The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

A group of European Parliament members urged the caretaker government to lift the state of emergency and announce an election date as soon as possible.

In a joint statement they expressed concern over recent political developments in Bangladesh as well as health condition of detained former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

"As members of the European Parliament we are ready to support further cooperation with Bangladesh as a long lasting development partner, if the present government restores civic and political liberties and arranges as soon as possible free and fair democratic elections under the presence of international observers," they said.

Some 21 members of European parliament issued the statement on January 22 which was released by Awami League office on Saturday. The signatories include Michael Gahler (Germany), member of the sub-committee on Human Rights and Vice-Chairman of the committee on Foreign Affairs, Johan Van Parke (Belgium), Dr Charles Pannock (UK), Eija-Rika Konhola (Finland), Baroness Sarah Lubford (UK), Sajjad M Karim (UK), Ignasi Guardans Cambo (Spain), Dan Mulder (Netherlands), Toina Manders (Netherlands), Irena Belochorske (Slovakia), Therry Cornillet (France), Luisa Morgantini (Italy) and Maroo Cappato (Italy).

They said the Bangladesh caretaker government has declared to have taken several measures to fight corruption, restore law and order and reform institutions.

However, they noted recent reports on 'systematic oppression and implication of party leaders under the Emergency Rules have caused serious concern.'

"We have learnt that the human rights situation in Bangladesh is deteriorating day by day. We believe that the government can make progress through negotiations and dialogue with all the political actors," they observed.

They said, "Furthermore, we are faced with alarming reports on the physical conditions of former Prime Minister H.E. Sheikh Hasina, who has been in jail for several months now, even though she is advised by specialists to get medical treatment aboard. We, therefore, emphasise the need for additional measures to address shortcomings in the implementation of justice."