US Worried about Violence, Intimidation at Bangladesh Demonstrations

The United States is worried about reports of political violence and intimidation during protests against Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina over the weekend, according to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller on Monday.

On Saturday, police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at opposition party supporters who were hurling stones and calling for Hasina to quit and the holding of the next elections under an impartial caretaker government.

"We encourage the government of Bangladesh to investigate reports of violence thoroughly, transparently and impartially, and to hold the perpetrators of violence to account," Miller said.

Miller urged Bangladesh to create a safe environment for people to peacefully assemble and for all parties to "refrain from violence, harassment and intimidation," noting the upcoming elections.

"Free and fair elections depend on the commitment of everyone - voters, political parties, youth wings, and police, and cannot take place in an environment of political violence," he said.

After allegations of vote-rigging and the repression of the opposition marred elections in 2014 and 2018, Washington declared in May that it will restrict visas for Bangladeshis who damage the democratic process at home. Government under Hasina has refuted the accusations.

Hasina, who has maintained strict control since becoming office in 2009, has been charged with authoritarianism, violating human rights, stifling free expression, and stifling criticism while imprisoning her detractors.

Source: Reuters