Struggle Online: The U.S. Department of State has spoken several times about Bangladesh and the current political situation following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government.

The U.S. has expressed its opinions on issues such as human rights for Bangladeshi citizens and secularism. After the political changes on August 5, India and most of its media have accused Bangladesh of persecuting minorities. Regarding this issue, an Indian journalist raised a question during a regular briefing at the U.S. State Department.

On Monday (November 18), during the regular press briefing in Washington, the Indian journalist questioned about the disruption of the Awami League's rallies, alleged persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, the arrest of journalists, and the cancellation of press accreditation cards.

He mentioned hearing reports of organized attacks on peaceful Awami League gatherings, public assaults on women, attacks on minorities, arrests of journalists, and the cancellation of press accreditation cards. Critics of Bangladesh’s interim government have stated that the students’ revolution on August 5 is bringing the country back to the place from where it all started. The journalist inquired whether there had been any discussions with the interim government of Bangladesh, led by Dr. Yunus, regarding these issues.

In response, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that he would not discuss what has been said at the diplomatic level with the Bangladesh government. However, he clarified that the United States has made it clear to Yunus’s government that they support the right to peaceful protest and absolutely do not want the government to engage in violent repression of peaceful demonstrations.