In a report released on 12 May entitled “16 Months of Emergency” documenting the human rights situation in Bangladesh under Emergency Power Rules in force since January 2007, Odhikar, a FORUM-ASIA member, has expressed concern about the lack of participatory democratic processes and the ongoing extrajudicial killings that have been taking place.

In a report released on 12 May entitled “16 Months of Emergency” documenting the human rights situation in Bangladesh under Emergency Power Rules in force since 11 January 2007, Odhikar, a FORUM-ASIA member, has expressed concern about the lack of participatory democratic processes and the ongoing extrajudicial killings that have been taking place.
 
The report highlights the need to guarantee participatory democracy for the forthcoming elections, and the role that development partners must play, such as the European Union. The EU recently stated that holding elections was satisfactory on its own, despite the non-participation of mainstream political parties. The EU must promote the core democratic principles of participatory elections.

In its report, Odhikar highlights the risks impacting on judicial due process, including the rulings of the Appellate Court which contradict the rights granted by the Constitution and the Law, and the interference of intelligence agencies in the process.

The organisation is also alarmed by ongoing extrajudicial killings a total of 207 since January 2007. Odhikar has also expressed concern over the worsening scarcity of food and calls on the Government of Bangladesh to extend the rationing and for the OMS to proactively ensure the right to food.
 
Download the full report (.pdf).