European Union Probe into Custodial Deaths

Dhaka, Bangladesh, Feb. 25 2002 (INS News) -- A four member delegation of European Union Parliament arrived in Bangladesh Monday to see for themselves the condition of human rights in the country.

In the backdrop of allegations relating to massive violation of human rights by the government raised by different quarters including major opposition political party Awami League, the delegation is now visiting Bangladesh.

On the first day, the delegation, being led by Thomas Mann of German based European's People's Party, called on Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Moudud Ahmed at his office.

Other members of the delegation attended the meeting were Neena Gill (UK, Party of the European Socialists), Robert Evans (UK, Party of the European Socialists) and Benedetto Della Vedova (Italy, non-attached).

During the meeting with the Law Minister, the EU Ambassador to Bangladesh was also present.

During the meeting the delegation members raised different issues relating to violation of human rights in Bangladesh. They told the law minister that on the basis of allegations available to them the European Parliament adopted a resolution in November last year about violation of human rights.

They also called upon the Bangladesh government to probe the custodial deaths during the Operation Clean Heart. And they also sought assurance from the government about non-recurrence of such incident of violation of human rights and custodial deaths in future.

It is worth mentioning here that the government launched a programme named Operation Clean Heart led by Army to contain crimes in October last year. During the about three-month operation nearly 50 persons died in the custodies.

They also drew the attention of the Law Minister to the issue of harassment of journalists with political motive.

“We collect information relating to killing and harassment of journalists from Amnesty International and other NGOs. There were allegations to us that many journalists had been detained despite not having any charge against them”, Thomas Mann told journalists.

During reciprocation, the Law Minister gave them a patient hearing and explained the position of the government with regard to protection of human rights.

After the meeting was over, the minister told newsmen that being misguided by speech and statements of some opposition leaders and news in a section of newspapers the European Parliament adopted that resolution.

He told the delegation that the army has been given authority through amendment to Joint Operation Indemnity Bill, passed in National Parliament on February 23, 2003, to try army men for their wrong doings, if any, during the Operation Clean Heart.

Responding to the queries of the European Parliamentary delegation, the Law Minister told that the human rights situation in Bangladesh was far more better than many other countries of the world.

-- Humayun Badal - Bangladesh Correspondent in Dhaka, Bangladesh
-- To respond to this story or post a follow up e-mail editor@insnews.org