Ministers slam US State Department statement as ‘bogus’

Two senior ministers in Bangladesh have condemned a statement of Mathew Miller, spokesperson for the US State Department, in which he claimed that two persons had been killed in clashes during protests for quota reform in public sector jobs.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan told Dhaka Tribune on Tuesday that no one had been killed in the quota reform protests so far.

He termed the State Department statement as “bogus” and “baseless” saying two police sustained injuries when they were tackling a mob but were out of danger now. 

Meanwhile, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, who is also the ruling Awami League’s general secretary, criticized the statement and said the US should look in the mirror before talking about democracy in other countries. 

• Quota reform protests: Dhaka disappointed by Washington’s unverified claims

Miller, replying to Bangladeshi journalist Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, said the US was aware of and was monitoring reports of widespread student protests in Dhaka and around Bangladesh. 

“So we are aware of and are monitoring reports of widespread student protests in Dhaka and around Bangladesh that have killed two and attacked and injured hundreds. The freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are essential building blocks of any thriving democracy, and we condemn any violence against peaceful protesters. Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this violence.”

Dhaka Tribune emailed the US embassy in Dhaka seeking details about the two individuals, as there has been no confirmation of their deaths in Bangladeshi media and it appears to be a rumour.

The embassy did not reply.

However, in response to a question in a WhatsApp group, a spokesperson for the embassy said: “The spokesperson said that we are monitoring reports. We continue to do so. We are always looking for the most accurate information and welcome journalists’ work to uncover the truth.”

The embassy did not clarify where the US had found the information that two individuals had been killed and could not provide their names.