Kerry urged to take initiatives to resolve Bangladesh’s political turmoil

A group of Congressmen has urged US Secretary of State John Kerry to take initiatives to resolve Bangladesh’s current political crisis.

The eleven members of the Congress in a letter to Kerry on Wednesday expressed their “increasing concern” about the situation in Bangladesh.

They urged Kerry to “work with leaders to find a path away from violence and towards a resolution.”

They said it was unacceptable to use violence to achieve political goal in a democratic country like Bangladesh and that disagreement should be addressed through a peaceful political process.

“At the same time, it is imperative that political leaders ensure space is maintained for those seeking to play a peaceful role in the future of the country,” they said in the letter.

“Without this kind of give and take, government of the people and by the people will be called into questions,” they added.

Founder Chairman of Bangladeshi Caucus in the US House of Representatives Joseph Crowley and ten other members of Congress wrote the letter amid the ongoing violence in Bangladesh that so far killed around 100 people.

The Awami League-led government has been blaming the BNP-led Alliance for the violence unleashed during the blockade and shutdowns enforced by them.

Diplomats of western countries based in Dhaka met BNP chief Khaleda Zia on Wednesday to urge her to take steps to stop violence.

They also emphasised dialogue to resolve political differences.

Democrat and Republican Congressmen and women expressed concern that “the gains made in Bangladesh could be put at risk due to violence and protracted conflict.”

“As friends of Bangladeshi people, we stand strongly behind US and international efforts that support development and democracy in Bangladesh,” they said in the letter.