Wholesale sanctions on Bangladesh currently unwarranted: US Congressman Meeks

US Congressman Gregory W Meeks has said he looks forward to working to help address human rights and democracy challenges in Bangladesh, including ensuring that the country's next elections are free and fair.

"I continue to support the strengthening of the US-Bangladesh relationship and look forward to working to help address human rights and democracy challenges in the country, including ensuring that the country's next elections are free and fair," he said in a statement issued today.

Meeks, who is also chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said he believes sanctions can be most useful when they are targeted and does not believe wholesale sanctions on Bangladesh are currently warranted.

However, he said, he strongly supports the Biden Administration's designation of the Rapid Action Battalion and several of its current and former members under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights and Accountability Act for human rights violations.

A diplomatic source said Meeks statement was issued as there were some misleading media reporting on his speech delivered at a fundraising programme in New York regarding the US sanctions against Rab in Bangladesh.

"Meeks basically clarified his position," the source said.

The Biden administration on December 10 imposed sanctions against Rab and seven of its current and former top officials in relation to extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.