4 US lawmakers assure help to Bangladesh for ensuring reforms, accountability
Four senate members of the US government have assured the Bangladesh government of necessary help in ensuring the nation’s journey towards a democratic system.
The senators made the assurance in a letter written to Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus after the fall of former prime Sheikh Hasina following the events of 5 August.
In the letter, the senators emphasised the need to carry out reforms and maintain accountability.
Besides, the senators also demanded bringing about political and institutional changes in the country.
The letter was published on the website of the Foreign Relations Committee of US Senate yesterday (20 September).
The signatories of the letter are – Committee Chief and Senator Ben Cardin, Senator Chris Murphy, Senator Chris Van Hollen and Senator Jeff Markle.
The letter began with congratulating Dr Yunus for assuming the role of chief adviser of the Bangladesh government.
In the letter, the senators urged the CA to enforce laws strictly and punish the perpetrators of violence on minorities, including the Hindu community and the Rohingya community.
“The world has seen how the Bangladeshi people showed a collective effort to bring about changes in their country. This transformation has created an avenue for carrying out reforms, upholding human rights and ensuring inclusive participation in the state structure,” the letter reads.
“This transformation is a great chance to establish and uphold human rights, including freedom of speech and assembly. The people of Bangladesh have the right to form a government that honours their views and upholds their rights,” the letter added.
In the letter, the senators mentioned the brutal force that law enforcement agencies had unleashed upon the students during the recent movement that toppled the Awami league government.
“We urge the government to conduct an impartial investigation into the incidents of human rights violations by the law enforcement agencies. It is important for keeping the promise of honouring the rights of the protesters and working on their demands,” the letter said.
