The European Parliament,

­  having regard to its previous resolutions on the human rights’ situation in Bangladesh, in particular its resolution of 14 April 2005,

­  having regard to the Cooperation Agreement between the European Community and the People's Republic of Bangladesh on partnership and development,

–  having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas the EU maintains long-standing relations with Bangladesh, through the Cooperation Agreement on partnership and development,

B.  whereas blatant violations of the freedom of press, including arrests and torture, have been observed involving journalists and media personnel when they are covering protest demonstrations and mass riots,

C.  whereas Bangladesh’s President, Iajuddin Ahmed, took over himself as a chief adviser of the country’s caretaker government, by passing constitutional provisions relating to the selection of the appropriate person for this post,

D.  whereas the transition from the coalition government led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia towards the caretaker government has caused severe and violent clashes and incidents, involving both supporters of the previous government and supporters of the opposition and in which 24 lives were lost and hundreds of people were injured,

E.  whereas intolerance and violence against minorities, including Hindus, Christians and Buddhists have increased notable and whereas prosecutions for such serious offences as physical attacks, killings, threat, torture, rape, destruction of temples and disappropriation of lands are being reported,

1.  Calls on the caretaker government to ensure full respect of human rights as part of its pledge to hold free and fair elections, condemning the physical attacks on journalists and violence related to the transitional arrangements;

2.  Notes that, in order to prepare the parliamentary elections scheduled for January 2007, systemic and in-depth reforms are necessary in order to re-establish the principles of good governance, so that the Election Commission can operate in a neutral and fair way;

3.  Calls on the caretaker government to take effective measures to correct the voters list, delete false voters (so-called "ghost voters") and ensure proper inclusion of members of minorities entitled to vote according to Bangladesh’s Constitution;

4.  Calls on the caretaker government to draft specific rules and regulations aimed at preventing the use of illegal, black and misappropriated money by election candidates;

5.  Calls on Bangladesh’s caretaker government, led by President Iajuddin Ahmed, to take immediate steps to re-constitute the Election Commission, so as to ensure that the Election Commission will be able and be seen to perform its work in a truly neutral manner;

6.  Is concerned about the indications by civil society representatives in Bangladesh that intimidation, intolerance and violence against Bangladesh’s ethnic and religious minorities have increased substantially, spreading fears among the people that violence against Hindus and others which occurred on the occasion of the October 2001 elections could break out again;

7.  Emphasizes once again that Bangladesh has obligations under international law as a State Party to both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the United Nations Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment;

8.  Expresses its support for the European Commission’s decision to send an election observation team to Bangladesh;

9.  Requires the Council and the Commission to keep a watchful eye on the political situation and human rights in Bangladesh;

10.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the European Council, the Council, the Commission,

  the governments and parliaments of the Member States and candidate countries, the Secretary-General

  of the United Nations and the Government of Bangladesh.