Dhaka expresses commitment to human rights
Bangladesh expressed its commitment to guarantee human rights of all, as enshrined in its constitution, as the European Union raised concerns on alleged human rights violations in Bangladesh and stressed on ensuring accountability.
During the 10th EU-Bangladesh Joint Commission meeting in Brussels yesterday, Dhaka also said it has a "zero tolerance policy" against terrorism and violent extremism and highlighted the remarkable success of the security apparatus in this regard, said an EU statement.
Economic Relations Division Secretary Fatima Yasmin led the Bangladesh delegation and EU External Action Service Deputy Managing Director Paola Pampaloni the EU delegation,
The Joint Commission reviewed political developments on both sides and discussed the state of democracy, the rule of law and good governance, including the importance of holding free and fair elections.
Bangladesh and the EU exchanged views on respective approaches to the advancement of the rights of minorities, the rights of women and children and to engagement on human rights in multilateral fora.
The EU welcomed the openness of Bangladesh regarding an international election observation mission for the next general elections. It also stressed that a vibrant civil society is an important component of democracy and raised concerns on human rights in Bangladesh.
The EU also raised concerns regarding the issues of civic space and freedom of expression offline and online, notably in the framework of the Digital Security Act (DSA), noting the importance for legislation and its implementation in this area not to go beyond the stated purpose of fighting digital crime and to be in line with international human rightsobligations.
The EU stands ready to provide increased cooperation in view of Bangladesh's next Universal Periodic Review in 2023.
At the meeting, the EU lauded Bangladesh for its continued generous role inhosting more than a million Rohingyas, while Bangladesh thanked the EU for its political and humanitarian support. The EU raised the importance of providing perspectives to the largely young population of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas, especially in terms of health, education and livelihoods.
The EU commended Bangladesh for its continuing success as the largest beneficiary of the EU's Everything But Arms (EBA) unilateral preferential trade arrangement.
Bangladesh reiterated the need for ensuring fair prices, especially in view of the investment being made in safer and greener factories.
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