A UN committee in Geneva has urged the government to address all the alleged torture complaints and ensure justice for the victims while Bangladesh defended its human rights situation.
Dhaka is taking part in the review meeting of the United Nations Convention against Torture taking place at the United Nations Headquarter in Geneva.
The Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment was adopted in 1984 and Bangladesh became a party to the Convention on 1998.
This is the first time in 21 years Dhaka has submitted its report to the committee.
Law Misister Anisul Haq is leading the Bangladesh delegation which includes State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, Foreign Secretary, Senior Secretary, Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Office in Geneva and other high level officials from various ministries and agencies of the government.
A press release issued by the foreign ministry said in his opening statement, the law minister highlighted Bangladesh’s obligation to promote and protect human rights of all its people and also expressed unequivocal commitment to the international human right instruments including regular submission of report to the UN treaty bodies like Committee against Torture.
The minister reminisce the declaration of Bangabandhu to stand beside the oppressed during his speech in UNGA in 1974, and mentioned the directive of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina towards the DC and Police to safeguard innocent people from torture, maintain appropriate legal procedures and refrain from unnecessary harassment.
The committee commended the adoption of Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention Act) and other legal and administrative measures as well as proactive role of the judiciary to implement the provisions of the Convention.