National Human Rights Commission hosts a discussion at Intercontinental hotel in Dhaka on Monday marking 70 years of universal declaration of Human Rights.

The representatives of United Nations and the United Kingdom in Dhaka on Monday in a programme expressed concern over continued extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions in Bangladesh.

In the programme organised by the National Human Rights Commission at Intercontinental Hotel marking the Human Rights Day, diplomats from Sweden and Switzerland said that they prioritised human rights issues in bilateral relations with Bangladesh.

Commission chairman Kazi Reazul Hoque also expressed concern pointing at the chief justice on the dais and said each of the incidents needed investigation by judicial magistrates.
In his written speech, chief justice Syed Mahmud Hossain said expected that the human rights education would be incorporated in the academic curriculum to sensitise youths with the rights issues.

Human Rights Forum of Bangladesh convener and Ain o Salish Kendra executive director Sheepa Hafiza called for action plan of the political parties to prevent post-polls violence against women and children.

Kazi Reazul and foreign ministry secretary bilateral (Asia and Pacific) Mahbub Uz Zaman highlighted Bangladesh’s acceptance of 1.1 million Rohingyas entering Bangladesh to flee ethnic cleansing in Myanmar.

UNDP country director Sudipta Mukarjee said, ‘In continuing with the theme of highlighting issues that are of importance in the context of the UDHR, let me also shine a light on the need for protection of human rights defenders and of people who are at risk of falling victim to serious human rights violations such as extrajudicial killings, disappearances and arbitrary detention.’

He said, ‘We trust that Bangladesh will ensure a safe and enabling environment for the human rights defenders and maintain its ‘zero tolerance’ policy for offenses committed by law enforcement officials, investigate and bring perpetrators to justice, and make the public aware of the steps taken.’
British high commissioner Alison Blake praised Bangladesh for its support to Rohingyas but expressed concerns over reported incidents of enforced disappearance, extrajudicial killing and infringement of freedom of press.

‘Free media is essential,’ she underscored and wanted Bangladesh government to enable people to cast their vote.
Swedish ambassador Charlotta Schlyter said that they wanted the next national election to be participatory, free and fair, and called for ensuring the freedom of press.

She was also critical about newly enacted Digital Security Act.
Switzerland ambassador Rene Holenstein detailed in what extend his country valued the human rights, and said, ‘it is important pillar of our relations.’