US Congress worried over Bangladesh

A US Congress sub-committee has expressed concern over Bangladesh’s political uncertainty, shutdown, violence, and attack on religious minorities before the upcoming national election.

The US Congress Foreign Affairs Sub-committee held a hearing on the prevailing turmoil of Bangladesh at BDST 2.45am on Thursday titled “Bangladesh in Turmoil: A nation on the brink?”

Steve Chabot, chairman of the Sub-Committee on Asia and the Pacific, chaired the hearing.

Dr Ali Riaz, a public policy scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Centre, president of Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies AMN Muniruzzaman, and John Stifton, Asia Advocacy Director of Human Rights Watch, took part as panel speakers.

Chabot shared his experience of his visit to Dhaka on Nov 5-6.

During his visit, Chabot was witness to Opposition shutdown and violence.

It appeared to him that Bangladesh was passing through a political crisis.

Chabot said he felt after his meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Opposition Leader Khaleda Zia that both leaders were steadfast in their own positions.

It was not certain yet whether the Opposition would take part in the polls, the Sub-Committee Chairman said.

The US Congressman apprehends Bangladesh's political stability would be at stake if the violence continued till the election.

The office of House Committee on foreign affairs' chairman Ed Royce expressed concern over the recent attack on minorities in Bangladesh.

Citing the example of Pakistan, he asked the government to be watchful over Madarassa education and the rise of fundamentalism.

Royce said Bangladesh should take immediate steps to prevent the spread of militancy.