Washington wants security of all during national polls

A group of US lawmakers has sent a strong message that Washington is closely watching developments on the ground in Bangladesh, as the country prepares for national election later this month, and stands firmly in support of the rights and security of all citizens, regardless of their faith.

Washington-based Liberty South Asia, an independent organisation supporting religious freedom and political pluralism in South Asia, said this in a statement.

It strongly supported the resolution introduced by Republican Congressman Jim Banks and co-sponsored by Democrat Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard titled “Expressing concern about the threat posed to democracy and the democratic process by theocratic groups operating in Bangladesh”.

“When Bangladesh secured its independence in 1971, its founders enshrined in the constitution freedom of religion as a fundamental human right,” said Liberty South Asia founder Seth Oldmixon, who served as a US Peace Corps volunteer in Bangladesh.

Oldmixon termed the resolution “an important reminder of how much is at stake in Bangladesh's upcoming elections”.

This resolution, which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the US House of Representatives on November 20, focuses on the radical organisations, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Chhatra Shibir, Hefazat-e-Islam and other extremist groups, saying they pose threat to Bangladesh's stability and secular democracy.

Earlier on Thursday (Nov 28), Philadelphia-based Middle East Forum (MEF) congratulated Congressman Jim Banks and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard on offering the resolution.

Jamaat-e-Islami is an influential and dangerous Islamist group with a long history of violence. MEF's research has revealed that its front-groups raise millions in the United States and employ lobbyists in the Capitol, according to the MEF news available in its website.