In response to a question from George Galloway, the British government
has called for 'an impartial, transparent, independent investigation' into the
ongoing violence in Bangladesh which has resulted in more than 200 deaths.
The Bradford West MP asked the Foreign Secretary what information he had
about the killing of peaceful protestors, particularly those taking place in
Shapla Square, Dhaka on May 5/6. Foreign office minister Alistair Burt
responded that the British government was very concerned about the upsurge in
violence and made his appeal to the Bangladesh government to set up the
independent inquiry,
'This is almost unprecedented,' said Galloway, 'one government calling
on another to set up an arms' length inquiry. The only conclusion you can take
is that our government does not trust or believe the Bangladesh government is
capable of investigating these state killings. And no wonder, given the brutal
murders this foul and corrupt Bangladesh government has been carrying
out.
'Of course, despite the plea, there's not a chance that the Sheikh Hasina
regime will comply.'