The United States has called for calm in Bangladesh and is urging that the formation of an interim government be both democratic and inclusive. This call for restraint follows the recent resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has left the country amid ongoing unrest.
The White House and the US Department of State have each emphasised the need for all parties to avoid further violence and work towards restoring peace. The State Department’s spokesperson, Matthew Miller, expressed concern over the situation, stating, “We are monitoring the situation carefully.
The United States stands with the people of Bangladesh. We urge all parties to refrain from further violence. Too many lives have been lost over the past several weeks, and we urge calm and restraint in the days ahead.”
This situation follows a series of violent protests in Bangladesh that began over job quotas and escalated into a broader movement demanding the resignation of Hasina. The Army Chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, announced Hasina’s resignation on television and indicated that an interim government would be established.
The US has welcomed the formation of this interim government but has stressed that the process must adhere to democratic principles. The White House National Security Council praised the army for their restraint and urged all sides to focus on peace. “We encourage all parties to refrain from further violence and restore peace as quickly as possible,” a spokesperson from the National Security Council stated.
The US State Department has also conveyed condolences for those affected by the recent violence and emphasised the need for accountability and the protection of democratic values. “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,” Miller said. He added that decisions about the interim government should respect the democratic process, the rule of law, and the will of the Bangladeshi people.
Sheikh Hasina’s resignation comes after a brutal crackdown on demonstrations that saw hundreds of people killed and many more injured. The unrest began as protests against job quotas and grew into a widespread demand for Hasina’s removal. Earlier in the year, the US had already criticised the Bangladeshi elections, labelling them as neither free nor fair and condemning the violence that occurred.
US State Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has also called for a balanced interim government that can quickly arrange democratic elections. In a statement on social media, Schumer remarked, “PM Hasina’s violent reaction to legitimate protests made her continued rule untenable. I applaud the brave protestors and demand justice for those killed. It’s critical to establish a balanced interim government that respects the rights of all and sets up democratic elections swiftly.”
Local media reported that at least 95 people, including 14 police officers, died in clashes in Dhaka on Sunday. Protests and celebrations have continued across Dhaka, with some protesters expressing relief and support for Hasina’s resignation.
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