US concerned over Bangladesh student protests, Dhaka says ‘look in the mirror’
Bangladesh has slammed the US for making “unsubstantiated” claims about the ongoing student protests in the country, with a minister asking Washington to “look in the mirror” before talking about democracy in other countries.
On Monday, US State Department Spokesperson Mathew Miller expressed concerns about the ongoing protests over quotas for coveted government jobs in Bangladesh.
“We are aware of and are monitoring reports of widespread student protests in Dhaka and around Bangladesh that have killed two and attacked and injured hundreds. The freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are essential building blocks of any thriving democracy, and we condemn any violence against peaceful protesters. Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this violence,” said Miller in reply to a question during a department press briefing.
In response, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry released a statement on Tuesday, stating that no one had died during the student protests.
“Use of unverified information to make such baseless claims can fuel violence and undermine Bangladesh government’s efforts to maintain a peaceful environment to allow non-violent protests or movement,” the Ministry said.
“Freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are “cornerstones of our democracy, and the government remains steadfast to uphold those rights of the citizens while also safeguarding the public property and order,” it added.
In an apparent dig at Washington, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry also mentioned the recent assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump during an election rally in Pennsylvania.
“We are deeply concerned by the incident. Such violence runs against the core values of democracy. The Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Foreign Minister of Bangladesh have separately condemned the attack and sighed (in) relief learning that Mr Trump was safe and recovering,” the Ministry said, adding that “violence doesn’t have any place in democracy and politics”.
“To uphold democracy and democratic values, we are committed to work together with the US,” it added. Further, speaking to Dhaka Tribune, Bangladesh’s Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan called Miller’s remarks “bogus” and “baseless”.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said the US should look in the mirror before talking about democracy in other countries.
After the Ministry’s statement, Bangladesh media reported the death of at least three people during the student protests.
The ties between Bangladesh and the US have been strained recently. The US has been critical of the Awami League government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, over its human rights record and democratic backsliding.
In September 2023, the US imposed sanctions on the country’s elite paramilitary force RAB and seven of its former and current members for alleged human rights abuse and abductions.
Sheikh Hasina has been defiant in the face of US pressure, stating that Bangladesh will not be swayed by external criticism and will maintain its sovereignty. She has also accused the US of double standards regarding democracy, pointing to issues within the US itself.