We appreciate the United States stating that it welcomes measures taken by Bangladesh's interim government to ensure safety and security for all citizens, a statement made by Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the US Department of State.
Simultaneously, we also acknowledge that the US, much like the rest of the world, is closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh.
Indeed, in the wake of the comments made by US Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard earlier this week, this is a welcome change. This is the sort of balanced observation we expect from nations such as the US, which have long been the standard for not only democratic practices, but also of peaceful coexistence and tolerance.
Bangladesh has had a tumultuous few months since the uprising last July and August, and the interim government, while far from perfect, deserves credit for attempting to right many of the persistent wrongs in the country which have existed for decades.
At the same time, we cannot deny that there continue to be elements within the nation, perpetuated by nefarious individuals and parties, that are not aligned with the values this nation is attempting to embrace as it continues its rebuild.
The onus therefore is on the current interim government, and indeed every successive administration, to make us a more stable and peaceful economy, especially for our minority and marginalized populations who continue to be left behind.
It is only when every person in the country feels safe and valued can we begin to speak of progress. And for that, we have a long way to go.
