Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the government of Bangladesh on the release of Khaleda Zia, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader, ahead of the forthcoming general election.

It is important that the people of Bangladesh should have the opportunity to freely choose their government. We are concerned at recent violence and the arrest of opposition politicians. We call on all stakeholders to exercise restraint, prevent violence and come together to create the conditions for a free, fair, participatory and peaceful election. Respect for human rights, rule of law and access to justice is essential. Bangladesh remains a Human Rights Priority Country for the FCDO and we regularly raise our human rights issues regarding the treatment of those in detention, including Khaleda Zia, with the Government of Bangladesh.