NEW YORK. Feb ): The 1996 human rights report issued Thursday by the US State Department in Washington gives Bangladesh a mixed review. It praises Bangladesh for holding peaceful transfer of power and strengthening democratic institutions. but chides for police brutality and denial of many fundamental rights.

Describing Bangladesh as a multi-party parliamentary

democracy, the report noted the high turnout In trie June 1996 elections, which it said were deemed "free and fair".

The report lauded the judiciary for disc' a high degree of independence, specially at the higher levels. "The judiciary often rules against the government in criminal, civil and even politically controversial cases." it said. It noted that the government generally respected freedom of the press. It also gave the government goods marks for making efforts to improve the status of .women and children.

However, it pointed out that violence, often resulting in killings, was a pervasive element in the country's political process. Although the .institution prohibits torture, police routinely employ psychological and physical torture and other abuse during arrests and interrogations. "Police brutality occurs regularly and government inaction allows It to continue." the report noted. It cited several incidents in which police used abusive practices and tortured

Muhammad Nurul Huda. Jahid Haider and Biswajit Ghosh.

In the afternoon a poetry recitation session will be held with Fayez Ahmed in the chair. A new committee of the Jatiya Kabita Parishad for 1997-1999 will be declared in the evening inmates. Rape in police custody was also mentioned.

This year's report pays special attention to violence against women and children. Noting that such violence was still widespread in the country, a growing awareness of the problem is fostered by the government, media and by women's rights groups, it said.

The report cited the enactment of laws, prohibiting certain forms of discrimination against women. However, enforcement of these laws was weak, especially in rural areas, the report noted.

It also underlined the programmes undertaken by the government in the areas of primary education, health and nutrition. It made particular mention of the government initiative. introducing incentives for female children between the ages 12 and 16 to remain in school.

The progress made by Bangladesh in promoting children s rights was also mentioned by the newly-appointed Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright. Introducing the report. Albright specifically mentioned Bangladesh in this area. "The report of this year brings to light evidence of violations of these rights, as well as evidence that progress is being made — in Bangladesh, for example — as part of the United States' and this administration's high level of commitment to children," Albright said.