The United States (US) has urged the protection and promotion of "freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association" for all citizens of Bangladesh, including dissenting and opposition voices.
"Upholding and protecting these freedoms for all Bangladeshis is necessary to ensure a true democratic future for the country," said US Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel during a routine briefing in Washington on Tuesday (12 November).
The official noted that the US regularly communicates this position to all its partners, including the interim government of Bangladesh.
He reiterated the US's commitment to supporting freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association for all, including voices of dissent and the opposition.
"These freedoms, in our point of view, are essential elements of any democracy," he asserted.
Addressing the issue of the interim government's cancellation of press accreditation cards, Vedant Patel remarked that he had not yet seen the reports.
However, he added, "Of course, if it's true, it would be unfortunate," emphasising that it remains their "strong point of view" that a "free and engaged press" is crucial for covering any situation, including the developments in Bangladesh.
Vedant Patel also stressed that press and media freedom hold significant importance for both the US president and the US secretary of state, according to the US Department of State.
"We would encourage and want to ensure that the rights and freedoms of all journalists are being appropriately respected," he concluded.
