US denounces Lavrov’s Dhaka comment on IPS

Staff Reporter  :
In response to recent remarks by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Bangladesh, the United States has offered a strong counterposition and expressed its commitment to Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS).

During his visit to Dhaka just before the G20 summit, Lavrov warned against any attempts by the United States to interfere in the region.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina echoed these sentiments, accusing the US of seeking to gain control over the region through the Indo-Pacific Strategy.

In a press briefing in the State Department in Washington on Tuesday, US State Department Spokesperson Matt Miller made these comments following questions from the journalists.

He said, “I would say with respect to Russia, a country that has invaded two of its neighbours, is prosecuting an aggressive war where it bombs schools and hospitals and apartment buildings
on a daily basis, should not be talking about any other country imposing dictates.”

Miller went on to reiterate the US position on the Indo-Pacific Strategy, emphasising that the United States and Bangladesh share a vision of ensuring the Indo-Pacific region remains “free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient.”

Replying to another question about the concerns over press freedom in Bangladesh, Miller stated, “We believe that journalists play an essential role in any democracy.

Their work uncovers corruption, safeguards the public’s right to know information that affects their lives.

They must be able to do their jobs without fear of harassment, violence, or intimidation.”

The US spokesperson expressed deep concern over the “systematic and pervasive oppression of journalists and media personalities” by the Government of Bangladesh, highlighting the recent sentencing of senior journalists like Shafik Rehman and Mahmudur Rahman, including three American citizens and one journalist who is exiled in New York.

Miller was also asked about the veracity that Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen’s claim before the reporters that Biden and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had a good conversation on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Delhi.

Miller was questioned about the accuracy of Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen’s assertion to reporters that President Biden and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had a good conversation on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Delhi.

In reply, he said, “I believe the White House did make public the meetings that the President had with other leaders.”