The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Visiting Amnesty International secretary general Irene Khan yesterday said that it was not clear whether the resignations of four Advisers was 'a sign of instability or a sign of accountability' of the caretaker government.

"Certainly, they (four advisers) took over their charges with many commitments and discharged their duties accordingly. They performed much responsibilities. Much progress was also achieved in different areas," she said.

Earlier, the Amnesty International secretary general said the restrictions journalists and human right activists in Bangladesh have long been experiencing have no room in civilised countries.

"There is an important relationship between democracy and human

rights. Whatever you say -- human rights or democracy -- we have to solve both the problems. Otherwise, both will be meaningless," she said while addressing a discussion meeting. The meeting on overcoming the frustrating state of democracy was held at CIRDAP auditorium in the city.

Noted economist Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud and former Attorney General AF Hasan Arif also spoke at the function.

Irene Khan said although some rules under the State of Emergency have been relaxed but it is still a matter of concern.

"The caretaker government will have to ensure freedom of expression, association or assembly," she said.

The Amnesty International Secretary General said the caretaker government is doing a huge challenging job and hoped that it will frame a Freedom of Information law as freedom of expression is also urgently needed.

"It's better to reach a consensus but there is a room for differences of opinion," she said.