Lord Avebury for transparent probe to find patrons, funders

In a press statement issued on Friday he hoped, "The government would also carry out a transparent investigation into those who provided refuge and shelter to JMB and their links to political parties and other agencies which have been widely claimed."

"We also hope the terrorists who murdered Shah AMS Kibria, and those who attempted to murder the leader of the opposition and the British high commissioner will be caught and tried," the statement said.

He welcomed the arrest of militant organisation Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) chief Abdur Rahman and his military commander Siddiqul Islam alias Bangla Bhai. He congratulated the Bangladesh government and the security forces for their efforts in combating the militants in the country who are responsible for a number of bombings across the country.

The press statement said these matters would be on the agenda at a meeting with the Bangladesh High Commissioner to UK Sabi Uddin Ahmed on March 20. Avebury will chair the meeting on behalf of the Parliamentary Human Rights Group and as chair of International Bangladesh foundation.

"It is hoped the high commissioner will talk about the measures being taken against terrorism and incitement of sectarian hatred, including the protection of religious minorities; the promotion of good governance and the mechanisms for ensuring that there is a level playing field for the forthcoming elections," the statement read.

He said members of the group and foundation would be interested to know what is being done to prevent state resources being used to further the success of any candidate or political party.

Lord Avebury said,"On March 28, I am chairing a Parliamentary Human Rights Group meeting in the British Houses of Parliament to discuss the implementation of the 1997 Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord, land rights and the role of the military in the CHT."

"We hope Britain and the EU can be helpful to Bangladesh in solving these problems," he added.