"We're shocked and stunned by the actions of police force targeting opposition rallies and public gatherings. We believe these actions of the police will weaken the fragile democracy of Bangladesh even more," a letter addressed to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia said.

A copy of the latter, dated September 24 and signed by Charles Tannock and Johan Van Hecke, both members of the EU parliament and vice-chairs of the sub-committee on human rights, reached the news agency yesterday.

They said over the last few years, human rights have been repeatedly violated in Bangladesh. Constitutionally guaranteed political rights are not allowed to be practiced. Women are subject to repression and torture.

They said despite repeated calls from the European Parliament (We recall the EP resolution on Bangladesh in November 2002 and in April 2005), the Bangladesh government has not taken any measure to restore human rights and grant the citizens of Bangladesh fundamental rights.

"Rather terrorism continues and hundreds of people have been killed by armed forces without any trial. The hostility of police has been increased in recent days," the letter noted.

It said members of the EU parliament see no reason why the Bangladesh government has failed to arrest any real culprit in connection with the grenade attack on August 21 on the public meeting of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, when more than 24 people were killed and over 500 injured.

"We believe that failure to punish the real culprits, who are responsible for the grenade attack on Sheikh Hasina, Shah AMS Kibria and on other political leaders, will encourage them to carry out similar terrorist activities in Bangladesh.

"The EU parliament members believe that in order to strengthen the democracy of Bangladesh, it's foremost important to hold free, fair and transparent legislative elections."

They said the present Election Commission has failed to establish a congenial situation for free and fair elections.