Asked by: Julian Huppert (Liberal Democrat - Cambridge)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure the Bangladeshi government holds free and fair elections in future.
Answered by Hugh Robertson
The 10th Parliamentary elections in Bangladesh were held on 5 January in accordance with Bangladesh's Constitution. Voters in more than half the constituencies did not have the opportunity to express their will at the ballot box and that turnout in most other constituencies was low.
The British Government continues to encourage Bangladesh's political parties to support political dialogue to find a long term solution to running participatory and non-violent elections, and urge that parties address the matter of political accountability. All parties should build the willingness and capacity to hold future participatory elections without fear of intimidation or reprisals.
The British government has also called on the Election Commission to mount a full and transparent investigation into reports of violence, harassment and interference in the voting process in recent local elections and take appropriate action.
Asked by: Julian Huppert (Liberal Democrat - Cambridge)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure the safety of British Bangladeshis who visit or live in Bangladesh.
Answered by Hugh Robertson
The FCO Travel Advice is designed to provide information that will help British nationals stay safe when they travel abroad. It is updated frequently with information and advice for those planning to travel abroad. Any threats to British Nationals are reflected in the advice we publish and this is reviewed and amended as necessary on a regular basis.
Campaigns under the Know Before You Go umbrella look at different issues, including for example “Living Abroad” – which launched in September 2013 and encouraged British nationals considering a move overseas to research and prepare properly before taking that step.
It is the responsibility of the local police in Bangladesh to ensure the safety of British nationals. Should British Nationals have concerns about their safety we can, with their permission, raise with the local authorities as appropriate.
Asked by: Julian Huppert (Liberal Democrat - Cambridge)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effects of the recent actions by the US against Bangladesh.
Answered by Hugh Robertson
We are not aware of any recent action taken by the US against Bangladesh.
Asked by: Julian Huppert (Liberal Democrat - Cambridge)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential effects on the Middle East Peace Process of the new unity Palestinian government.
Answered by Lord Hague of Richmond
I welcome the formation of the new interim technocratic government for the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Reuniting Gaza and the West Bank under a government committed to the Quartet Principles is a necessary condition for resolving the Israel-Palestinian conflict. We now look to this government to demonstrate commitment through its actions as well words.