§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on the resolution passed in November 2002 by the European Parliament on the present situation in Bangladesh; and if he will make a statement. [89771]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe European Parliament's resolution raised a number of important issues on the situation in Bangladesh, which we ourselves have raised with the Bangladeshi authorities. The Bangladesh government has argued that the resolution does not give a fully representational view of the situation in Bangladesh. We continue to work closely with our European partners in raising human rights and other concerns with the Bangladesh authorities.
§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what discussions he has had with the Bangladeshi government on the reported deaths that have taken place in police custody in recent months in that country; [89773]
(2) what discussions he has had on recent reports concerning custodial deaths in Bangladesh in recent months; [89775]
(3) what discussions he has had with the Bangladeshi government on their policy known as Operation Clean Heart; and if he will make a statement. [89772]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWhile the countermeasures being taken under "Operation Clean Heart" may have had some impact in combating the law and order problem in Bangladesh, we are concerned by reports of mistreatment of detainees, including deaths in custody. During her visit to Bangladesh in December, my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for International Development (Sally Keeble), raised our concerns with the Bangladesh Home Minister. Our High Commission also regularly discusses human rights 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 for the treatment of detainees to comply with internationally agreed minimum standards.
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§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Bangladeshi Government on(a) the development of democracy and human rights, (b) the setting up of Parliamentary committees, and (c) the protection of minorities in that country. [89774]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienOur High Commission in Dhaka regularly raises with the Bangladesh authorities the need for Parliamentary reform and advocates the benefits of Parliamentary committees. We welcome the contact between our two parliaments, including last year's visits to London by Bangladeshi parliamentarians and to Bangladesh by members of the UK Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. We continue to urge the Bangladesh government and opposition parties to work together in the interests of democracy. We also continue to encourage respect for human rights, including for the rights of minorities.