'ists must have a work environment without fear'

The US State Department has called on the authorities to ensure journalists in Bangladesh receive fair trials and all possible protections they deserve in order to avoid reprisals and to ensure safety while doing journalism in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh

own reporter

2024-08-29

The US State Department has called on the authorities to ensure journalists in Bangladesh receive fair trials and all possible protections they deserve in order to avoid reprisals and to ensure safety while doing journalism in Bangladesh.

Washington's comments came in the context of the arrest and conviction of public journalists after the interim government took over.

The United States has also called for ensuring that over half a million people who have been convicted so far in hundreds of cases have their rights upheld in the legal process.

When asked for the US State Department's comment on the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, a spokesperson explained their position in a written statement.

After the change of power, former government ministers, judges, various levels of law enforcement, administration, businessmen, intellectuals, journalists, teachers, players, artists and activists at all levels of Awami League are now accused. From the anti-discrimination student movement to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, cases are being filed against them for 'excessive force' and 'shooting incidents' on the students.

“We encourage a fair and impartial legal process to ensure a fair trial for all, including former officials and journalists,” said the US State Department spokesperson. We call on the authorities to ensure that journalists receive a fair trial and all possible protections they deserve, especially in order to avoid reprisals and to ensure safety while doing journalism.”

Shakil Ahmed and Farzana Rupa, a couple known as pro-Awami journalists, are on remand after being arrested in two murder cases. Both worked in television in the 1970s.

The opposition has been accusing this journalist couple of campaigning on behalf of Awami League. They lost their jobs and were arrested after the formation of the interim government in Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, more than half a hundred cases have been filed against Awami League president and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who fled to India. Describing as his 'friends', leaders of former Awami League government partners are also being arrested.

Many of the arrested are being taken to court, remanded. In these cases, there is an expression of public anger, the accused are being attacked. Apart from this, there are reports of attacks on Awami League leaders and activists in different areas.

In this regard, the spokesperson of the US State Department said, “We welcome the initiative taken by the chief adviser, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, to stop the recent violence and establish peace.

“We are encouraged by the interim government's priority of restoring security and the rule of law.”

Regarding the law and order situation, he said, “We have come to know that many policemen have returned to the police station and the army is assisting them.

“As I said earlier, we are ready to work with the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. This government is working to outline the future of equality, unity and democracy for the people of Bangladesh.”

A large population in the southeastern part of the country is affected by floods. Expressing deep condolences to those who lost their loved ones in the floods and those who lost their homes, the spokesperson highlighted the US assistance for the flood victims.

He said that USAID provided 250,000 dollars through the Red Cross and Red Crescent Society for the rescue and relief operations and the repair of damaged houses in the recent floods. USAID stands ready to provide additional support if needed.

Bangladesh /OF