Critics have accused Bangladesh of recent political unrest, attacks on minorities and interference with freedom of speech. India in particular has always expressed their concern. The United States has urged all political parties and organizations to ensure the right to protest and assembly.
On Monday, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller answered various questions from reporters at a regular press briefing.
In response to a journalist's question about the disruption of an Awami League political rally, the beating of some people and reports of violence against protesters and minorities, Mathew Miller said, 'We have made it clear to the Bangladesh government that we are in favor of the right to peaceful protest. No government can use violence against peaceful protesters.'
He added, 'The US administration sends the same message to countries around the world—the right to peaceful protest is fundamental and should not be suppressed.' However, he expressed inability to give details about any specific diplomatic talks with the Interim Government of Bangladesh in this regard.
Bangladesh's attorney general has proposed removing the word 'secularism' from the constitution, a journalist noted, amid growing attacks on religious minorities in the country. When asked about this, Matthew Miller said, “I will discuss it in our office and see if we have a say in this matter.”
Critics of the interim government are talking about the recent student movement in Bangladesh known as the 'Monsoon Revolution' and the fear that it will lead the country back to its initial state of instability. Foreign Office Deputy Spokesperson Vedanta Patel also criticized it. Asked whether there has been any communication with the Bangladesh government or not, spokesperson Matthew Miller said that the situation is being closely monitored.
