US Senator urges to form caretaker govt
Staff Reporter :
US Senator Ben Cardin, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has urged Bangladesh to form responsible caretaker government to promptly organize inclusive democratic elections.
“In a world where democracies and political expression are increasingly under threat, the people of Bangladesh have courageously demonstrated to the global community the transformative power of collective action. When citizens unite, their voices can compel even the most entrenched and authoritarian leaders to relinquish power,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
He came up with the statement after Bangladesh’s president dissolved parliament, paving the way for new elections after the prime minister resigned and fled the country amid weeks of escalating protests against her leadership.
Regarding the violence and bloodshed in Bangladesh, he said, “It is unacceptable that such violence and bloodshed occurred, and we mourn the lives that were lost.”
Pointing out the Sheikh Hasina-led government’s misrule, Cardin said, “After more than a decade of a government that systematically stifled opposition, manipulated the courts, and weaponized the security services against its own citizens, today we celebrate the renewed opportunity for Bangladesh to restore a democracy based on its constitutional principles.”
About the formation of an interim government in Bangladesh, he said, “I strongly urge authorities in Bangladesh to form a responsible caretaker government that will promptly organise inclusive democratic elections.”
He further said that the people of Bangladesh deserve a government that honors their voices, respects their will, and upholds the dignity of their nation.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee was established in 1816 as one of the original ten standing committees of the Senate. Throughout its history, the committee has been instrumental in developing and influencing United States foreign policy, at different times supporting and opposing the policies of presidents and secretaries of state.
Earlier on July 30, Ben Cardin and Cory Booker, issued a statement condemning Bangladeshi security forces for their use of force and violence against student protesters.
The security forces involved in these horrific acts include a paramilitary unit whose leaders have faced U.S. sanctions over human rights abuses.
They said, “The right to peacefully assemble and protest is one of the foundations of a democratic society. We call on Bangladeshi authorities to urgently conduct an independent and impartial investigation into the security services’ human rights violations, as well as to respect the rights of the protestors, and work in good faith to address their grievances.”
“The United States stands with these courageous individuals who are advocating for their dignity and for a prosperous future, and we will continue to speak up for human rights in Bangladesh and seek to hold accountable those involved in such abuses,” he added.
