Abductions, killings worry EU

Member states of the European Union today voiced deep concern over the recent abductions, murders and extra-judicial killings in Bangladesh and called for bringing the perpetrators to justice through appropriate investigation.

The EU also renewed its call for dialogue among major parties to find a solution to the problems before going for a fresh national election.

The EU envoys expressed their concerns during an interaction with the media at a hotel in Dhaka today marking the European Day.

EU ambassador William Hanna said in recent weeks they made known their concerns about extra-judicial killings and harassment of human rights defenders.

He also expressed concern over the situation of minorities and stressed full implementation of the CHT agreement and protection of human rights of the Rohingya refugees.

UK acting high commissioner Nick Low expressed his concern at the recent abduction of British national Mujibur Rahman Mujib in Sunamganj and demanded of the government to apprise them of the circumstances of his disappearance and development of investigation.

Nick also demanded of the authorities concerned to take every step necessary to return BNP leader Ilias Ali who has close families in UK.

He also urged the authorities to clarify the circumstances how Ilias was disappeared two years ago.

He said human rights is the heart of relationship between the European Union and Bangladesh.

Hanna said all cases of abductions and killings should be properly investigated and justice should be done.

Universal values of democracy and respects for human rights are the fundamentals of the cooperation agreement, he added.