16/01/2015

Statement by Jean Lambert, Chair of Parliament’s South Asia Delegation on violence in Bangladesh

‘The EP Delegation for relations with South Asia expresses its deep concern at the outbreak of political violence in Bangladesh culminating over recent days. The current situation is profoundly disturbing: basic freedoms, including freedom of assembly, speech, and movement have to be respected by all political forces, without exception.

‘The EP Delegation calls, therefore, for maximum restraint and strongly hopes Government and Opposition will both demonstrate what has been lacking so far: a true willingness and responsibility to engage in genuine dialogue in order not to further endanger Bangladesh’s democratic course and development.’