Written answers
Monday, 9 September 2024
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Human Rights
Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
15.To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the protests by students across Bangladesh, who are demanding justice and accountability; if he will condemn the state violence being used against protesters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter.[33888/24]
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
I have been kept informed, through our Embassy in New Delhi, of the recent student protests in Bangladesh which led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 5 August 2024.
The reports of violence, loss of life, mass arrests and damage to property in Bangladesh have been deeply concerning. The right to peaceful protest is protected by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which is ratified by Bangladesh and guarantees the rights of peaceful assembly, association and expression.
On 12 August, my Department issued a statement welcoming the establishment of an interim government in Bangladesh and calling for the restoration of democratic norms, including fair and transparent elections.
We further called for a return to peace and stability and accountability for those responsible for the recent atrocities. The invitation by the interim government to the United Nations to investigate atrocities committed during the weeks-long protests in Bangladesh is a welcome step in this regard.
Ireland regularly engages with Bangladesh on matters concerning human rights, the democratic process and rule of law, both bilaterally and at multilateral level. These issues were most recently discussed during bilateral consultations between Ireland and Bangladesh, hosted in Dublin in May 2024.
At EU level, Ireland aligns with the statements made by the EU in response to the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, including most recently on 8th August. Political issues such as democracy, rule of law and good governance are regularly raised with Bangladesh, including via the EU Delegation in Dhaka and within the framework of the EU-Bangladesh Joint Commission. Ireland supports the EU’s continued engagement with Bangladesh on the priorities governing our longstanding relations in the political, human rights, trade and development spheres.
Ireland’s Embassy in New Delhi, which is accredited to Bangladesh, continues to monitor the situation closely, in close coordination with our Honorary Consul and the EU Delegation in Dhaka. Travel advisories have been updated to guide Irish citizens in the country.
No comments