Bangladesh has advanced in many areas in its nearly 50 year existence since independence. Advancements in the economy, in literacy rates and in development have been welcomed across the international community platform but none more so than the average Bangladeshi. However this is overshadowed by the growing abuse of human rights in an increasingly repressed Bangladesh.

Democracy and its many instruments such as the legal and judicial system, the free press and free speech have deteriorated significantly. Economic and political factors such as corruption and nepotism have particularly hampered the development of democracy. Rights associated with democracy such as equality in education, gender and the ability to protest have not matured and many face daily repression in these areas.

This report is a welcome and accurate depiction of the current human rights conditions that exist in Bangladesh. Whilst Bangladesh has made remarkable advancements in certain areas, human rights conditions must improve through collaboration and partnership. Although challenges remain and in certain issues are growing, Bangladesh has shown an appetite for reform, and this must be encouraged not only through the economic ties of development but through cultural and educational channels as well.

Saudi Arabia is the UK’s largest market for British goods, including arms, in the Middle East – the government describes it as a “core market” for “defence and security opportunities” – and a key source of counter-terrorism intelligence. The UK government and military maintain a close relationship with their Saudi countherparts. UK military personnel mentor the Saudi National Guard and run a programme to help it improve its communications. Political relations, particularly since the 1986 al-Yamamah deal, are cemented by frequent diplomatic visits from senior political figures, and there are close links between the two royal families. Prince Charles has visited the country more than a dozen times, often paving the way for large arms deals.

Read the full briefing here

In January 2019 we published our policy briefing, Britain and Saudi Arabia. This was the first briefing in our international human rights campaign, Britain and Her Allies, in which we are seeking to help develop a human rights-based foreign policy for the Labour Party.

In January 2019 we published our policy briefing, Britain and Saudi Arabia. This was the first briefing in our international human rights campaign, Britain and Her Allies, in which we are seeking to help develop a human rights-based foreign policy for the Labour Party.

Saudi Arabia is the UK’s largest market for British goods, including arms, in the Middle East – the government describes it as a “core market” for “defence and security opportunities” – and a key source of counter-terrorism intelligence. The UK government and military maintain a close relationship with their Saudi countherparts. UK military personnel mentor the Saudi National Guard and run a programme to help it improve its communications. Political relations, particularly since the 1986 al-Yamamah deal, are cemented by frequent diplomatic visits from senior political figures, and there are close links between the two royal families. Prince Charles has visited the country more than a dozen times, often paving the way for large arms deals.

Read the full briefing here