Social situation and government repression in Bangladesh

Question for written answer E-001526/2024
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Anthony Smith (The Left)

Since 18 July 2024, mass protests led by students have been taking place in Bangladesh against the reintroduction of quotas in public employment, which have been judged to be discriminatory and politically favourable to the current executive.

The Bangladeshi government decided to violently suppress these social protest movements.

As of Tuesday 23 July 2024, the death toll stood at 174, while over 2 580 people had been arrested, according to Agence France-Presse.

Following the statement by a European External Action Service spokesperson on 19 July 2024 and in light of subsequent events, will the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy:

• 1.condemn the repression taking place in Bangladesh and demand an end to the bloodbath?
• 2.take a stand in defence of fundamental freedoms, of which an integral part is the right to protest and to make justified claims?

Submitted: 20.8.2024