§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the law and order situation in Bangladesh. [76989]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe have some concerns about the poor state of law and order in Bangladesh. We had hoped therefore that the countermeasures the Government are taking would have a lasting remedial effect. But we are concerned by reports of mistreatment of detainees, including deaths in custody. We are following closely the arrests of senior opposition 541W politicians on 17 October. Our high commission are raising our concerns with the Bangladesh Government. We look for the due process of law to be followed in all cases, and for the action of security forces and the treatment of detainees to be in accordance with internationally agreed standards.