‘EU remains in constant dialogue with Bangladesh over human rights’

European Commission High Representative Josep Borrell Fontelles has stressed on constant dialogue with Bangladesh on human rights, in response to a European Parliament member's call for imposing sanctions against the Rapid Action Battalion.

"Please be assured that the EU remains in constant dialogue with Bangladesh's authorities on the whole spectrum of our relations, including our Human Rights agenda. The upcoming EU-Bangladesh Joint Commission and Subgroup on Good Governance and Human Rights are notable venues to continue these discussions," wrote Josep Borrell in a response to European Parliament Member Ivan Štefanec.

In a letter to Joseph Borrell on January 20 this year, European Parliament Member Ivan Stefanec asked the European Union to impose sanctions against the Rapid Action Battalion, saying it has been involved in numerous extrajudicial killings and disappearances.

He had said the human rights, freedom of speech, civil and political rights situation in Bangladesh is deteriorating. He also cited the US sanctions against Rab and seven of its current and former officials imposed on December 10 last year.

In response, Josep Borrell Fontelles wrote a letter to Ivan Stefanec on March 18.

He said as one of the most densely populated, disaster-prone and climate change affected countries in the world, Bangladesh has been very successful in reducing poverty and increasing access to primary education in the last decades.

The EU appreciates its longstanding partnership with Bangladesh on multiple fronts, including on trade, development cooperation, migration, climate action and regional security, he wrote. The Daily Star obtained a copy of the letter.

"We notably appreciate Bangladesh's contribution to regional security and stability by hosting approximately 1 million Rohingya refugees who fled Myanmar."

Joseph Borrell said despite this remarkable socio-economic development, the human rights situation in the country continues to give rise to concerns, notably the shrinking space for civil and political rights.

He wrote local and international observers, including the UN Committee against Torture (CAT) and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), continue to raise concerns over allegations of widespread use of torture and ill-treatment by security forces.

Extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances remain a matter of major concern and require thorough and conclusive investigations as well as full accountability for those responsible, Borrell said.

Furthermore, he said the Digital Security Act (DSA) imposes undue restrictions on freedom of expression in the digital space, and "we welcome signals from the government that the DSA will be aligned to international standards."