Violence architects must face trial

An EU delegation in a statement yesterday said victims of violence in Bangladesh deserved proper justice and the perpetrators, whoever they were, must be identified, brought to justice, and should receive "a fair trial".

"There was a fruitful discussion on the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting human rights as fundamental instruments for de-escalating political tensions," read the statement issued by the delegation at the end of its sub-groups meetings with the government.

Three sub-groups meetings were held on February 26-27 under the framework of the 2001 Cooperation Agreement -- Governance, Human Rights and Migration, Trade and Development Cooperation in the city.

The discussions were open and constructive, said the delegation, adding that they exchanged views on a wide range of issues.

HUMAN RIGHTS

At the outset of the sub-group meeting on Governance, Human Rights and Migration, the delegation raised a number of concerns about the current political situation. In particular, the need to protect the fundamental democratic rights of the people of Bangladesh was discussed in view of the recent incidents of blockade violence.

The sub-group also addressed the need to strengthen cooperation on democracy, governance and human rights, in particular, the implementation of the international human rights standards relating to the judiciary and freedom of expression.

The discussions also focused on other issues of mutual interest and concern, including recent developments on the rule of law, good governance, transparency, accountability for extrajudicial killings, freedom of the media, freedom of assembly and civil society, labour rights, the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord, the situation of the Rohingyas, women and children's rights, the death penalty and migration issues.

Bangladesh's membership of the UN Human Rights Council should be an opportunity to work more closely with the EU to promote and protect human rights, the delegation said during the discussion.

The EU and Bangladesh agreed to continue their dialogue on these issues.

GRANTS SUPPORT

At the sub-group on Development Cooperation, the EU confirmed new grants up to €690 million through the Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2014-2020 for Bangladesh.

The funds will focus on three sectors that are vital for poverty reduction and inclusive and sustainable growth -- democratic governance, food and nutrition security and education and skills development.

TRADE AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION

The sub-group meeting on Trade and Economic Cooperation highlighted the growth of bilateral trade flows in the last three years.

This was particularly an indication of an increase in Bangladesh's exports to the EU, as a result of the preferences granted under the Everything but Arms (EBA) scheme.

The meeting also discussed the Sustainability Compact to promote better labour rights and safer working conditions, as well as more responsible supply management in Bangladesh.

The recommendations of the recently launched "EU Business Council Bangladesh" to improve the business climate and spur foreign direct investment and economic growth in Bangladesh were also presented.

During the meeting, the EU- Bangladesh Horizontal Aviation Agreement was initialled. The EU side also presented the opportunity for Bangladesh to participate in the new EU programme on research and innovation "Horizon 2020".