At a US State Department briefing, the topic of Bangladesh was once again brought to the forefront.
The discussion arose when a journalist inquired about recent extremist threats and the arrests of journalists in the country.
However, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce refrained from offering a direct response to the question. Instead, she emphasised that the Trump administration and the US Secretary of State remain fully committed to resolving such matters through diplomatic means.
During the regular press briefing on Monday (24 March), Bruce responded to the journalist's query by steering the conversation towards broader diplomatic principles.
The journalist had raised concerns regarding Bangladesh’s military chief's warning about an impending Islamist extremist attack, as well as the country’s stance on counterterrorism.
Additionally, the question addressed the imprisonment of journalists under the government of Dr Muhammad Yunus and the broader implications for press freedom in Bangladesh.
In her response, Bruce stated, "Yes, all right. The questions we face often pertain to how we engage with other nations, how we regard them as friends, and what we expect in return. If we consider them our allies, we must focus on the most significant aspects—diplomatic relations."
She further asserted that the current US administration, including the Secretary of State, is dedicated to diplomatic resolutions.
"Fortunately, we have an administration and a Secretary of State who are fully committed to diplomatic solutions. He engages in direct conversations with our friends worldwide, which certainly has an impact on our collective strength."
Tammy Bruce also underscored the US government’s expectations regarding human rights and governance in allied nations.
"And our President—who is known for taking matters seriously—recognises that we expect every country, including Bangladesh and others, to adhere to human rights standards. Citizens should be aware of what they can fairly anticipate from their governments."
The remarks came amidst growing international scrutiny over Bangladesh’s political and security landscape, particularly concerning press freedom and counterterrorism measures.
The US continues to stress diplomatic engagement while maintaining expectations of adherence to democratic norms and human rights obligations.
