'Protecting freedoms for Bangladeshis necessary to ensure democratic future,' says US

The United States raised concerns following the arrest of hundreds of workers and supporters of the Awami League, the political party of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a major crackdown ahead of a planned protest in Dhaka. The protest was organised to oppose the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus .

The US State Department stressed the importance of protecting freedom of expression, even for dissenting voices, within a democracy.

Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel, in response to a question during a briefing, said, "Upholding and protecting freedoms for Bangladeshis is necessary to ensure a true democratic future."

He further said, "We support the freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association for all, including dissenting and opposition voices. These freedoms and our point of view are essential elements of any democracy. We routinely communicate that support to all our partners, including the ever-interim government of Bangladesh. And upholding and protecting these freedoms for all Bangladeshis is necessary to ensure a true democratic future."

Ahead of the protest, Dhaka has been heavily fortified, with 191 platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) deployed across the city and surrounding areas. Authorities have denied permission for the Awami League to hold the demonstration, which was scheduled for 3 pm on Sunday.

The situation in Bangladesh has been tense since August 5, when a student-led movement forced Sheikh Hasina to flee to India, following weeks of protests and clashes that resulted in over 600 deaths. An interim government, led by Yunus, was then established.

The political unrest has been accompanied by rising violence, including attacks targeting minorities. The international community, including the United Nations and human rights organizations, has expressed concern and urged the interim government to take immediate action.

Amnesty International also voiced its concern regarding the escalating violence. In a statement on X, Amnesty International South Asia’s Regional Office said, "Bangladesh: Authorities must swiftly and impartially investigate and hold accountable, perpetrators of the attacks on people perceived to be part of the Awami League at Zero Point on Sunday. Attacking people for their political beliefs is a violation of their right to freedom of expression and association and authorities must take action to protect and foster these rights of all people, regardless of their political affiliations."

The call for an investigation follows reports of post-election violence, where opposition party supporters allegedly targeted Awami League members. The violence has raised alarms about the political climate and human rights situation in Bangladesh.