US urges end to political violence in Bangladesh
WASHINGTON: The United States urged the Bangladesh government on Friday to provide necessary space for peaceful political activity.
State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf told journalists in Washington that the US deplored the “unconscionable attacks” in Bangladesh, including bus burnings, throwing incendiary devices, and train derailments that had killed and wounded innocent victims.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the use of violence for political objectives,” she said.
Ms Harf also urged the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid to “provide the necessary space for peaceful political activity, and for all parties to instruct their members to refrain from violence”.
“The United States is gravely concerned by the ongoing unrest and violence in Bangladesh,” Ms Harf said.
She noted that there was no justification for such actions in a democratic Bangladesh and stressed the need to give all Bangladeshis “the right and the ability to express their views peacefully”.
A month-long, nationwide anti-government protest has paralysed Bangladesh, causing the death of more than 60 people.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party began the protests on Jan 6, marking the first anniversary of the controversial polls it boycotted and the ruling Awami League won.
Published in Dawn, February 7th, 2015
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