E/CN.4/2000/9 page 27 E/CN.4/1999/61, para. 75). The Government replied that five of the individuals had been lawfully arrested and detained and subsequently released. Without referring to their names, the Government stated that three of them had been released on 11 October, one on 21 October and one person on 24 October 1998. The Government denied that one of the persons named in the communication had been arrested. The Government further denied that any of the individuals who were arrested suffered physical or mental abuse or any other form of ill-treatment, adding that such allegations were familiar propaganda and lacked any credibility. 114. By a separate letter dated 4 January 1999, the Government replied to an urgent appeal sent by the Special Rapporteur on 18 November 1998 (see E/CN.4/1999/61, para. 73). Without referring to their names, the Government replied that one of the people named in the communication had been released by the Juvenile Court on 24 October 1998, while four others were remanded at the Juvenile Centre pursuant to orders made by the Juvenile Court under the 1976 Juveniles Law. The Government provided the Special Rapporteur with some information about the treatment of children under the age of 15 under the criminal law in Bahrain, including information about the Juveniles Law. The Government stated that children are always dealt with exclusively by women police officers and accommodated at a purpose-built Juvenile Centre staffed entirely by women trained in child welfare and social work. At the Juvenile Centre, children are provided educational, recreational and welfare facilities including full follow-up and outreach services. The Government further replied that there was no information that the remaining four persons had been arrested, detained or otherwise held in custody, except possibly one youth with a similar name who was being lawfully detained at a regular place of detention. The Government denied allegations that minors were detained in "secret" locations and stated that relatives of detainees were always told where detainees were being held. In relation to children, the Government advised that parents of children in custody were always notified and brought to their child immediately upon apprehension and thereafter had regular and frequent contact with the child and were present at all Juvenile Court proceedings. The Government also denied allegations that persons arrested or detained by the authorities suffered physical or mental abuse or other forms of ill-treatment. According to the Government's reply, such treatment is unlawful under the 1976 Penal Code and there are practical safeguards in place to ensure that such treatment does not occur. Observations 115. The Special Rapporteur appreciates the replies to his urgent appeals, but regrets the absence of response to the extensive allegations transmitted on 24 September 1998. He welcomes the Government's withdrawal of its reservation in respect of article 20 of the Convention against Torture. The Special Rapporteur regrets the Government's continuing failure to extend an invitation to him to visit the country. Bangladesh Regular communications and replies received 116. By letter dated 15 November 1999, the Special Rapporteur advised the Government that he had received information according to which the police routinely use physical and psychological torture and other abuse during arrests