Bangladesh’s counter terrorism efforts lauded by many European Parliament members

Some members of the European Parliament (EP) had highly praised Bangladesh’s socio-economic progresses and fight against terrorism, before the resolution, criticising curbs on freedom of expression and media, was adopted on Thursday.

A debate preceded the adoption of the non-binding resolution.

MEP Charles Tannock said he found Bangladesh government was committed to protect the rights of citizens’ freedom of expression.

He lauded the government for tackling terrorism, facing “very difficult” circumstances.

The MEP from London compared this with the European countries' fight against terrorism. He said despite having benefits of economic advancements, the European countries were struggling to fight off terrorism.

A foreign ministry official, who followed this debate, said Tannock also urged Parliament to be mindful of this fact while discussing this ‘delicate issue’ or criticising the Bangladesh government’s efforts in ensuring the rights of its people.

The debate was mostly focused on “freedom of expression and press” with particular reference to Article 57 of the ICT Act, and the ongoing restrictions on social media use.

The MEPs condemned the increasing attacks by “Islamist extremists” against secular writers, bloggers, religious minorities and foreign aid workers, and expressed concern at “restriction on freedom of speech and press and space for civil society organisations”.

Romanian politician Dan Preda, however, pointed out that a very high number of newspapers were being published in Bangladesh and said “freedom of expression does exist” in the country. 

He condemned the killing of a number of journalists, and appreciated the government’s ‘zero-tolerance policy’ in all form of terrorism and extremism.

He said Bangladesh was threatened by some terrorist organisations and urged the government to do whatever necessary to protect the lives of the journalists.

Jean Lambert, Chair of the European Parliament Delegation to South Asia, commented that Bangladesh had a “vibrant press” which was now under attack.

She commended Bangladesh’s considerable developments in gender equality, child nutrition, climate change adaptation and other issues.

She said that quality justice system needed to be restored to bring the perpetrators of the killing of journalists to justice.

Some lawmakers also urged the parliament to help Bangladesh fight against the rise of fundamentalism and intolerance.

A non-binding resolution is a written motion adopted by a deliberative body that cannot be signed into a law.

The substance of the resolution can be anything that can normally be proposed as a motion.

Seven drafts were initially proposed by different political groups which were finally merged into a joint text.

In the adopted resolution, the MEPs also lauded the “modern and secular credentials” of Bangladesh and lauded the socio-economic progress and development, particularly in the field of gender equality, and climate change.

They also praised the government’s commitment to combating terrorism and violent extremism and ‘zero-tolerance policy’ in this regard.

They urged the government to amend the Information and Communication Technology Act, the Cyber-Security Act of 2015, and Foreign Donation Regulation Act.

Diplomats who followed the debate said few MEPs were adamant in their views regarding death penalty and made explicit references to the recent execution of war criminals.

They mentioned that the EP “deeply regrets the execution”, arrest of the opposition leaders and attacks on minorities.

However, Bangladesh ambassador to the EU intervened and argued against any such references.

The ambassador expressed dismay and said should the EP be seen “expressing regret” at instances when perpetrators of crimes against humanity and genocide were brought to justice, it would definitely not augur well for the credibility of the Institution.

One of the original seven drafts also had reference to need for “elections and dialogue”, that the ambassador also objected.

In the final text, both of those issues did not find place.

EU Commissioner for Budget & Human Resources Kristalina Georgieva in a traditional concluding remark said that the priority must be given in fighting radicalisation, respect for human rights as well as ensuring labour rights.

She reaffirmed that the EU would continue to assist Bangladesh in strengthening democracy and governance.