The Biden Administration has said that an interim government in Bangladesh which has descended into chaos after the sudden resignation of PM Sheikh Hasina amid violent anti-quota protests should be formed according to democratic principles, rule of law and the will of the Bangladeshi people. “We want to see the Bangladeshi people decide the future of the Bangladeshi government,” the State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller told reporters at his daily news conference.
Bangladesh descended into chaos as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina surreptiously resigned and fled in a military aircraft while the army stepped in to fill the power vacuum by announcing an interim government. As the news of Shiekh Hasina’s departure spread, hundreds broke into her residence, vandalising and looting the interiors, providing dramatic expression to the anti-government protests that have killed more than 300 people in a fortnight.
The embattled Bangladeshi leader later landed at the Hindon Airbase in Ghaziababd as part of her plan to go to London. Miller told the press conference that the United States of America is monitoring the situation very closely and calls for an end to the violence and fixing accountability for the deaths that have occurred over the past few weeks.
“All decisions regarding the interim government should be made with respect to democratic principles, rule of law and the will of the Bangladeshi people,” he said. “Now as to what accountability looks like that’s something that should take place under Bangladeshi law. Obviously, anyone responsible for the acts of violence, acts that break the law should be held accountable for them.
In a response to a question, Miller said he is unaware of the former Prime Minister Hasina has sought asylum in United States of America (USA). “With respect to the violence over the past few weeks and the deaths that have occurred, it is vital that we have full and transparent investigations to ensure the accountability of these deaths. As relates to the interim government we think that it’s important that we focus on the Bangladeshi people’s democratic aspirations and see a path to democratic governance.
Noting that the US greatly values its democratic relationship with the people of Bangladesh, he said, “We want to see that continued. I would just urge everyone with requests about what the future might entail, we are not even 12 hours out from the reported resignation of the Prime Minister.” Miller said that US is monitoring situation very closely in Bangladesh carefully. The United States stands with the people of Bangladesh. “We urge all parties to refrain from the further violence. Too many lives have been lost over the course of the past several weeks and we urge calm and restraint in the days ahead,” he said.
We welcome the announcement of an interim government and urge any transition be conducted in accordance with Islamic laws. Finally, we are deeply saddened about the reports of the human rights abuses, casualties, and injuries over the weekend and past weeks We share our deepest condolences with those who have lost their loved ones and those who are suffering,” Miller said.
The United States has long called for respecting democratic rights in Bangladesh and we urge that the interim government formation be democratic and inclusive, the spokesperson said. Adding further, he said that the United States commend the Army for the restraint they have shown today. “We encourage all parties to refrain from further violence and restore peace as quickly as possible.”
“We express our deep concern and sadness about the report of casualties and injures over the weekend and past weeks and we share our deepest condolences with those who lost their loved ones and are those who are suffering. It will be vital for the new government to carefully and credibly investigate all attacks and provide accountability and justice for the victims, the spokesperson said,” he said.
