A/HRC/55/13 upon capacity-building for national institutions to be able to meet the obligations emanating from it. A detailed analysis of the provisions of the Convention and their implications on the existing legal system in Bangladesh was also necessary. 67. The death penalty was reserved exclusively for the most serious and heinous crimes, with a gradual shift towards alternative punishments such as life imprisonment. 68. Bangladesh maintained contact with the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, providing information on cases and further updates relating to almost all the cases of alleged enforced disappearance. 69. Bangladesh had taken a series of steps relating to gender equality, including reviewing existing laws and gradually amending laws that undermined equal opportunities for women and men in all spheres of national life. 70. Efforts to address violence against children included efforts towards a ban on corporal punishment in all settings. Corporal punishment in educational institutions had already been banned. The Children Act (2013) provided for punishment for all forms of violence against children. Since 2018, 13,998 cases had been filed for crimes against children. 71. Belarus noted efforts to broaden access to education and to protect the rights of women, children and older persons. 72. Belgium congratulated Bangladesh for the progress made with regard to education, health and mortality rates, urging more efforts in human rights. 73. Bhutan expressed appreciation for the active role played by Bangladesh in the Human Rights Council, and noted progress made in women’s political empowerment and achievements related to the Sustainable Development Goals. 74. Botswana praised Bangladesh for the positive steps taken on human rights, particularly the strengthening of the independence of the National Human Rights Commission and development of the National Strategy for Adolescent Health 2017–2030. 75. Brazil acknowledged the commitment of Bangladesh to poverty elimination and encouraged it to sustain its efforts, and expressed appreciation for its hosting of Rohingya refugees. 76. Brunei Darussalam recognized socioeconomic achievements during the COVID-19 pandemic, and praised efforts in the delivery of health services in rural areas. 77. Burundi acknowledged progress made with regard to human rights and expressed appreciation for the population-centred development programme focusing on vulnerable groups. 78. Cabo Verde commended Bangladesh for progress made in poverty reduction and for the national policy for persons with disabilities. 79. Cambodia acknowledged the continued engagement of Bangladesh with United Nations human rights mechanisms and the special procedures. 80. Cameroon congratulated Bangladesh for the quality of its national report for the fourth review cycle. 81. Canada thanked Bangladesh for hosting over one million Rohingya refugees until conditions permitted their repatriation. 82. Chile commended Bangladesh for having adopted the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence against Women and Children 2018–2030 and ratified the ILO Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138). 83. China commended Bangladesh for efforts in promoting economic and social development, eradicating poverty, tackling climate change and combating drug-related crime. 84. Costa Rica congratulated Bangladesh for having adopted the National Action Plan to Prevent Violence against Women and Children 2018–2030. GE.23-24573 7