MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Human rights situation in Bangladesh, notably the case of Odhikar

12.9.2023 - (2023/2833(RSP))

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 144 of the Rules of Procedure

·Heidi Hautala, Francisco Guerreiro, Ignazio Corrao, Hannah Neumann, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Jordi Solé,
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B9-0378/2023

NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

B9‑0380/2023

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on Human rights situation in Bangladesh, notably the case of Odhikar

(2023/2833(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to Rule 144 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas the EU has a long-standing relation with Bangladesh, framed by a Cooperation Agreement on Partnership and Development as well as the Everything But Arms (EBA) scheme; whereas respect and promotion of human rights and democratic principles underpin this relation;

B. whereas the human rights situation in Bangladesh, including with regard to extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances, has continued to deteriorate during the last years, also targeting opposition figures; whereas the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has played a prominent role in such abuses and was subjected to US sanctions in 2021;

C. whereas Odhikar’s Secretary Adilur Rahman Khan and Director ASM Nasiruddin Elan, two leading human rights defenders, face criminal charges relating to a fact-finding report on extrajudicial killings and a ruling is expected on 14 September 2023;

D. whereas UN bodies have repeatedly condemned the continued “intimidation” and “harassment” of human rights defenders and civil society activists in Bangladesh, including Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus and the Odhikar’s leadership;

1.  Urges the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) to immediately and unconditionally drop all charges against Odhikar’s representatives and to restore a safe and enabling environment for human rights defenders and civil society to carry out their essential work for the welfare and protection of all people in Bangladesh; urges the GoB to ensure access to approved foreign grants to CSOs;

2.  Recalls that an Enhanced Engagement under the EBA is still ongoing; is appalled by the violent murder of the trade unionist Shahidul Islam in June 2023, who was fighting against unpaid wages in textile factories, and encourages continued steps to bring those responsible to justice; is extremely concerned that the Odikhar case would be an additional important step back that should bear consequences with regard to the assessment whether EBA preferences continue to apply to Bangladesh;

3.  Encourages the GoB to reconsider its refusal to establish a specialized mechanism to investigate allegations of enforced disappearances in cooperation with the UN;

4.  Calls on the EEAS, the EU Delegation and Member States embassies to speak out against the deteriorating human rights situation and enhance their support to local human rights defenders, union workers and journalists under attack, including by monitoring trials;

5.  Reiterates multiple and longstanding calls to repeal the Digital Security Act and encourages the swift adoption of a Cyber Security Act that is fully compliant with international standards;

6.  Is concerned that the deteriorating situation, including mass arrests of opposition representatives, may hamper the possibility to hold free, fair and participatory elections in 2024; underlines that unhindered domestic and international observation is a key condition under international standards;

7.   Urges the GoB to ensure an enabling environment for workers' rights to organise in line with international standards, by implementing its Labour Roadmap and to investigate all attacks against union activists;

8.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the relevant parties.