Bangladesh Unrest: US Calls For Accountability, Bats For Democratic Principles In Formation Of Interim Govt

As Bangladesh witnessed chaos following the resignation of PM Hasina amid protests, the US welcomed the announcement of the interim government and said that it is monitoring the situation closely.

Bangladesh Protests: Following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid violent anti-quota protests, the United States has welcomed the announcement of the interim government and urge any transition be conducted in accordance with Bangladesh's laws. Speaking to reporters at a news conference, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said that Washington is deeply saddened about the reports of Human Rights abuses, casualties and injuries over the weekend in the past weeks.

Bangladesh descended into chaos as Prime Minister Hasina surreptitiously resigned and fled the country in a military aircraft while the army stepped in to fill the power vacuum by announcing an interim government.

On the current situation in Bangladesh, US State Department Spokesperson, Matthew Miller says, "We have seen the announcement that Prime Minister Hasina has resigned from her position and departed Bangladesh. We are monitoring the situation carefully. The United States stands with the people of Bangladesh. We urge all parties to refrain from further violence. Too many lives have been lost over the past several weeks, and we urge calm and restraint in the days ahead."

"We welcome the announcement of the interim government and urge any transition be conducted in accordance with Bangladesh's laws. We are deeply saddened about the reports of Human Rights abuses, casualties and injuries over the weekend in the past weeks...We want to see the Bangladeshi people decide the future of the Bangladeshi government," he further stated. 

During the press conference, Miller said that the Biden Administration is monitoring the situation carefully and calls for an end to violence and fixing accountability for the deaths that have occurred over the past few weeks.

"All decisions regarding the interim government should be made with respect to democratic principles, rule of law and the will of the Bangladeshi people," he said. "Now, as to what accountability looks like, that's something that should take place under Bangladeshi law. Obviously, anyone responsible for acts of violence, acts that break the law should be held accountable for them," he said.

As the news of Hasina’s departure spread, hundreds broke into her residence, vandalising and looting the interiors, providing dramatic expression to the anti-government protests that have killed more than 300 people in a fortnight. The embattled Bangladeshi leader later in landed at the Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad as part of her plan to go to London.

In response to a question, Miller said he is not aware if the former prime minister Hasina has sought an asylum in the United States.

"With respect to the violence over the past few weeks and the deaths that have occurred, it is vital that we have full and transparent investigations to ensure accountability for these deaths. As relates to the interim government, we think that it's important that we focus on the Bangladeshi people's democratic aspirations and see a path to democratic governance," Miller said.

Highlighting that the US greatly values its relationship with the people of Bangladesh, he said, "We want to see that continued. I would just urge everyone with requests or questions about what the future may entail, we are not even 12 hours out from the reported resignation of the prime minister." Miller said the United States is monitoring the situation in Bangladesh carefully. "The United States stands with the people of Bangladesh. We urge all parties to refrain from further violence. Too many lives have been lost over the course of the past several weeks and we urge calm and restraint in the days ahead," he said.

"We welcome the announcement of an interim government and urge any transition be conducted in accordance with Bangladesh's laws. Finally, we are deeply saddened about the reports of human rights abuses, casualties and injuries over the weekend and past weeks. We share our deepest condolences with those who have lost loved ones and those who are suffering," Miller said.

EU Calls For 'Peaceful' Transition To Democratic Rule 

The European Union has called for an “orderly and peaceful” transition to democratic rule in Bangladesh. In a statement, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said, “The EU calls for calm and restraint. It is vital that an orderly and peaceful transition towards a democratically elected government is ensured, in full respect of human rights and democratic principles”.

"The EU is saddened by the tragic loss of life during the protests in recent days. We take note of the assurances given by General Waker-Uz-Zaman that the situation will be handled in a peaceful manner, and that all unlawful killings will be impartially investigated. Accountability for human rights violations is crucial. Those who have been arbitrarily detained should be released immediately. As a dedicated partner of the people of Bangladesh, the EU remains committed to the country’s prosperity and development," the statement further read.

‘Canada Condemns Human Rights Violation’

Following the unrest in Bangladesh due to anti-quota protests, Canada has “condemned” the violence and expressed its condolences to all those impacted.

“Canada strongly condemns the human rights violations, deaths, torture, arbitrary arrests and lethal force used against the people of Bangladesh in recent weeks. We reiterate our deep condolences to all those impacted,” Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

“During this transition, we urge all parties to respect and uphold democratic institutions and processes and the rule of law. It is vital that all those arrested in recent weeks be accorded due process in the justice system and that a full and impartial investigation be pursued to ensure accountability for crimes committed,” the statement further read.

Joly also said that assuring the maintenance of full Internet access is critical to allow people to access information and connect with their loved ones in Canada and worldwide.

“As a country committed to democracy, inclusive governance and the rule of law, Canada calls for a quick and peaceful return to a democratic and inclusive civilian-led government in Bangladesh. We urge the people of Bangladesh to unite around the principles of freedom and democracy upon which their country was founded, the statement read.

“Respect for fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly, are critical for democratic governance and to build peaceful and prosperous societies,” it added. Minister of Foreign Affairs said that Canada is standing with the people of Bangladesh during these challenging times.