The United States (US) supports the rights of Bangladeshis to exercise fundamental freedoms, including free expression and peaceful assembly, said the US Department of State regarding the recent banning of Chhatra League - the student wing of the ousted Awami League.
The interim government designated Chhatra League as a terrorist organisation and the decision, to ban it was made in the interest of public security, law and order, and the nation's welfare, placing the Chhatra League under formal proscription due to alleged terrorist activities.
In response to this development, the matter of using anti-terrorism legislation against Chhatra League members was raised during a press briefing at the United States Department of State.
Addressing the issue, Washington reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the people of Bangladesh enjoy fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression.
On Monday, (28 October) State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller addressed these concerns in a regular press conference in response to a journalist’s query.
Further in the briefing, the discussion shifted to the dismissal of 252 sub-inspectors (SIs) on disciplinary grounds, as well as accusations of siphoning off $17 billion by billionaires closely affiliated with Sheikh Hasina's previous government, according to Bangladesh's central bank. These funds were reportedly channelled out of the banking sector and moved overseas.
A question was raised regarding the dismissal of 252 SIs from the 40th cadet batch trained at the Rajshahi Police Academy on disciplinary charges, with allegations that all Hindu officers were dismissed as part of the process.
The journalist enquired about the State Department's position on alleged religious discrimination within Bangladesh's law enforcement recruitment. In response, Miller stated, “I have not seen such reports, but we oppose religious discrimination in any form, whether in Bangladesh or elsewhere in the world."
The same journalist later queried the State Department’s role in supporting inclusive, discrimination-free recruitment within Bangladesh's civil services. Miller declined to comment further, stating he had nothing to add beyond previous statements.
When asked if these instances of alleged discrimination might impact US-Bangladesh relations, Miller remarked, “You are asking me to hypothetically comment on a report I haven’t seen, and I will refrain from providing a speculative answer.”
The issue of using anti-terrorism laws against members of Chhatra League was raised next. The journalist highlighted that Bangladesh's police have been arresting Chhatra League affiliates under anti-terrorism legislation for participating in protests, following the group’s recent ban. In response, Miller affirmed that Washington supports the rights of Bangladeshis to exercise their fundamental freedoms, including free expression and peaceful assembly.
He reiterated that this principle should remain unaltered, regardless of which political party is in power, adding that this stance has been clearly conveyed in bilateral discussions and public statements alike.
Towards the close of the briefing, a journalist inquired about a recent visit to Washington by Bangladesh’s foreign secretary in the last week of October.
During this trip, the foreign secretary engaged with Deputy Secretary Verma, Under Secretary John Bass, Assistant Secretary Donald Lu, as well as the NSC and the Global Anti-Corruption Commission.
Seeking further insight, the journalist asked for an assessment of the meetings’ importance and the state of US-Bangladesh relations. Miller responded, saying, “I don’t have any further updates to share on that matter.”
Finally, the topic of $17 billion in alleged financial misappropriations involving tycoons linked to Sheikh Hasina’s administration was broached.
Citing a Financial Times report, the journalist highlighted that the Governor of Bangladesh's central bank has described this sum, siphoned from the banking sector, as one of the largest financial heists in history.
The journalist asked how the US might assist in recovering these funds and holding those responsible accountable.
The briefing concluded with Miller extending congratulations to the journalist, who disclosed that it was their last day in the briefing room, as they have accepted an ambassadorial role offered by Bangladesh’s interim government.
