Awami League leader’s remark on Peter Haas deeply unhelpful: US
City Desk :
US State Department Spokesperson Vedant Patel has said that violent rhetorics against diplomats are “deeply unhelpful” when it comes to ensuring their safety and security.
He was replying to a question at a daily briefing in Washington on Wednesday following a Chittagong Awami League leader’s alleged threat to beat US Ambassador Peter Haas last Monday, reports UNB.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, however, cautioned political leaders and activists against their remarks on diplomats.
“Safety and security of our diplomatic personnel and diplomatic facilities are of utmost importance. Such kinds of violent rhetoric are deeply unhelpful,” Patel said, replying to a question.
Patel said the US would continue to deepen its relations with Bangladesh and reiterated that Washington does not support any particular party ahead of the elections, and they want the polls to be free and fair.
The State Department’s spokesperson said they expect the host government of any country to take appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of US personnel and facilities in line with the country’s obligations under the Vienna Convention and other diplomatic conventions.
With the support of the US, the present government in Bangladesh has taken a zero-tolerance policy in combating terrorism and radicalism.
Asked to evaluate the achievement of the current government in combating terrorism and radicalism, he said: “In broad terms, last year we celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations with Bangladesh, and of course that this is a country that we’re looking to continue to deepen our relationships and partnerships with as there continue to be a number of areas, including trade, cooperation in the climate space, cooperation in the security space, and otherwise where that potential exists.”
Ruling Awami League lawmaker Mohammad A Arafat who also works closely with international affairs issues of the party took to X to explain the whole issue. He also condemned the comment of a grassroots activist on Peter Haas.
