US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller
Washington: The US has said that an interim government should be formed in Bangladesh while respecting democratic values, the rule of law and the will of the Bangladeshi people. “We want to see the people of Bangladesh determine the future of the government of Bangladesh,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in his daily press conference in Washington. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s sudden resignation and departure from the country amid violent anti-reservation protests in Bangladesh has created a state of chaos. In Dhaka, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman has said that an interim government is going to take over and the army will take the responsibility of maintaining law and order in the country. As soon as the news of Hasina leaving the country came, thousands of protesters broke into her residence and vandalized and looted it. Later, Hasina landed at Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad in India as part of her plan to go to London.
‘Accountability must be fixed for deaths’
Miller told reporters that the US is closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh and calls for an end to the violence in the country and accountability for the deaths in the last few weeks. “All decisions regarding the interim government should be made with respect for democratic values, the rule of law and the will of the Bangladeshi people,” he said. “Now, what that accountability should be, that should be determined under Bangladeshi law. Obviously, anyone responsible for acts of violence, acts that violate the law, should be held accountable,” Miller said.
‘Explore the possibilities of democratic governance’
Responding to a question, Miller said he was not aware whether former Prime Minister Hasina had sought asylum from the US. He said, “Given the violence and deaths in the last few weeks, it is imperative that we conduct a full and transparent investigation to ensure accountability for these deaths. As far as the interim government is concerned, we believe it is important that we focus on the democratic aspirations of the Bangladeshi people and explore the possibilities of democratic governance.”
‘America gives importance to the relationship’
Miller stressed that the US attaches great importance to its relationship with the people of Bangladesh. He said, “We want to continue that. For those who are asking questions and want to know what the future holds, I would urge you to remember that not even 12 hours have passed since Prime Minister Hasina resigned.” Miller said that the US is carefully monitoring the situation in Bangladesh. He said, “The US stands with the people of Bangladesh. We urge all parties to refrain from further violence. Too many lives have been lost over the past several weeks and we urge calm and restraint in the days ahead.”
‘The change of power should be done according to the laws of Bangladesh’
Miller said, “We welcome the announcement of the formation of an interim government and urge that any transition of power be done in accordance with the laws of Bangladesh. We are deeply saddened by the reports of human rights violations, loss of lives and injuries in the country over the past few weeks. We express our deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones and who are suffering the brunt of violence.”
Bangladesh scorched in the fire of violence
In the last two days, more than 100 people have been killed in protests against the Hasina government. Student protests in Bangladesh began last month against the controversial job reservation scheme. This protest later turned into an anti-government movement. Under this controversial reservation system, a provision of 30 percent reservation in government jobs was made for the families of those who participated in the Liberation War of 1971. (Language)
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