International community stresses continuation of democracy, protection of human rights in Bangladesh

Several countries, including the US, Russia, Canada and the UN, issued statements following the regime change in the country on Monday.

They urge protecting the lives and properties of people and ensuring the continuation of democracy.

All decisions regarding the interim government should be made with respect to democratic principles, rule of law, and the will of the Bangladeshi people, said a US spokesperson describing the US position on the recent regime change in Bangladesh.

“Our condolences, of course, go out to those who have been hurt in the violence over the past few weeks. We are focused now on supporting an end to the violence and for accountability,” said State Department Spokesperson Miller on early Tuesday.

“What we are calling for today is an end to the violence and for accountability. Now, as to what accountability looks like, that’s something that should take place under Bangladeshi law. Obviously, anyone responsible for acts of violence, acts that break the law, should be held accountable for them,” he said while responding to a question.

Mr Miller also pointed out that, with respect to the violence over the past few weeks and the deaths that have occurred, it is vital that we have full and transparent investigations to ensure accountability for these deaths.

“As it relates to the interim government, as I made clear in my opening remarks, we think that it is important that we focus on the Bangladeshi people’s democratic aspirations and see a path to democratic governance”.

Responding to a question that whether America support the Bangladeshi military to install a caretaker government, the US spokesperson said, “We want to see the Bangladeshi people decide the future of the Bangladeshi Government.”

Asked whether the US have any concern that an interim role could become more than an interim role, Mr Miller said, “So let me answer that two ways. One, with respect to their role over the past several days, we have seen the reports that the army resisted calls to crack down on the protesters, and if those reports are true, certainly that is something that we would encourage. We don’t – we made clear I think for several weeks now that people have a legitimate right to protest and to peacefully assemble, and we opposed any kind of violent crackdown. So if it is true, in fact, that the army resisted calls to crack down on lawful protesters, that would be a positive development”.

“With respect to where we go from here, what we want to see is democratic order. We want to see the Bangladeshi people choose their own government, and that’s what we’ll be looking for in the days and weeks ahead,” the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, the Russian foreign ministry, in a statement, said, “On August 5, Bangladeshi media reported the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her cabinet, which was preceded by mass protest rallies whose participants demanded to bring to justice the officials responsible for deadly anti-government student protests in July.”

“The situation in the country is controlled by the Bangladeshi Army. A transitional government is expected to be formed soon.

According to our Embassy in Dhaka, no injuries of Russian citizens were reported.”

“Moscow operates on the premise that changes in the Bangladeshi government constitute an internal affair of that country. However, we look forward to the internal political processes in that friendly country returning to the constitutional norms as soon as possible,"  said the statement.

Meanwhile, Canadian foreign minister Mélanie Joly, in a statement on Tuesday, said that, as a country committed to democracy, inclusive governance, and the rule of law, Canada calls for a quick and peaceful return to a democratic and inclusive civilian-led government in Bangladesh. We urge the people of Bangladesh to unite around the principles of freedom and democracy upon which their country was founded.

“Canada strongly condemns the human rights violations, deaths, torture, arbitrary arrests, and lethal force used against the people of Bangladesh in recent weeks. We reiterate our deep condolences to all those impacted.

“During this transition, we urge all parties to respect and uphold democratic institutions and processes and the rule of law. It is vital that all those arrested in recent weeks be accorded due process in the justice system and that a full and impartial investigation be pursued to ensure accountability for crimes committed,” he said.

“Assuring the maintenance of full Internet access is critical to allowing people to access information and connect with their loved ones in Canada and worldwide.

“Respect for fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly, is critical for democratic governance and to building peaceful and prosperous societies.

“Canada stands with the people of Bangladesh during these challenging times.”

Meanwhile, the UN, in its statement, said the Secretary-General deplores the further loss of life during protests in Bangladesh over the weekend.

 “He continues to closely follow developments in the country, including the Chief of Army Staff’s announcement regarding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and plans for the formation of an interim government,” said a UN spokesperson.

He urges calm and restraint from all sides and emphasises the importance of a peaceful, orderly and democratic transition.

“The Secretary-General stands in full solidarity with the people of Bangladesh and calls for the full respect of their human rights. He continues to underscore the need for a full, independent, impartial and transparent investigation into all acts of violence.”

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com