Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they are making to the government of Bangladesh about the release of political prisoners, particularly the former Prime Minister of that country.

I [Lord Ahmad] visited Bangladesh from 15 November to 17 November and met with the Government of Bangladesh, civil society actors and other key figures. During the visit I reiterated the UK's commitment to supporting human rights and democratic values.

We will continue to stress to the Government of Bangladesh, both in public and in private, the importance of respect for human rights and the rule of law. We expect those in detention, including Khaleda Zia, to be treated in accordance with Bangladesh's international commitments on human rights. We regularly engage with the Government of Bangladesh on the treatment of those in detention and on the integrity and independence of the judicial process.