TNAG-0652-FCO40-801-Planning-Staff-papers-on-human-rights-and-foreign-policy-cou-1977 — Page 24

BANGLADESH (continued)

CONFIDENTIAL

Right No.

Rating suggested by Post

(v)

(vi)

(vii)

rules of evidence.

Ordinary courts up to and including the Supreme Court continue to deal with civil and some criminal cases. They are considered both by judges and members of the Bar practicising in them to have considerable inde- pendence particularly at higher levels. Pride is taken in their tradition of independence even dur ing the worst period of Pakistan oppression.

Trade unions are weak, badly organ- ised and cover only a tiny portion of the population. They would be quickly suppressed, as they were in Mujib's time, if they were thought to be acting contrary to the wishes of the regime.

There is no restriction on emigra- tion.

Comment by South Asian Dept

We would suggest a rating of 1. Although there is no restriction on emigration, it is very hard to obtain a passport.

CONFIDENTIAL

4

0