One year has just passed since Bangladesh was reviewed by the UN Human Rights Council under its newly established Universal periodic Review (UPR) mechanism. The UPR Forum, consisting of 17 Human Rights and Development Organizations handed over a Report Card to the Foreign Secretary on Wednesday, 23rd June 2010 analyzing the present Human Rights situation in the light of the commitments made by Bangladesh one year ago.

The Government of Bangladesh did accept most of the recommendations made by other countries in the UPR Session held in 2009., after one year UPR forum assessed the positive developments in the field of Human Rights as well as identified the areas of concern based on those commitments. The forum highlighted some positive achievements that include initiatives taken for the trial of the war criminals, resuming the long pending trial of Bangabondhu killing, taking decision to ratify the Rome Statute, inviting some UN Special Rapporteurs, holding free and fair elections, taking initiatives to make the Information Commission and the National Human Rights Commission active. However the forum also highlighted some issues of concern including the rampant incidents of ‘Extra Judicial Killings’ and ‘clandestine killings’; failure to tackle the reckless behavior of the Chatra League; showing discomfort with the criticism by limiting freedom of expression and assembly; steps taken to weaken the Anti Corruption Commission and the Judiciary, slow process to implement the CHT accord etc.

The Foreign Secretary Mijarul Quayes, taking the report in due cognizance, mentioned that the present government is dedicated to facilitate positive initiatives in every sphere of the society. However, pace of such initiatives may not always meet the expectations of the people. Highlighting the role and necessity of engagement with the civil society, he mentioned that, dialogues between government and civil society is essential to ensure transparent flow of information and this would lead the way to reach the desired goal based on conformity.

Sultana Kamal, Executive Director of Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) led the delegation of the UPR Forum. She said, as citizens of this country we want Bangladesh to retain its positive image. However, when Human Rights violations take place we the citizens also feel responsible and embarrased for that. She further mentioned that when peaceful voices are not given a hearing, people resort to aggressive means. She also stressed on sustained dialogues between the Government and citizens on various issues.

Shirin Akhter, Chairperson, Karmojibi Nari, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director , TIB, representatives from Nari Pokkho, Bangladesh Institue of Labour Studies (BILS), Bangladesh Mohila Porishad (BMP)and other members of ASK were also in the delegation.

June 23, 2010