MEP Speaks Up For Bangladesh

Speaking in EP today Nirj Deva, Coordinator of the Development Committee and Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said:

"It is unfortunate that the democratically government of Bangladesh, elected in 2001 to restore law and order to that country is now facing a political attack from ad hoc groups of unrecognised NGOs whose remit to comment on matters has been widely distorted and misused in the European Parliament.

"Bangladesh is a democracy. Bangladesh is a developing country. It has now managed to feed itself. It is now trying to build a viable trading relationship with countries around the world”.

It is in this climate that Deva asked the international community and European Parliament to give its support to the people of Bangladesh and not to allow inimitable forces to portray Bangladesh as a radical Muslim nation, which it is not.

Commenting further, the MEP said:

“Of the 56 ministers in the Government, only two are from Islamic parties and the other 54 are not Islamists. This does not make the Government a radical Islamic Government even though there had been certain concerns over the Rapid Battallion set up by the Government to establish law in the country to stop a series of rapes, extortions, hostage takings, acid throwing on women and senseless killings.

“Instead of recognising the leaps and bounds made in establishing law and order, certain forces are now trying to bring about a climate of chaos with regards to Bangladesh in the international community.

“The recent bomb blasts and grenade attacks which lead to the deaths of ministers were made against the Government and it is those people we should condemn.

“The Government arrested eight people two weeks ago and the due processes of the law are being instigated to put them up for trial. Furthermore, the two radical Islamist parties have been banned, a step which in a democracy can only be taken after great thought and consideration.

“The EU-Bangladesh Joint Commission is well on its way to reaching commonality of format on issues relating to human rights and the protection of minorities in the country.

“These are positive examples of a country attempting to reach its maximum human potential as a Muslim democracy. These efforts should be recognised and rewarded, not condemned”.