EP concerned at restriction on Bangladesh media

The European Parliament (EP) passed a resolution on Thursday, calling on the Bangladesh authorities to restore full independence of the media in the country.
In the resolution on human rights in Bangladesh, the EP called for dropping “all charges against publishers and journalists who have published content critical of the government” and allowing “immediate reopening of all media houses which were closed”.
The EP resolution expressed its concern at the growing restrictions on the freedom of expression that have accompanied the rise of religious fundamentalism, intolerance and extremist violence in the country.
The European Parliament also condemned the increasing attacks by Islamist extremists on secularist writers, bloggers, religious minorities and foreign aid workers in Bangladesh.
The EP resolution called on Dhaka to urgently fulfill the country's commitments and apply the UN plan of action on the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity endorsed in 2013.
The non-binding resolution was adopted by 586 votes to 31, with 25 abstentions.