessive use of force, extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances were conducted with impunity.
The report pointed out that an overloaded justice system and delays in processing through the courts contributed to a culture of violence “where people take the law into their own hands”.
“Making progress - particularly in countries in which a lack of freedom and respect for human rights is entrenched - will often be difficult,” British foreign secretary Phillip Hammond said in the preface of the report that covered 30 countries.
Appreciating Bangladesh’s journey towards middle income country, London urged the Bangladesh authorities to ensure that this is matched by a positive human rights trajectory during 2016 and beyond.
The UK, one of major donors in development sector, was also critical of the draft Foreign Donations Act, saying that it “risks becoming a missed opportunity to improve the regulatory regime for NGOs”.
“We remain clear that an effective justice system, and a vibrant civil society and free media, able to challenge and hold authority to account, are fundamental to a successful democracy,” the UK foreign office report noted.
It also said women still do not enjoy the same social status as men, and gender-based violence remains a substantial problem.
Child marriage is also said to have remained a significant concern.
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