Bangladesh: Human Rights

Apsana Begum, the Independent MP for Poplar and Limehouse, asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Catherine West, about the government's recent discussions with their Bangladeshi counterpart regarding the human rights situation in that country. In her response, Catherine West acknowledged that Bangladesh is an important Commonwealth friend, but stated that the UK government remains deeply concerned about recent events. She noted that the Foreign Secretary had called for an end to the violence, democratic reforms, and the protection of the rule of law in Bangladesh. The Minister also mentioned that she had spoken to the Bangladesh High Commissioner on 19 and 23 July to discuss the matter. Apsana Begum followed up, expressing concern about the high death toll among student protesters and reports of further crackdowns on dissent, including mass arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, and unlawful killings. She asked the Minister if she agreed that the Bangladeshi people must have the right to exercise their fundamental human rights, including the right to protest, and if she would join the MP in expressing solidarity with the Bangladeshi people facing repression, both in Bangladesh and around the world. Catherine West responded by acknowledging Apsana Begum as an excellent champion for her constituents. She stated that the UK and its international partners continue to push for progress towards accountability and justice, including through an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into the alleged human rights violations.