The US has termed the recent statement of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President “outrageous and unacceptable”.
Marie Harf, deputy spokesperson of the state department said this at a regular press briefing on Wednesday.
“We have grave concerns about these statements,” Harf said when sought his comment over the statement issued by BGMEA chief.
BGMEA President Atiqul Islam recently said individuals and labor rights activists who directly contact the US Government or Congress should be prosecuted for sedition.
“These statements, if true, are outrageous and unacceptable” Harf said.
Bangladesh enjoys a rich tradition of parliamentary democracy, free speech, free association, and any attempt to muzzle civil society, including through these kinds of means, would be to the determinant of all Bangladeshis, she said.
Atiqul Islam came up with the comment after Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed’s visit to the US on Jun 10.
During his visit, several US Congressmen showed him a letter sent from Bangladesh that alleged torture of workers.
