Bangladesh government on Sunday summoned the acting British high commissioner in Dhaka and expressed its disappointment over an annual human rights report of the UK government. The report described BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia as under house arrest.
The British high commissioner was also asked not to make any derogatory and misleading remarks on the Bangladesh government or ruling Awami League.
The report titled ‘Human Rights and Democracy: 2020 Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office report’ was published on 8 July which made some observations regarding Bangladesh’s human rights situation.
The report says, “Opposition leader Khaleda Zia was released from prison following a government decision to suspend her sentence for six months on the condition that she received medical treatment at home and did not travel abroad. She remained under house arrest in Dhaka throughout 2020, following an extension to her suspension in September.”
A foreign office spokesman said West Europe and EU wing’s director general Faiyaz Murshid Kazi interacted with acting high commissioner Javed Patel as he was called to the ministry. The ministry said Bangladesh was frustrated by some issues on Bangladesh chapter of the rights report by the UK government.
The ministry has informed the acting UK high commissioner that Khaleda Zia’s jail term was suspended as per her brother’s application under the provision of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 and she was released on 20 March last year. The former prime minister was released on the condition that she cannot go abroad for treatment. The statement also mentioned that Khaleda Zia’s jail term was suspended for six months initially and the suspension was extended twice in September 2020 and March 2021.
The acting high commissioner was also asked to consult with the concerned authorities if they have any misconception on the Khaleda Zia issue.
Javed Patel was also asked not to make any derogatory and misleading remarks on the Bangladesh government or ruling Awami League.
The government also expressed concern over the report’s observation on Rohingyas.
Javed Patel assured the foreign ministry officials that they would covey Bangladesh’s concerns to his country.
He further said the UK has not taken any sides with or against any political party in Bangladesh.
KB/
