In a joint statement, the lawmakers from different member states also asked the security personnel to respect human rights and use force only when required.

"As members of the European Parliament we are ready to support further enhanced cooperation with Bangladesh as a long lasting development partner, if the present government restores civil and political liberties and arranges as soon as possible for free and fair democratic elections under the presence of international observers which will include a delegation from our European Parliament," said the statement. The Daily Star received a copy of the statement yesterday.

About the ongoing state of emergency, the statement said: "for the sake of democracy, we urge the caretaker government of Bangladesh to urgently lift the state of emergency, which has been declared on January 11, 2007 and which, according to the Constitution, can run for a maximum of three months."

The parliamentarians, however, appreciated the government's steps to fight corruption, restore order and reform the institutions, including political parties.

"However, recent reports on systematic oppression and intimidation of party leaders under the emergency rules have caused serious concern. We recognise the responsibility of the caretaker government of Bangladesh to ensure law and order, but urge security personnel to respect human rights and use force only when necessary and in a proportionate manner," the statement added.

Citing the recent ban on the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to return home after a private visit to the USA as an example, the statement noted that the interim government of Bangladesh ultimately lifted the ban after a couple of days following pressure of the international community.

"We trust that the caretaker government will vouch for her security upon her return to the country," the lawmakers said.

"We believe it is imperative that all political parties and the caretaker government of Bangladesh work together to ensure the effective protection of the democratic human rights of every individual--whatever their political persuasion," the statement said.

Those who signed the statement are -- Johan Van Hecke, from Belgium and member of Development Committee, Marco Pannella, from Italy and member of the Legal Affairs Committee, Baroness Sarah Lutford, from UK and member of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, Istvan Szent-Ivanyi, from Hungery and member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Marco Cappato, from Italy and member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Karim Sajjad, from UK and member of the International Trade Committee, Lydie Polfer, from Luxemburg and member of Foreign Affairs Committee, Luisa Morgantini, from Italy and member of the Development Committee, Newton Dunn Bill, from UK and member of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, Jaatteenmaki Anneli, vice chairwoman of the Committee of Constitutional Affairs, Charles Tannock, from UK and member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Toine Manders, from Netherlands and member of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee, Lapo Pistelli, from Italy and member of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and Bart Staes, from Belgium and member of the Committee on Budgetary Control.