Staff Reporter :
The US State Department has called for all parties in Bangladesh to refrain from further violence, emphasising that too many lives have been lost over the past several weeks. The department has also welcomed the announcement of an interim government, urging that any transition be conducted in accordance with Bangladeshi law.
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller issued the statement during a press briefing in Washington on Monday local time. “Too many lives have been lost over the course of the past several weeks, and we urge calm and restraint in the days ahead,” he said.
“We are deeply saddened by reports of human rights abuses, casualties, and injuries over the weekend and in recent weeks. We share our deepest condolences with those who have lost loved ones and those who are suffering,” he added.
When asked about the US position on the current situation and the formation of a civilian government, Miller stated, “We are focused now on supporting an end to the violence and ensuring accountability. All decisions regarding the interim government should be made with respect to democratic principles, the rule of law, and the will of the Bangladeshi people.”
Addressing questions about Sheikh Hasina, who has fled to India and is reportedly seeking asylum in a Western country, and whether the US would allow her entry given accusations of crimes against humanity, Miller said, “I’m not aware of any request of that nature.”erson came up what the statement during a press briefing in Washington on Monday local time.
“Too many lives have been lost over the course of past several weeks, and we urge calm and restraint in the days ahead,” he said.
“We are deeply saddened about the reports of human rights abuses, casualties, and injuries over the weekend and past weeks. We share our deepest condolences with those who lost loved ones and those who are suffering,” he added.
Asked about the US position regarding current situation and the formation of a civilian government, he said, “We are focused now on supporting an end to the violence and for accountability. All decisions regarding the interim government should be made with respect to democratic principles, rule of law, and the will of the Bangladeshi people.”
Drawing attention to Sheikh Hasina who fled to India and now trying to get any western country – will US allow her to come to the US as she commits crime against humanity, Miller said, “I’m not aware of any request of that nature.” rewrite the whole article in newspaper format keeping all information with British spelling and proper grammar
In another question how US government would take measures to address the reported atrocities against minorities and general populace, he said, “what we are calling for today is an end to the violence and for accountability. Now, as to what accountability looks like, that’s something that should take place under Bangladeshi law. Obviously anyone responsible for acts of violence, acts that break the law, should be held accountable for them.”
In responding to a question, the spokesperson said, “with respect to the violence over the past few weeks and the deaths that have occurred, it is vital that we have full and transparent investigations to ensure accountability for these deaths.”
Regarding the formation of interim government, he said, “It is important that we focus on the Bangladeshi people’s democratic aspirations and see a path to democratic governance.”
Asked about whether US support Bangladesh military to install a caretaker government, he said, “We want to see the Bangladeshi people decide the future of the Bangladeshi Government.”
Asked about whether the current situation would have any impact between the US and Bangladesh relations in respect to the housing of the Rohingyas, he said, “The US has provided around $2 billion to assist with refugees in Bangladesh. I don’t have any immediate comment on how this change of government might affect those programs. I would certainly hope that it wouldn’t. We think it’s important that Bangladesh continue to provide hospitality to those refugees, and we’ll continue to work with them to do so.”
In another question regarding the questions over the transfer of power, he said, “All that we know right now is we’ve seen the announcement from the government that she resigned. We don’t have any further information about how that resignation may have taken place.”
Responding to a question whether the Bangladesh army’s current interim role is productive, Miller said, “over the past several days, we have seen the reports that the army resisted calls to crack down on the protesters, and if those reports are true, certainly that is something that we would encourage. We don’t – we made clear I think for several weeks now that people have a legitimate right to protest and to peacefully assemble, and we opposed any kind of violent crackdown. So if it is true, in fact, that the army resisted calls to crack down on lawful protesters, that would be a positive development.”
He further said, “What we want to see is democratic order. We want to see the Bangladeshi people choose their own government, and that’s what we’ll be looking for in the days and weeks ahead.”
Asked about US plan to assist Bangladesh in rebuilding its economy, he said, “we greatly value our relationship with the people of Bangladesh and we want to see that continue. But I would just urge everyone with requests or questions about what the future may entail, we are not even 12 hours out from the reported resignation of the prime minister.”