Staff Reporter :
A bipartisan group of 22 US lawmakers has called on the US Department of State to intensify its support for the democratic aspirations of the Bangladeshi people.
Senator Edward J. Markey, along with Representatives Jim McGovern and Bill Keating, spearheaded a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday, expressing concern over the deteriorating state of democracy and human rights in Bangladesh.
Senator Markey’s official website published the letter, highlighting the recent violent clashes between student protesters and state security forces in Bangladesh.
These incidents have brought to light the ongoing human rights abuses under the administration of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The lawmakers criticised the Bangladeshi government for undermining democratic processes, citing the deeply flawed elections held in January, inadequate improvements to labour regulations, and the violent suppression of demonstrations.
This suppression has involved the use of guns, tear gas, and a near-total shutdown of internet services, they noted.
The letter further states that, in light of these alarming and persistent trends, we hope that you will lead the US Department of State in upholding the shared democratic principles that have long underpinned the US-Bangladeshi relationship.
The US lawmakers urged the United States to condemn all acts of violence, safeguard critical civil liberties such as freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and take measures to hold responsible government officials accountable for their abuses against the Bangladeshi people.
Additionally, to prevent further deterioration of democracy in Bangladesh, the letter calls for the United States to collaborate with the international community to support the Bangladeshi people’s right to a representative democratic government that respects human rights and individual freedoms.
The letter was signed by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), as well as Representatives Seth Moulton (MA-06), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Joe Wilson (SC-02), Dina Titus (NV-01), Grace Meng (NY-06), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Gabe Amo (RI-01), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Dan Kildee (MI-08), Barbara Lee (CA-12), and Delegate James Moylan (GU).
The letter begins by expressing serious concerns regarding the state of democracy and human rights in Bangladesh.
It specifically refers to the deadly clashes between student protesters and security forces, and the national elections on January 7, 2024, which have been widely criticised by the United States, the United Nations, and other observers as neither free nor fair.
The lawmakers underscore that the US-Bangladeshi relationship has been based on mutual respect for the rule of law, the promotion of democracy, and the protection of human rights.
They reflect on Bangladesh’s progress since its independence in 1971, supported by the United States and other international partners, and note the strengthening of ties over the past 50 years, enriched by the contributions of a vibrant Bangladeshi American community.
However, they express growing alarm as these shared principles face increasing threats from the Awami League and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s increasingly authoritarian governance since 2009.
The letter also mentions existing US sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and visa restrictions affecting Bangladeshi individuals.
The lawmakers conclude by reiterating their call for the US to take a firm stand against the erosion of democratic processes in Bangladesh, stressing the need for concerted international efforts to support the country’s democratic and human rights goals.