Dhaka, Feb 27: A visiting European Parliament delegation has expressed serious concern over a bill passed by the Bangladesh Parliament recently that indemnifies actions taken by security personnel during the army-led drive in which nearly 50 people were killed. "A European Parliament delegation yesterday expressed serious concern at the recent custodial deaths in Bangladesh and the subsequent passage of a bill indemnifying the joint forces for their actions during a countrywide anti-crime drive," a media report today quoted a member of the delegation as saying.
The army`s action is being justified by the Khaleda Zia government which claimed it had helped to significantly improve law and order situation in the country. British Parliament member Robert Evans told reporters yesterday that "we have serious reservations about the indemnity. Nowhere in the world, forget about the western countries, can deaths in custody be tolerated."
Incidentally, the EU delegation came on February 23, the day the controversial joint drive indemnity bill, 2003 was passed. When, on the following day, they met law minister Moudud Ahmed, he told them that they were misled by reports. Except the ruling Bangladesh nationalist party, political parties, civil society and human rights group are all opposed to the indemnity bill saying it has taken away people`s right to seek justice for actions that ended the lives of their kin.
Main opposition Awami League had boycotted the passage of the bill, which provides trial of army officers in military court taking away the rights of civilians, affected by the army-led drive, to approach civil courts. Bureau Report