Cease violence immediately, John Kerry to opposition

US Secretary of State John Kerry has condemned the targeting of civilians by political parties in Bangladesh and called upon the opposition to immediately halt such attacks.

He stated there could be “no tolerance” for tactics that target innocent citizens or “inhibit political expression” in a democratic Bangladesh.

He made the appeal in his first meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali in Washington on Thursday.

The two leaders met at the US Department of State on the sidelines of the White House-sponsored international summit on countering violent extremism.

A State Department spokesperson told bdnews24.com that they discussed the current situation in Bangladesh, along with the bilateral relationship, and other regional issues.

The BNP and its allies are enforcing a violent nationwide transport blockade and a series of shutdowns, marking the first anniversary of last year's parliamentary elections that it had boycotted.

More than 100 people have been killed, most of them in firebomb attacks on public vehicles.

The secretary called for government action to end the recent violence peacefully, and underscored the government’s role in ensuring peaceful political expression for all parties.

He also emphasised the need for a free and fair media that plays a constructive role in ensuring human rights.

“He condemned the targeting of civilians by political parties and stressed the need for opposition parties to cease such attacks immediately,” according to the spokesperson.

He stated, “there can be no tolerance for tactics that target innocent citizens or inhibit political expression in a democratic Bangladesh”.

He reiterated the US support to help achieve a political solution that returns Bangladesh to its democratic foundations.

He conveyed his “appreciation” for the close relations the US shares with Bangladesh.

They discussed Bangladesh’s economic growth and gains in development, as well as shared efforts to address climate change and improve labour conditions.

The Secretary noted “increasing” strategic importance of Bangladesh in the region and underscored the need to protect Bangladesh’s fundamental freedoms.

Bangladesh foreign ministry said the two leaders agreed that “violence has no space in a democracy, and condemned the mindless violence and extremism in the name of ideology or political expression”.

They discussed a range of US-Bangladesh bilateral issues.

They expressed their satisfaction at the current level of cooperation and acknowledged that the bilateral relation was going from “strength to strength”.

Kerry applauded Bangladesh for its huge success in the socio-economic fields and said the US would be happy to continue expanding its cooperation with Bangladesh.

They agreed to work together on a number of global issues, including climate change, countering violent extremism, terrorism, peacekeeping, human security, and disaster preparedness.

Kerry particularly expressed “deep interest” to work with Bangladesh in fighting climate change.

Ali requested Kerry to expedite repatriation of Rashed Chowdhury, one of the convicted killers of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who is reportedly hiding in the US.

Kerry responded “very positively” when Ali invited him to Bangladesh, and said that he would love to make the visit “at the earliest opportunity”.

Bangladesh Ambassador to US M Ziauddin, Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque and foreign ministry’s Director General (Americas) Mahfuzur Rahman accompanied the minister.

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal assisted the secretary of state.