EU calls for lifting ban on indoor politics in Bangladesh

Dhaka, Jun 9 (UNI) The European Union today called on the army backed caretaker government in Bangladesh to lift the ban on indoor politics at the earliest so political parties can contribute to the reforms of the electoral process ahead of general elections in 2008.

The state of emergency imposed on January 11 banned all political activities and civil rights in the country.

The question of preparation for the general elections is not only a practical or technical one but also political which requires contribution from political parties, EU troika delegation leader Ambassador Andreas Michaelis told a press conference, capping its four-day mission to Bangladesh.

The EU notes the indispensable role of political parties to the democratic process and encourages the government and the Election Commission to ensure that the views of the political parties on electoral and political reform process are taken into account, he said.

Mr Michaelis would not comment on withdrawal of the state of emergency, saying that it was very much related to the constitutional reality of Bangladesh.

Asked about the delegation's meeting with army chief Gen Moeen U Ahmed, Michaelis said they discussed various aspects of the role of the armed forces in Bangladesh and were reassured that the army has no intention of playing a role in future politics in Bangladesh.

Referring to their meetings with the government, election commission, civil society and political figures, he said the European Union welcomed the EC's planned mid-July roadmap and stressed on holding parliamentary elections by 2008.

In its 6-point message, the troika delegation welcomed the indication of makeing the EC secretariat independent of the Prime Minister's office and renewed the EU's political and financial support to the current process leading towards elections.

The delegation also welcomed the caretaker government and the Anti-Corruption Commission's efforts to fight crime and corruption for enabling good governance and honest politics but emphasized the importance of due process and swift adjudication of cases.

They said that the due process needs to be extended to all those detained, including clear explanations as to the reasons for arrest, the possibility of petition for bail, access to lawyers and family and swift disposal of cases by the courts.

On protection of human rights, Michaelis said that the EU emphasized that respect for human rights gains particular importance during a state of emergency.

Whilst appreciating the reassurances the government has made regarding the protection of human rights, including the media freedom, he said the EU expressed its deep concern at reports of torture and inhuman treatment of detainees, continuing incidents of extra-judicial execution and intimidation of journalists. He said Bangladesh should ensure that human rights violations are vigorously investigated and adequately punished.

UNI