The government continues to restrict or deny many fun-damontal rights." according to the US Department of State 1994 country report on human rights practice In Bangladesh released last night.

The report also observes that the government continues to use national security laws to detain political opponents and other citizens without formal charge. It notes that the government rarely convicts those responsible for torture or causing unlawful death In police custody.

On the other hand, the report says there were "fewer violent incidents in the Chit-tagbftg hill tracts than In the past." Also, "there were no significant instances of inter-communal violence in 1994." The government took substantial steps in 1994 to curb abuse and Intimidation of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh <_amps. according to the report. It points out that the Judiciary of Bangladesh, especially at the higher levels, dis plays a great degree of Independence

Every- year the Department of State prepares reports on each country tn the world.

The report on Bangladesh is divided into six sections: respect for the Integrity of the person, respect for civil liberties. respect for political rights, governmental attitude regarding non-governmental investigation of alleged viola tions of human rights, disc rim ination based on race. sex. re llgion. disability, language of social status and worker rights.

Under the sub-section on political and other extra-Judicial killing, the report quotes the government figure of 64 deaths in police custody last year. The report mentions that the post mortems of prisoners who have died in custody usually do not provide any evidence of maltreatment. "However, continual reports of police abuse and deaths of prisoners indicate that this claim is deceptive and masks serious abuse."

The report mentions that violence is a feature of the national process in Bangladesh. Violence among student political parties, for example, resulted in 27 deaths in 1994.

"Police systematically employ psychological and physical torture and other abuse during arrests and interrogations." the report notes under the heading of torture and other cruel, degrading treatment or punishment. It cites the "climate of impunity" as a main hurdle to end torture. It mentions that most of the prisons are overcrowded and lack adequate facilities.

The huge backlog of cases is the main Impediment in the court system. As of September last year, there were 500,000 ca'ses pending in the criminal and metropolitan courts. Scarcity of legal aid and the Illiteracy were cited as other obstacles to the assertion of legal rights.

The government generally respects freedom of speech, with the exception of perceived criticism of Islam." according to the US Department of State. Under the heading of freedom of speech and press.

the report also says that adver Hsing Is used as a means to in-fluence newspapers. The government ownership of the only newsprint mill in the country also gave It the power to shut down a newspaper, it observes.

The report also mentions the arrest of several Journalists for. "offending the religious sentiments of the people." under 295(A) of the Penal Code. Islamic fundamentalists also attacked several newspaper offices, but no legal action was taken against those responsible.

The government-owned broadcast media also provides more favourable coverage of the government compared to the opposition, according to the report.

Under the sub-section on freedom of peaceful assembly and association, the report mentions that the government frequently Interferes with opposition rallies and public meetings and "often cite a law which allows public assemblies to be prohibited, to prevent possible violence, if two or more parties have scheduled rallies for the same time and pl^ce."

,Qn discrimination, the report notes that the relevant laws are hardly enforced. Women still remain in a subordinate position. Under the 1961 Muslim Family Law Ordinance. female heirs receive less than male heirs.

Under the heading of freedom of association, the report says that labour unions In Bangladesh are highly politicised. It also mentions that nation-wide strikes are a criminal offence but are Used as a pressure tactic by the opposition parties.