A/HRC/11/18* Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its fourth session from 2 to 13 February 2009. The review of Bangladesh was held at the 4th meeting on 3 February 2009. The delegation of Bangladesh was headed by Dr. Dipu Moni, Minister for Foreign Affairs. At its 8th meeting held on 5 February 2009, the Working Group adopted the present report on Bangladesh. 2. On 8 September 2008, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Bangladesh: Argentina, Egypt, and the Philippines. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Bangladesh: (a) A national report submitted / written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/4/BGD/1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/4/BGD/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR, in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/4/BGD/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Czech Republic, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Denmark and Germany was transmitted to Bangladesh through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the UPR. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. At the 4th meeting, on 3 February 2009, H.E. Dr. Dipu Moni, Minister for Foreign Affairs, made an introductory statement. Her presence at the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in her first overseas undertaking as Foreign Minister of a newly elected Government underlined the importance her Government attached to the guarantees of the inviolability of fundamental rights provided for in the Bangladesh Constitution. 6. She highlighted significant developments since the presentation of the national report, particularly the lifting of the state of emergency and the holding of free, fair parliamentary elections in the country. The 2008 parliamentary elections, held under a nonparty caretaker government, had witnessed the participation of an unprecedented number of voters. For the first time, more women than men had cast ballots. The electoral process and the outcome were unreservedly lauded by observers from home and abroad. The state of emergency was lifted weeks before the elections, which resulted in full restoration of fundamental rights. 7. Bangladesh thanked the international community for its support in the country’s democratic transition. The Grand Alliance led by the Awami League had won the elections with a huge margin, and its election manifesto was clear on the issue of promotion and protection of human rights by stating that Bangladesh shall spare no efforts in realizing that goal. GE.09-16252 3