Bangladesh voices anxiety over Venezuela crisis
Staff Reporter :
Bangladesh has expressed concern over the escalating situation in Venezuela and is urging all parties involved to prioritise diplomacy and peaceful dialogue.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday issued a statement in this regard, emphasising the importance of restraint in handling the tensions that have emerged in recent days.
The Bangladesh government reaffirmed its commitment to the core principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, underscoring its long-standing stance on resolving disputes through diplomatic means.
“Bangladesh believes that diplomacy and dialogue should prevail to solve all disputes between countries and reaffirms her steadfast commitment to the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law,” it added.
The statement emphasised the necessity of respecting national sovereignty and avoiding interference in the internal affairs of states.
Bangladesh also reiterated its unwavering support for multilateralism, advocating for constructive engagement through established international frameworks.
The crisis in Venezuela has recently intensified, especially after the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by US authorities at dead of night.
The couple faces charges of drug trafficking and money laundering, with the US accusing them of involvement in a large-scale narcotics network.
The US government has also issued a reward for information leading to their capture, and this development has added further complexity to Venezuela’s already tense political and diplomatic climate.
The arrest and the ongoing pressure from the US have sparked sharp reactions from various countries.
Russia, China, and several Latin American nations have strongly lambasted the US actions, calling them unilateral and harmful to international law.
These nations have warned that such steps risk further destabilising the region.
Meanwhile, some European countries, while acknowledging the internal challenges Venezuela faces, have called for dialogue and stressed the importance of avoiding any escalation that could lead to wider conflict.
International organisations and regional blocs have joined the call for restraint, urging all involved parties to adhere to diplomatic processes and respect the principles of sovereignty and non-interference.
Efforts are ongoing to resolve the crisis through peaceful means, with the fear that the situation could destabilise the region and impact global energy markets, especially given Venezuela’s significant oil reserves.
Bangladesh, which has consistently advocated for peaceful solutions to global conflicts, continues to highlight the importance of diplomacy, the rule of law, and the central role of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security.
The country’s position aligns with its historical approach to international disputes, which emphasises peaceful dialogue and respect for the sovereignty of all nations.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Front has announced a protest march to the US Embassy on 10 January at 3 PM, condemning US imperialist actions in Venezuela and the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
The announcement came during a rally at the National Press Club on Monday.
Front leaders strongly condemned the US military aggression in Venezuela, calling it a violation of international law and accusing the US of attempting to seize Venezuela’s oil resources. Reports indicate that nearly 50 people have died as a result of this operation.
The leaders reaffirmed Venezuela’s right to self-determination and criticised the international community, especially the UN, for its weak response. They urged the Bangladesh government to protest against the attack.
The march will start at the National Press Club, passing through Topkhana Road, Paltan, and Baitul Mukarram, concluding at Paltan intersection.
The rally was presided over by one of the key leaders of the Democratic Front, and also the coordinator of the Left Democratic Alliance, Bazlur Rashid Firoz.
Other speakers included the General Secretary of Bangladesh JASOD, Nazmul Haque Pradhan, the General Secretary of the CPB, Abdullah Kafi Ratan, and the General Secretary of the Revolutionary Communist League, Iqbal Kabir Zahid.