Political violence: A journo behind US statement
A journalist in the US is responsible for the US voicing concerns over the recent political rallies in Bangladesh, Foreign Minister Abdul Momen said yesterday.
"He instigates them," Momen told reporters after attending a seminar in Inani of Cox's Bazar.
The minister, however, did not mention the name of the journalist.
"The journalist has access to the White House and the UN. He questions promptly whenever there is an issue in Bangladesh and gets response. He [the journalist] even writes the answer. Possibly for that, the US is so prompt," he said, reports Ajker Patrika.
At a press briefing on Tuesday, US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price expressed concern about reports of intimidation, political violence, police harassment, arrests of opposition party members and restrictions on the ability of the opposition parties to meet and hold peaceful rallies.
A similar statement was issued yesterday by US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas who stressed on the right of all for peaceful demonstrations.
On Wednesday, 15 foreign missions issued a joint statement ahead of the International Human Rights Day on December 10 that also coincides with the scheduled BNP rally.
Momen said the US and Bangladesh do not want violence.
"We will maintain maximum restraint. The US also does not allow big rallies on the streets or in front of the White House. They will not allow any public meeting on the streets of Manhattan in New York. There is a rule, a system."
He said all people in Bangladesh have the right to speech. It is a free country.
"If you listen to the discussions on YouTube, talk shows and TV channels … the government has not prevented anyone from speaking…we believe in freedom of speech. There are few countries that have so much freedom like Bangladesh."
On travel advisory by the US and UK, Momen said the situation in the country is not bad at all. Some may issue such alerts to create panic.
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