Violence not the answer, says US

The United States of America has expressed concern over the recent atrocities unleashed by the Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir activists after party leader Delwar Hossain Sayedee was awarded death sentence by the International Crimes Tribunal-1.

Deputy spokesperson of the US State Department, Patrick Ventrell voiced his concerns at a a regular press briefing on Friday evening (local time) in Washington DC.

“Engaging in a peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right; we believe violence is never the answer. We encourage all Bangladeshis to peacefully express their views, and we welcome peaceful efforts by the Government of Bangladesh to help calm the situation,” Ventrell said.

Ventrell expressed hopes that Bangladeshis would voice their views peacefully and that the government would take peaceful steps to calm the situation.

Earlier, State Department (South and Middle Asia) spokesperson Emilly J Horn expressed spoke views to bdnews24.com.

Replying to a query, Ventrel said they believed it was very important to try those who committed war crimes and resorted to barbarism. These trials must be held in a free, neutral, and transparent manner and be consistent with Bangladesh’s obligations under the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights.

When asked whether Bangladesh sought help from the US over the on-going protests demanding execution of war criminals, Ventrell said “Not that I know of”.