EU expresses ‘deep concern’ over Bangladesh human rights situation News
EU expresses ‘deep concern’ over Bangladesh human rights situation

[JURIST] A European Union human rights team expressed the EU's "deep concern" at the state of human rights in Bangladesh [JURIST news archive] under President Iajuddin Ahmed's interim government at the conclusion of a visit to the country Saturday, flagging reports of extra-judicial killings, torture and intimidation alleged to have taken place as part of the government's "anti-corruption campaign" [JURIST news archive]. The 10-member team headed by ambassador Andreas Michaelis urged the interim government, established in January following a declaration of a state of emergency [JURIST report], to proceed with the establishment of a promised human rights commission [JURIST report] and hold postponed elections as soon as possible.

The interim military-backed government has promised to hold new elections, but no date has yet been set. Its "anti-corruption campaign" has so far involved the questioning and detention of at least 60 parliamentarians and former government ministers. AFP has more.

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