Foreign Minister Dipu Moni has said that the government would show “zero tolerance” to extra-judicial killing or torture and death in custody.
"We do not condone any such incident and will bring the responsible officials to justice." the foreign minister said in response to questions at the Universal Periodic Review of Bangladesh at the Human Rights Council in Geneva yesterday.
Dipu Moni said, “Poverty is both a cause and consequence of violation of human rights. Eradication of poverty, therefore, is the top priority of the government”.
During the question-answer session, the foreign minister enumerated the steps taken by the government to protect and promote human rights in Bangladesh, including the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission last year.
She said the government has initiated the process to try war criminals as a signal to end the culture of impunity. “We realise that, as long as the matter remains unresolved, it will continue to disrupt and fracture the politics of our nation,” Dipu added.
She also responded to questions relating to human trafficking, death penalty and rights of religious and ethnic minorities.
As many as 49 member states took the floor to comment on the reports on the human rights situation in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Ambassador in Geneva Debapriya Bhtattacharya responding to questions said that Bangladesh is trying to ensure right to food, employment, shelter and education for sustainable enjoyment of political and civic rights.
Empowerment of women is also being pursued as a complementary strategy, Debapriya also addressed.
A news release from Geneva said there was an overwhelming support for the recent transition to democracy and the ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional framework for promotion and protection of human rights.
Most delegations appreciated the efforts made by Bangladesh to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and improve the socio-economic situation of the people.
The Bangladesh delegation at the session included, among others, Attorney General Mahbubey Alam, Member of National Human Rights Commission Munira Khan and human rights activists and media personnel.