My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary made a statement on the elections in Bangladesh on 11 January before the State of Emergency was declared. This is available on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website at:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029391629&a=KArticle&aid=1168349738843
It is unfortunate that circumstances have subsequently arisen in which a State of Emergency has been declared. We urge that the full processes of democracy and civil rights be restored to the Bangladeshi people promptly. We broadly welcome the potential opportunity for conditions to be established which are conducive to credible and participative elections. We are monitoring developments closely.