The United States welcomes the ongoing efforts of the interim government of Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
A spokesperson for the US State Department made this information in response to a question from Voice of America Bangla on Tuesday (December 3).
Expressing concern over the alleged inaction of the interim government on the safety of minority communities, the US State Department said in an email message, "We condemn any violence or intolerance against members of minority communities and welcome the ongoing efforts of the interim government to ensure the safety of all citizens of Bangladesh."
The US position on allegations of persecution of minority communities in Bangladesh was sought. In response, the State Department said, "The United States supports the fundamentals of freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression, and the right to peaceful assembly and association. We consistently support the rights of the interim government of Bangladesh and our other partners to uphold these rights."
The US State Department also highlighted the designation of ISKCON as a 'terrorist organization' in Bangladesh and the ongoing legal complications of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari.
The spokesperson noted that the Bangladesh government should resolve these issues in light of its constitutional and legal rights. We urge Bangladesh, like all other countries, to uphold freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and religion or belief.
Tensions have increased between Bangladesh and India over the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das and reports of Hindu persecution in Bangladesh. Responding to a question about the US role in strengthening regional security amid these incidents, the spokesperson said, "We deeply value our relations with both Bangladesh and India. We leave the issue of their diplomatic relations to the respective governments."