Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the effect on political stability in Bangladesh of the death sentence passed by the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh on two opposition politicians there; what representations they have made to the government of Bangladesh about the sentence; and whether they will make representations about the power of the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh to pass death sentences.

The UK supports Bangladesh’s efforts to bring to justice those accused of atrocities committed during the 1971 War of Independence. However we have also made clear that it is essential that the International Crimes Tribunal meet international fair trials standards, including during Bangladesh’s 2nd Universal Periodic Review at the UN Human Rights Council on 29 April 2013. We have also made clear to the Government of Bangladesh our strong opposition to the use of the death penalty in all circumstances.

Our High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Robert Gibson, along with other EU Heads of Mission resident in Bangladesh, signed a joint public letter on 9 October reiterating our position on the death penalty, and calling on Bangladesh to abolish the practice. Our High Commissioner has also raised the most recent judgements with senior members of the Government of Bangladesh and the Awami League. We will continue to remind the Government of Bangladesh of our opposition to the use of the death penalty in any circumstances, at every suitable opportunity.

We will continue to monitor political stability in Bangladesh.