Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday said the government has “no intention” to violate human rights but it has the right to protect property and lives.
“The government has the right to protect property and human lives and their right to move, if anyone – in the name of human rights – destroys property, gets involved in arson attack and kills people,” he told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Momen came up with the remarks when his attention was drawn to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), titled “Bangladesh: Crackdown on Political Opposition”.
He, however, said he is not aware of what the HRW report contains.
The foreign minister said they do not want to see violation of anyone’s human rights. “We are very sensitive. The government does not want to see violation of human rights.”
HRW, a US-based rights body, today said opposition groups are reporting an escalation in repression by Bangladesh authorities and attacks by ruling party supporters as the country starts preparing for the next national election.
BSS adds: Foreign Minister Dr A K Abdul Momen on Monday said the present government has “no intention” to violate human rights (HR) rather it has the responsibility to protect the rights of its citizens.
“Of course we are sensitive (regarding the protect human rights). We don’t want to see violation of human rights to anyone,” he told the reporters at the foreign ministry here.
The minister made the remarks while asking comments on recent Human Rights Watch (HRW) report that stated that the Bangladesh government has been suppressing rights of the opposition political parties.
The minister said he is not aware what the HRW reports.
But, Dr Momen said, if anyone in the name of human rights tries to demolish properties, set fire and put people’s lives at risk, the government has the mandate to prevent such activities.
“The government must take action to protect the property and people’s right and to protect the human rights of other people,” he said.
