CASE No - Inter-Parliamentary Union

- 2 - CL/183/SR.1
ANNEX V
Bearing in mind that Bangladesh is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights, Articles 14 and 15 of which stipulate fair trial guarantees and Article 9, paragraph 5, of
which provides for an enforceable right to compensation in the event of unlawful arrest and detention,
1. Regrets that the authorities have failed to provide information on the current stage of the
investigation into the grenade attack of August 2004 and the criminal proceedings under
way against Sheikh Hasina;
2. Can only express deep concern, in the absence of official information, at reports alleging
that the current investigation into the grenade attack is based on testimony extracted under
torture, particularly in view of the initial attempt to divert the investigation in what can only
be called a travesty of justice;
3. Reiterates its wish to ascertain the current stage of the investigation, to receive a copy of
the charge sheet and to ascertain whether those responsible for diverting the case in the
first place have been held responsible; believes in this respect that the conclusions of the
judicial inquiry commission should now be published;
4. Is deeply concerned at the alleged torture of suspects in the grenade attack case and of one
of Sheikh Hasina’s fellow accused; recalls that, under international human rights law, a
prompt and impartial investigation must be instituted wherever there are reasonable
grounds for believing that an act of torture has been committed, and wishes to ascertain
whether the authorities have instituted any such investigation in this respect;
5. Is pleased to note that Sheikh Hasina has been allowed to go abroad for medical
treatment; stresses that the prevailing impunity in the grenade attack against her may
constitute a serious risk for her safety when she returns to Bangladesh after her medical
treatment, and trusts that the authorities will take the necessary measures to ensure her
security, as it is their duty to do so; reiterates its wish to receive information on the stage of
the criminal proceedings brought against her, with respect in particular to the justification
for applying the EPR in this case;
6. Requests the Secretary General to invite the competent authorities to provide the
requested information;
7. Requests the Committee to continue examining this case and report to it at its next session,
to be held on the occasion of the 120 th Assembly of the IPU (April 2009).