The United States has called upon the government of Bangladesh to provide space necessary for peaceful political activity and urged all political parties to instruct their members to refrain from violence.
“All Bangladeshis must have the right and the ability to express their views peacefully,” said a statement issued yesterday by US Department of State Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf.
The US expressed grave concern over the ongoing unrest and deplored the “unconscionable” attacks, including bus burnings, throwing of incendiary devices, and train derailments that have killed and wounded innocent victims. The Dhaka Tribune estimates that as of yesterday some 62 people had been killed during the month-long political upheaval.
Some 119 burn victims were hospitalised, of whom 9 ultimately succumbed to their injuries.
Fourteen people were killed in “shoot outs” with law enforcement personnel. Some 956 vehicles were torched and 10 incidents of trains being derailed had taken place across the country.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the use of violence for political objectives. There is simply no justification for such actions in a democratic Bangladesh,” the US government statement said.
Nasim plays down concerns
Awami League Presidium Member Mohammed Nasim yesterday said concerns expressed by foreign countries over the ongoing violence in Bangladesh was “routine work.”
He made the remarks on behalf of the Awami League-led 14-party alliance at AL president Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s office in Dhanmondi, following a statement from the US State Department expressing concern over the situation in Bangladesh.
