Kerry calls PM, talks current events

United States Secretary of State John Kerry called Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and discussed the current events in Bangladesh, on Wednesday. The phone call comes in light of the pending execution of Jamaat-e-Islami leader Abdul Quader Molla and the on-going dialogue between Awami League and the BNP. US embassy in Dhaka spokesperson Kelly McCarthy confirmed the conversation to the Dhaka Tribune. “I can confirm that Secretary Kerry spoke with Sheikh Hasina today (Wednesday) about the current events in Bangladesh,” she said. Prime minister's media Adviser Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury told the Dhaka Tribune: “Secretary Kerry expressed concern over the ongoing political violence in the country.” Quoting Kerry, he said: “While expressing his hope that the country would be able to hold a peaceful election, Kerry welcomed the dialogue between the representative of Awami League and BNP." The conversation comes at a time when United Nations’ Assistant Secretary General Oscar Fernandez-Taranco is mediating talks between the two main political parties in Bangladesh. Earlier in the day, the US embassy in Dhaka issued a statement where it said “goodwill” will lead to free, fair and credible elections.