The European Parliament has expressed its concern at the growing restrictions on freedom of expression which have accompanied the rise of religious fundamentalism, intolerance and extremist violence in the country.
According to a press statement, It has also condemned the increasing attacks by Islamist extremists on secularist writers, bloggers, religious minorities and foreign aid workers in Bangladesh.
The parliament had a debate on freedom of expression in Bangladesh and passed a resolution on the matter Thursday.
The non-binding resolution was adopted by 586 votes to 31, with 25 abstentions.
The parliament called on the Bangladesh authorities to restore the full independence of media, to drop all charges against publishers and journalists who have published content critical of the government.
It also urged to allow the immediate re-opening of all media houses which were closed, and to urgently fulfill the country's commitments and apply the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity endorsed in 2013.
The resolution called on the Bangladesh authorities to act to bring an immediate end to all acts of violence, harassment, intimidation and censorship against journalists, bloggers and civil society.
It reminded the competent Bangladesh authorities of their national and international legal obligations, including their responsibility to ensure the security and safety of all citizens, irrespective of their political or religious views.
It urged the Government to take the necessary measures to prevent more killings by opening public debates that challenge extremist views of all kinds.
The resolution called on the Bangladesh authorities to ensure the independence and impartiality of the judiciary and to amend the Information and Communication Technology Act and the Cyber-Security Act 2015 in order to bring them in line with international free speech standards, dropping the criminalisation of “anti-state” publications.
