EU moves resolution on Bangladesh

The European Union (EU) Parliament has joined the US in moving a resolution on Bangladesh.

The Resolution forwarded by Charles Tannock and Paweł Robert Kowal expressed concerns over the polls related violence in Bangladesh and called upon all stakeholders to open talks.

On Jan 7, the US Senate adopted a similar resolution stressing the 'critical need' for political dialogue in Bangladesh.

The EU resolution moved says more than 300 people have been killed in 2013, with at least 18 deaths reported on Jan 5 during the polls.

It says clearly: "Most of these (killings) were carried out by opposition activists".

The EU resolution also expressed grave concerns over the post-poll attacks on religious minorities.

It, also blamed ruling party activists saying "Awami League activists have also engaged in attacks on opposition supporters."

It noted that over 500 polling stations had to be closed due to the violence and arson on the day of election and voter turnout was low.

The resolution came up with the following recommendations for the EU Parliament.

--Take note of the preliminary results and of reports of low turnout for the 10th Parliamentary elections held in Bangladesh on 5 January.

--Strongly condemn the acts of violence which occurred in the run-up to and during the elections and particularly the attacks against the most vulnerable sections of population, including women and children as well as religious and ethnic minorities; regret the loss of life and offer condolence to the families of the victims.

--Urge all parties to refrain from violence or incitement to violence and to engage in genuine dialogue on a way out of the political crisis.

--Call upon all parties to agree on a mutually acceptable way forward to strengthen democratic accountability and to hold transparent, inclusive and credible elections, putting the interests of the people of Bangladesh before all else.

--Express concern about the on-going arrests and detention of key opposition leaders by the law enforcement agencies; acknowledge and condemn the fact that some opposition supporters have been involved in serious acts of violence, however, insist that the rule of law, including adherence to internationally agreed standards, is upheld.

--Call upon the Bangladesh authorities to end arbitrary arrests and to allow peaceful protest and full rights to freedom of expression, association, assembly and movement.

--Call upon the Bangladesh authorities to provide increased protection to ethnic and religious minorities at risk, in particular Hindu communities; and

--Call furthermore upon the Bangladesh authorities to urgently set up an effective mechanism to protect witnesses in cases before the ICT.


The resolution, which will be discussed on Thursday, seeks to pull up both the parties but says nothing about a future political arrangement to ensure participation by all parties in elections.

That is left to negotiations between Bangladesh's political parties.