On Tuesday, 16th July, Bangladesh slammed the US State Department for making claims of 2 student deaths amid violence in the country. The Bangladesh authorities stated that the US was making unverified claims and that such ‘baseless claims’ could fuel violence.
As per the statement shared by Wion journalist Sidhant Sibal, Dhaka said, “Use of unverified information to make such baseless claims can fuel violence.”
“The US in media made unsubstantiated claims of at least two deaths amid the ongoing protest in Bangladesh. Such statements can undermine Bangladesh’s efforts to maintain a peaceful environment to allow non-violent protests or movements. Freedom of Expression and peaceful assembly are cornerstones of our democracy and the government remains steadfast in upholding the rights of the citizens and public property and order,” the diplomat said.
After US raises violence issues in Bangladesh, Bangladesh hits back. Says,"Recently witnessed with horror an attempt on the life of former US Prez Donald Trump during a peaceful rally in Pennsylvania, USA. We are deeply concerned by the incident" https://t.co/PHZN7uuY4c
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 16, 2024
“Violence does not have any place in the democracy and politics. We have recently witnessed the horror and attempt on the life of former US president Donald Trump during a peaceful rally in the USA. We are deeply concerned by the incident. Such violence runs against the core value of democracy. Our Prime Minister and Foreign Minister have separately condemned the attack,” she added.
It is important to note that students at Dhaka University are protesting against quotas for government jobs.
The statement came hours after, the US claimed that two students had died during the current student protests in Dhaka. “We are aware of and are monitoring reports of widespread student protests in Dhaka and around Bangladesh that have killed two and attacked and injured hundreds,” US Department of State Spokesperson Mathew Miller said at a regular media briefing in Washington on Monday, July 15th.
When asked for specific information from the US Embassy in Dhaka, acting Spokesperson Leonard Hill said on Tuesday morning that the statement was based on “monitoring reports” that included the injuries and deaths.
“We are always looking for the most accurate information and welcome journalists’ work to uncover the truth,” he said. Spokesperson Miller stated that “freedom of expression and peaceful assembly” are critical components of any thriving democracy.
“We condemn any violence directed at peaceful protesters. Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by this violence,” he stated during the briefing.
However, Dhaka stated that there were no such incidents reported.
