EU Raises Rights Concerns in Bangladesh

The European Union (EU) has expressed concern over allegations of human rights abuses in Bangladesh and called for accountability to address the allegations.

Such concerns were expressed by the EU at the tenth meeting of the Bangladesh-European Union (EU) Joint Commission in Brussels on Friday (May 20).

Bangladesh has stated that in that context, the government is committed to upholding the human rights of all in accordance with the constitution.

The meeting was co-chaired by Fatima Yasmin, Joint Secretary of the Economic Relations Division of the Ministry of Finance of Bangladesh, and Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director of the External Action Service of the European Union.

The meeting discussed good governance, democracy, rule of law, human rights, Rohingya issues, economic and trade cooperation, immigration, climate change, development cooperation, education, and regional cooperation.

A statement posted on the EU's website on Friday said the EU was concerned about the human rights situation in Bangladesh, citing "dynamic civil society as an important element of democracy". In particular, they called for specific reports on human rights violations and ensuring accountability for these human rights violations.

The EU has expressed concern over the narrowing of the practice of public opinion and the right to freedom of expression due to the structure of the Digital Security Act (DSA).

In addition to complying with international human rights law, the EU also stressed the importance of ensuring that the DSA is not involved in non-digital crime suppression.

At the same time, Bangladesh stated that Bangladesh is committed to protecting the human rights of all citizens as per the constitution.

According to a statement posted on the EU's website, the two sides discussed the political situation, the human rights situation, the rule of law and good governance, as well as the importance of free and fair elections. The EU has praised the government's interest in the participation of foreign election observers in Bangladesh's next elections.