DHAKA: A delegation of Subcommittee on Human Rights of European Parliament is set to arrive in Dhaka on a five-day visit on Monday to observe human rights situation in the country amid ongoing political violence.

In last two decades, it will be the first tour of Subcommittee on Human Rights of the European Parliament, said European Union embassy sources.

The four-member delegation led-by President of European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights will observe the country’s  overall human rights situation including political rights, practice of democracy, freedom of expression, labor rights in industries.
 
During the Bangladesh visit, the delegation is expected to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, leader of the opposition Raushan Ershad, BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, civil society members, NGOs and other stakeholders.

Senior Foreign Ministry official said the government is not worried over the visit of EU human rights delegation. Explaining the government’s stance, the official said, opposition side is responsible for the ongoing violence and human rights situation in the country. Meanwhile, the foreign minister, in a diplomatic briefing, informed it to European Union ambassadors to Dhaka.

The European Parliament, on September 18, 2014, passed a resolution to express concern over human rights violations in Bangladesh, said the official, adding that the EP also advised BNP to curtail its relation with Jamaat-e-Islami.

However, the government is a bit uncomfortable in ensuring the labor rights but it is working to improve situation, said the foreign ministry official.

BDST: 1112 HRS, FEB 16, 2015