Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Bangladesh: Human Rights

Tuesday 30 July 2024 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions with Bangladesh on human rights took place on July 19, 23, and 22, 2024.
  • The UK Foreign Secretary called for an end to violence, democratic reforms, and rule of law in Bangladesh.
  • The UK continues to push for accountability and justice, including through investigations into alleged human rights violations.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Apsana Begum Lab Poplar and Limehouse
Foreign Affairs
Context

The recent events in Bangladesh have raised concerns about human rights violations, including high death tolls among student protesters.

Question

What recent discussions has the Minister had with her Bangladeshi counterpart on the human rights situation in that country?

Answer from Catherine West

Bangladesh is an important Commonwealth friend, but we remain deeply concerned about recent events. I spoke to the Bangladesh high commissioner on 19 and 23 July. On 22 July, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary called for an end to the violence, for democratic reforms, and for the rule of law to be protected.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about crackdowns on dissent were not provided

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Q2 Apsana Begum Lab Poplar and Limehouse
Context

International human rights bodies are reporting further crackdowns on dissent, including mass arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, and unlawful killings.

Question

Does the Minister agree that Bangladeshi people must have the right to exercise their fundamental human rights, including the right to protest? Will she join me in expressing solidarity with Bangladeshi people facing repression?

Answer from Catherine West

My hon. Friend is an excellent champion for her constituents. The UK and our international partners continue to push for progress towards accountability and justice, including through an independent, impartial and transparent investigation into alleged human rights violations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to express solidarity was not provided

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